Round 5 predictions

Wigan Warriors v Hull FC

One of these sides is likely to lose their unbeaten start to Betfred Super League on Thursday Night. The Warriors ended Castleford's 100% record last week whilst Hull FC weren't at their best – but showed great resolve in defence – to defeat a luckless Trinity side.

Wigan have quality across the park that can unsettle the black and whites defence - evident in Bevan French’s second try last week. The Warriors also look to have rectified the slow starts which were evident during the opening two rounds. For FC, they will be hoping a slightly longer turnaround of six days will be enough to revitalise the squad and help them get back to their eye-catching best. 

It should be a great contest on Thursday Night, but I expect Wigan to come out on top.

Prediction: Warriors by 6

Leigh Centurions v St Helens

The Centurions have struggled in the past three rounds and it doesn’t get any easier this week. They face a Saints side who are unbeaten so far this year and have conceded on average less than 6 points a game. In contrast, Leigh have conceded 130 points in the last three rounds as they look to find their feet in the top flight.

Saints have been impressive defensively this year, strangling sides of possession and metres going forward. It could be a very long night for John Duffy’s side if the Champions continue in the same vein of form.

Prediction: Saints by 26

??? @northernassist Try of the Month ???

Pick your favourite from these six brilliant tries for your chance to win a signed #SuperLeague shirt of your choice ??
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 28, 2021

Wakefield Trinity v Catalans Dragons

Trinity lacked creativity in attack last week – despite 55% possession and numerous sets on FC’s line, they fell short and are yet to register a win this season. Constant disruption to their spine isn’t helping and with captain Jacob Miller side lined, Friday could prove to be another big task for Chris Chester’s side.

Catalans will be hoping to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Warrington last week and have shown already this year that they can perform well on the road.

I’m expecting a strong Catalans response on Friday.

Prediction: Dragons by 18

Salford Red Devils v Castleford Tigers

Contrasting weeks for these two sides in round 4 – Salford earned their first two points of the season against Leigh whilst Cas lost their 100% start to the year away at Wigan.

Daryl Powell will be hoping his side can rectify last week’s performance against Wigan. The Tigers were in the contest right until the last minutes but came up short. The Red Devils beat an out of sorts Leigh side and have struggled against the teams at the top so far in 2021.

If this game is anything like their contest in 2020 – we should be in for a high scoring match. I expect Castleford to have a little too much fire power for Salford.

Prediction: Tigers by 8

Salford Red Devils and Castleford Tigers will go head to head once again at Dacia Magic Weekend in Newcastle - and this year it means more. You can purchase your tickets here.

2021 in Newcastle! 🥳@daciauk #MagicWeekend tickets on sale now! 👇 #SuperLeague
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 20, 2021

Warrington Wolves v Hull Kingston Rovers

The long-awaited debut of a certain Greg Inglis! As exciting as this is, it will probably take Inglis a few weeks to get back to his best after such a prolonged period out of the game. Nevertheless, it will be a real boost to a Warrington side who seem to be really growing in confidence.

Hull KR will be full of confidence themselves after back-to-back victories against two sides many expected to be in the top half of the table at this stage of the season. The Robins have been improving week on week and their last two wins have been just reward.

This should be a great contest but I’m going to back Warrington given their performance in round 4 away in France, and Rovers unenviable record at the HJ stadium (they haven’t won there since 2014).

Prediction: Wolves by 6

Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos

Two sides that will be desperate for a win in round 5. Ian Watson’s side are yet to record a Super League victory this year but are showing signs of promise – their second half display against Saints last week proved they can compete with the best.

The Rhinos welcomed back several big names in round 4 but fell short against Hull KR. With Richie Myler now suspended and Alex Sutcliffe and Cam Smith ruled out, Richard Agar once again finds himself low on first team players.

The Giants are due a win and I think it will come against a depleted Rhinos side.

Prediction: Giants by 4