Magic Weekend predictions

Wakefield Trinity v Toulouse Olympique

What a game to kick off Magic Weekend! Toulouse’s win on the weekend has given them a huge boost in their fight for survival – they now trail eleventh placed Trinity by just four points at the foot of the table. Momentum is crucial in sport and Toulouse’s win could spearhead a late revival to secure their place in Betfred Super League next year.

But Trinity might have something to say about that. A win against Toulouse at Magic Weekend would again ease the pressure on Willie Poching’s side. After important wins against Warrington and Hull FC, Trinity have slumped to two heavy defeats over the past fortnight. They need a big shift in momentum and where better to do it than at St James’ Park on Saturday.

It's game on at Magic!

Prediction: Toulouse by 6

St Helens v Wigan Warriors

A fierce derby. And to make it even more special – a battle between the competitions top two. There’s more than bragging rights on the line at Magic after St Helens’ loss at Catalans last weekend. Wigan can move level on points with the Champions with a win at Magic Weekend on Saturday.

Saints will be determined to respond after that loss in France but will have to do so without Tommy Makinson. He joins Mark Percival on the sidelines and leaves Saints without two of their most potent ball carriers out of yardage. And in the Wigan camp, the Warriors welcome enforcers Morgan Smithies and Kade Ellis back from bans, as well as Cade Cust from injury in a huge boost for the Cherry & Whites.

Anything could happen in this one.

Prediction: Warriors by 2

Sean Long special ✨🤯

A hat-trick at Magic in 2008 for @Saints1890 against the Warriors ??

Tickets for 2022 #MagicWeekend this Saturday & Sunday at St James' Park are available online for Print @ Home until 11am Friday 🎟 #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/Ngt9KOV4EW
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 6, 2022

Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers

A few weeks ago, this match wouldn’t have been too appealing. But after Cas knocked off two of the top four in the past two weeks and Leeds put on a clinic against Hull FC over the weekend, we could be in for a treat.

The Tigers recent run of form has propelled them into fifth place and in pole position for a Play-Off spot. And whilst the Rhinos currently sit further back in ninth place, they remain within a cluster of clubs still vying for the top six. 

Leeds have been consistently inconsistent this year and until recently, so have Cas. But Lee Radford’s side seem to have found a formula which is currently paying dividends.

Prediction: Tigers by 8

Huddersfield Giants v Salford Red Devils

This prediction would have looked very different two weeks ago. But after Huddersfield’s winning streak in the league was put to an abrupt halt away at Cas last week and Salford earned two commanding wins over the past fortnight - it may be a little closer than we anticipated.

Huddersfield were well beaten against Cas in Round 17 and certainly didn’t look like the side that had become renowned for their disciplined approach to games. Conversely, Salford have shown what they’re about in the past two weeks after a dazzling win against Wakefield and a gritty comeback victory against Warrington. Everything Paul Rowley wants from his side has been on show over the past fortnight.

This one isn’t as cut and dry as their gap in the league table suggests, but the Giants will be looking to bounce back after their defeat last week.

Prediction: Giants by 6

Ian Watson has been named June @Betfred Coach of the Month ?????#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/fBaqMlW6hw
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 6, 2022

Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves

Catalans laid down a marker against St Helens last week and reminded the rest of the competition of their title credentials. The win put them back into the top three heading into Magic Weekend and the French outfit will be full of confidence when they meet the Wolves on Sunday.

That could mean trouble for Warrington who are out of form and seemingly void of confidence. The Wolves capitulated against Salford last week having sat comfortably ahead with 25 minutes remaining. They’re down to tenth place in the league and any aspirations of Play-Off rugby this season are firmly out the picture as it stands.

Catalans will be missing three more players through suspension this week which may even up the playing field – but Steve McNamara’s side will still be strong favourites.

Prediction: Dragons by 12

Hull KR v Hull FC

The final game at Magic Weekend is hugely important for both clubs. Of course, bragging rights are great. But two competition points at this stage of the season are greater. And given both Hull club’s recent run of results, a win would do wonders for confidence in either camp.

It’s been a rollercoaster week at Hull KR. A disappointing loss against Toulouse led to Tony Smith’s departure on Monday. There would have been a sombre mood at Craven Park this week, although there’s light at the end of the tunnel for the Robins. Danny McGuire takes over with former teammate Brett Delaney joining the coaching ranks - and McGuire will be hoping to reignite the spark in his Hull KR side.

For FC – they were annihilated at home against the Rhinos on the weekend and have lost even more players through suspension this week. Their mid-week loan additions may pave over some cracks – but will it be enough to change their fortunes?

Prediction: Hull KR by 4