Super League Rivals Round predictions as pundits agree on five games including Hull KR v Hull FC – Deep in Rugby League

The Rivals Round is here and if our predictions are anything to go by, the Easter weekend will see plenty of entertainment across the Super League.

Last week saw editor Will Jackson progress well after scoring five points, while the two Sams scored just one point…

On paper, this week’s fixtures and injuries across the various teams suggest that these ties are easy to predict, however form goes out the window in derby matches and each side will be hoping to win first in what is the start of a three-match series between each ‘rival’ throughout the year.

Below are all our picks for the round, along with an update on the predictions board.

Willie Peters, future of Brad Arthur’s Leeds Rhinos, RTS and Rivals Round analyzed – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show.

Super League Rivals Round Predictions

Hull KR v Hull FC – Friday April 3 – 12:30pm

Will Jackson: Hull KR 30-16 Hull FC

Hull FC are the form team heading into this one, having won two on the spin, but I find it hard to look past Rovers here, especially with the home advantage. They were good on Friday night and I would support them putting on that show.

Sam Cook: Hull KR 26-14 Hull FC

I think this is a game that will be won by whoever settles first, especially if it is Hull KR. The black and whites came close to taking a 22-0 lead last week but in the end, they won the two sides that the Robins lost to, but at Craven Park, I struggle to see them win.

Sam Brocksom: Hull KR 20-8 Hull FC

With two wins on the spin, FC travel to Craven Park with full confidence, however KR are so dominant at home, I don’t see them getting two points in a row this weekend.

St Helens v Wigan Warriors – Friday April 3 – 3pm

WJ: St Helens 16-24 Wigan

The absence of St Helens in the middle on Friday was a big shock and like KR, that’s where Wigan excel. Paul Rowley’s side play wide and get the ball to dangerous men on the flanks, but this game will be won and lost in the middle, for me.

SC: St Helens 8-28 Wigan

Both teams will be buzzing from last week, but I think the Saints will struggle to bounce back as their performances have dropped significantly with the number of players they are missing. Wigan are certainly without Field, French and Jake Wardle but their pack is relatively healthy and that is where this game looks to be won.

SB: St Helens 14-30 Wigan

A depleted Saints side will not want to play badly in a home derby, but their lack of physicality suggests that Wigan will be very strong – especially as the Wigan side look to respond after last week’s shock defeat.

Bradford Bulls v Leeds Rhinos – Friday April 3 – 8pm

WJ: Bradford 24-25 Leeds

I expect both sides to score a lot in this one and I can see Bradford using Odsal to their advantage. However, I’m still backing Leeds for a win in this one, with a goal down, either a golden point or regulation time, being the difference.

SC: Bradford 38-34 Leeds

I expect this to be a high-scoring result and I’m backing the Bulls for an upset based on this game at Odsal. Bradford will need to be more aggressive than last week when Mapapalangi and Qareqare tore them apart, and this week it’s Sivo’s turn. However, their home form is strong and Leeds have a very short turnaround for this one.

SB: Bradford 18-26 Leeds

I think this game will be close, and Bradford will be in a position to win most of the game, but Leeds has little experience in big games that should see them win.

Huddersfield Giants v York Knights – Saturday 4th April – 3pm

WJ: Huddersfield 22-10 York

Huddersfield found their feet against Wigan and their backline is strong again, I think they could have enough to get a second straight win.

SC: Huddersfield 28-18 York

Huddersfield have never been injured but their back line is huge and with York seeing Toa Mata’afa injured last week, I fear they could struggle.

SB: Huddersfield 24-18 York

If York hadn’t picked up an injury at Toa Mata’afa last week, I might have backed them. But, with Liam Harris out and Ben Jones-Bishop and Danny Richardson doubtful, I think the Giants have enough to get their second win in a row.

Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards – Saturday 4th April – 3pm

WJ: Warrington 28-18 Leigh

Leigh can get other players back into action, but I think Warrington will be very strong on the day. I’m backing Wolves to bounce back from their win over Leeds.

SC: Warrington 22-18 Leigh

These sides will face each other a week later in the cup which makes for an interesting dynamic, especially since they will play in the Magic and play in the pre-season. Warrington will learn from the Leeds loss and I think they will have enough here but they could go down in the cup a week later.

SB: Warrington 36-20 Leigh

After facing Toulouse last week, I think Warrington will be a tough test for Adrian Lam’s injured Leopards.

Catalans Dragons v Toulouse Olympique – Saturday April 4 – 7pm

WJ: Catalans 30-10 Toulouse

We saw the best of the Catalans on Sunday at Hull FC, but if they turn up this week, which they should, they will make short work of Toulouse in my opinion.

SC: Catalans 24-22 Toulouse

Two really unlikely teams that both rallied but ultimately fell short of a second-half comeback in the sixth. The Catalans could be light in their pack with injuries but the tide seems to be turning against the promoted teams after a quick start so I’ll back the Dragons.

SB: Catalans 40-18 Toulouse

Even if they try hard to come back against Leigh, I think Toulouse are starting to fall away from the other two promoted sides, and if they are not at their best they could go down with a heavy win here.

Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity – Sunday 5th April – 3pm

WJ: Castleford 14-20 Wakefield

Wakefield haven’t scored too many points but they’re on course now, having won their last four games in all competitions and I’m yet to see anything that will convince me that Castleford can bounce back from last week’s win with a repeat performance.

SC: Castleford 22-20 Wakefield

They played like they did last week and Castleford won this comfortably although Trinity managed to hold on for games and win trophies, which makes me think this will be the last to end the Rivals Round. I will like the Tigers to keep causing havoc on their right side and add this one late.

SB: Castleford 24-16 Wakefield

The fact that they are from Castleford gives them an opportunity to help me. I expect similar results to what happened in the 25th season last season, with the Tigers taking the spoils again in what could be a huge success for Ryan Carr and his new side.

The Prophetic Leaderboard

First: Will Jackson – 38

Second: Sam Cook – 31

Third: Sam Brocksom – 29