Round 20 predictions

Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors

It’s another women’s & men’s double header to kick off Betfred Super League this week. The Rhinos and Warriors men’s game will follow the women’s game live on Sky Sports with the two men’s sides experiencing contrasting results in Round 19.

The Rhinos fell to a disappointing defeat away at Toulouse last Saturday, putting another dint in their Play-Off hopes. Wigan were at their devastating best against Hull FC as Bevan French broke the Super League try scoring record for most tries in a single game. And with his partner in crime Jai Field alongside him, Matt Peet’s side will be heavy favourites this week.

Prediction: Warriors by 14

HUGE DOUBLE HEADER 🤩 @leedsrhinos women & men take on @WiganWarriorsRL live on @SkySportsRL 💪#SuperLeague #SLLeeWig pic.twitter.com/Y38DwBEwoy
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 21, 2022

Warrington Wolves v Hull KR

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it’s been a season to forget for Warrington. The Wolves had perhaps turned a corner after an impressive win against Catalans at Magic Weekend before suffering another defeat last weekend – this time at Daryl Powell’s old stomping ground.

The Robins were far from perfect during their last outing against Wakefield in Round 19 but ultimately found a way to win. Their last trip to the Halliwell Jones was a memorable one thanks to a shock win in the 2021 Play-Offs. And another victory on Friday would see them at least temporarily move back into the top six although with a depleted squad, that could be tricky.

Prediction: Wolves by 2

Hull FC v Castleford Tigers

One player doesn’t make a team but if Jake Connor returns to the Hull FC side on Friday Night, they will be far better off. Connor has been named in the Black & Whites squad ahead of schedule after injury and fans will be desperate to have him back on deck. Whether he plays or not, Hull FC need a response after a humiliating defeat at the hands of Wigan last time out.

For Cas, Lee Radford returns to the MKM Stadium as a head coach for the first time since departing Hull FC in March 2020. It will be an emotionally charged night for the Tigers boss but more importantly, a chance for his side to solidify their position in the top six. And with Catalans indifferent form in recent weeks – a top four birth is not out of the question for Cas.

Prediction: Tigers by 10

Lee Radford returns to Hull FC for the first time as @CTRLFC head coach on Friday night 🙌

He reflects on the night he was sacked by the Black & Whites on the latest episode of @OutOfYourRL 😮

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon & YouTube 🎙??

Watch 👇 #SuperLeague
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 20, 2022

Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants

Two teams aiming to bounce back. After Catalans fought their way to victory against St Helens two weeks ago, they have suffered back-to-back defeats against two teams outside the top six. Injuries and suspensions have wreaked havoc to the Dragons squad all year but their inconsistency will be a cause for concern for Steve McNamara.

Ian Watson’s Huddersfield side were far from their best against the Saints last week after being nilled by the Champions despite having a one-man advantage for more than three quarters of the game. However, they are the only side to defeat Catalans on home soil in Betfred Super League this season but a repeat this time round could be tough.

Prediction: Dragons by 2

Toulouse Olympique v Salford Red Devils

Salford will be hoping to make it a French double after a hugely impressive win against Catalans last weekend. The Red Devils are well in the race for the Play-Offs and, if results go their way in Round 20, could move into the top six on Saturday Night. Although a win at Toulouse won’t be easy.

The French side have won their last three and managed to move off the foot of the table last weekend. They are quickly finding their feet in the topflight after a difficult start to 2021 and will only get better. It should be a competitive clash in France.

Prediction: Red Devils by 1

Brodie Croft chats his relationship with @SneydMarc & @RyanBrierley 💪

Are the @SalfordDevils trio the best in #SuperLeague right now? 🤔

The latest @OutOfYourRL podcast, available to download & watch NOW 👇🎙??
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 19, 2022

Wakefield Trinity v St Helens

This could get ugly! Its bottom vs top to close out Round 20 and Wakefield have an extremely difficult task at hand. Saints were impressive against Huddersfield last week – especially after playing with 12 men for 65 minutes.

Trinity have lost their last 10 meetings with St Helens and everything points to a win for the Champions in Round 20. In fact, Kristian Woolf’s side will take some beating for the remainder of the year as they look for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Grand Final win, whilst it’s all about survival for Willie Poching’s Wakefield.

Prediction: Saints by 26