Super League Predictions: Round 5

Super League moves on to round 5 this week, with three clubs still looking for their first win, and three clubs looking to maintain 100% records.

St Helens and Castleford lead the way with four wins from four, while Widnes have won all three of their games so far, having been afforded a week off in round 2 due to Wigan’s World Club Challenge commitments.

At the bottom, Catalan and London remain pointless, and Hull KR have just a draw to their name.

For all the latest odds for the weekends games, click here.

Here are our predictions:

Leeds v Widnes, Friday 8pm

A real acid test of Widnes’ credentials will come on Friday at Leeds, who are one of only two teams the Vikings haven’t managed to defeat since their return to Super League in 2012. Home wins over London, Huddersfield and Salford mean Denis Betts’ side are now on a six-game winning streak, dating back to August last year.

Leeds, meanwhile, won their first three games before being held to a 12-12 draw by Huddersfield last week, only denied by the width of a post, struck by a Kevin Sinfield drop goal attempt late on.

Despite their excellent start, it would be a big shock of Widnes can maintain their perfect start at the expense of the Rhinos.

Leeds by 10

Salford v Warrington, Friday 8pm

The Red Devilution has been hit by back-to-back defeats in front of the Sky cameras against St Helens and Widnes, and they’ll be hoping to make it third time lucky at home to Warrington.

Warrington themselves haven’t had the best of starts, suffering a heavy home defeat to Saints, much like Salford, and also suffering defeat against Leeds, although they have recorded wins over Hull and London in their last two games.

With Salford still gelling as a team, and missing a couple of their biggest names, Tony Smith’s men should record a third straight win.

Warrington by 10

St Helens v Catalan, Friday 8pm

Catalan have had the violins out in the wake of their disastrous start to this Super League season, losing games against Castleford, Bradford, Hull and Catalan. They’re missing 12 players – seven injured, three banned and two dropped – for what is a daunting trip to a St Helens side who have scored 38 points in three of their four games so far, and 34 in the other.

Some pundits are even discussing the possibility that Saints could even run away with the minor premiership if their form, and the lack of it from certain others, continues.

St Helens by 18

Wigan v Hull KR, Friday 8pm

Another side who have had a difficult start to the season are Hull KR, whose only positive result so far was a credible comeback draw at last season’s league leaders Huddersfield. They were perhaps a little unfortunate at St Helens last week, and have suffered their fair share of injury woe.

Wigan have hardly set the world alight in their defence of the Super League title, and were handed a last-gasp defeat at the hands of Castleford last week, meaning their only win so far this season was at the DW Stadium against Wakefield a fortnight ago.

You would still fancy the Warriors to make the most of home advantage, and ensure they don’t lose too much ground on arch rivals Saints.

Wigan by 16

London v Wakefield, Saturday 3pm

London appear to have as much of a battle on the pitch as they do off it. Their hastily put together squad has been playing in front of paltry crowds at their new home, although they did lead 16-14 against Warrington last week, and have generally started well in games this season.

Wakefield recorded a much needed first victory last week, and in some style too, thrashing Catalan in what was perhaps a slightly surprising result.

This is your stereotypical relegation four-pointer, and the Wildcats will be keen to ensure they don’t give the Broncos any encouragement for avoiding the drop by gifting two points away here.

Wakefield by 12

Bradford v Huddersfield, Sunday 3pm

The Giants have managed two draws from their opening four games, sandwiching a defeat at Widnes. It had all started rosily for them early in February, when they defeated Wigan at the DW Stadium, but they’ll be getting increasingly anxious to pick up a win.

Bradford’s season has, again, been dominated by off-field talk, although they have registered two wins to date. They still sit on -2 points though, courtesy of their points deduction for entering administration, and Francis Cummins will be keen to restore point parity as soon as possible.

It’s hard to see that coming against a Huddersfield side, surely smarting after three games without a win.

Huddersfield by 22

Castleford v Hull, Sunday 3pm

Daryl Powell’s Castleford are quickly becoming the story of the season, and they could well be five from five come Sunday evening.

Tigers fans are in dreamland at the moment, last weekend’s stunning victory over Wigan followed this week by news that their new stadium at Glasshoughton could finally be happening.

The thought of relegation couldn’t be further away from The Jungle at the moment, despite many predicting the Tigers to be down their come the business end.

They reckon 15 points should be more than enough to avoid the drop, and Castleford are already more than half way there.

For Hull, encouraging away performances at Warrington and St Helens were followed by a solid home win over Bradford last week, but this is a game they need to be winning if they are going to threaten the top six.

Castleford by 8