With the new Super League season kicking off on Friday night, Matchday FM's Rugby League team of Chris, Rob & Kieran have had their say on how they think the season will pan out by predicting their final table as well as their Challenge Cup and Grand Final winners. And each week the lads will also pick who they think will win each Super League fixture.
So here are their season predictions, and their picks for Super League Round 1.
Season Predictions
Chris
St Helens
Wigan
Leeds
Warrington
Catalans
Hull FC
Huddersfield
Salford
Castleford
Hull KR
Leigh
Wakefield (Relegated)
GF winner: St Helens
Challenge Cup winner: Wigan
Rob
Wigan
St Helens
Warrington
Salford
Leeds
Castleford
Huddersfield
Hull
Catalans
Wakefield
Leigh
Hull KR (Relegated)
GF winner: Wigan
Challenge Cup winner: Wigan
Kieran
Wigan
St Helens
Warrington
Leeds
Castleford
Hull FC
Huddersfield
Catalans
Salford
Wakefield
Leigh
Hull KR (Relegated)
GF winner: Wigan
Challenge Cup winner: Warrington
Round 1 Predictions
St Helens Vs Salford Red Devils
Kieran
It’s going to be an interesting season for Salford. The squad looks sharp but they’ve lost two-time final coach Ian Watson to Huddersfield. Saints on the other hand look good again and will start with a win in my opinion as they target three in a row.
Rob
It’s going to be interesting to see how Salford get on with a new coach and signings, and St Helens are chasing the three in a row. Personally, I think it’s going to be close, unfortunately, however, for Salford, I think they just get edged out in this one.
Leigh Centurions Vs Wigan Warriors
Kieran
Living in the Borough of Wigan and having both watched Wigan as a fan, as well as Leigh through work experience you really know how big this game is... And what a way to start the season! I fancy Wigan for the win and a strong start as they look to use the disappointment of the Grand Final to go one better this time around.
Chris
Leigh haven't played a competitive game for a year, and what a game to return too! It will be interesting to see how the new look squad gets to grip with Super League after their unusual promotion. As for Wigan, I'm keen to see how they respond to last season's dramatic Grand Final defeat. The Centurions will throw everything at them that's for sure and it's whether Wigan can contain that enthusiasm. Can't back against my own team can I!? So go on, Leigh to nick it!
Wakefield Trinity Vs Leeds Rhinos
Chris
I'm expecting very contrasting season's for both of these. Wakefield have been on a downward trend the last few seasons, while Leeds are looking upwards. For me the Rhinos have real quality and could run away with this if they get a head of steam up.
Rob
Leeds have been rejuvenated and played some top quality rugby towards the back end of last season. Leeds are too strong for Wakefield and I think they could run away with this one, expect them to be sitting at the top of the pile after Round 1.
Catalans Dragons Vs Hull KR
Kieran
Hull KR don’t fill me with confidence and, as you can see by my table, they finish bottom. Catalans pride themselves on trying to make the South of France a fortress and they’ll be taking the points here.
Rob
If you listened to the podcast, and you’re a KR fan I’m sorry, but you’ve got an uphill struggle this year. A “home-game” for Catalan has lost its emphasis, they’re a long way from their fortress in the South of France playing at the Covid-secure facility of Headingley, but they should still edge it for me.
Hull FC Vs Huddersfield Giants
Kieran
This will be really close. It’s all about which new coach gets their ideas across quick enough. I fancy Hull with a narrow win but wouldn’t be surprised if it went the other way.
Chris
Both these teams will fancy their chances of getting into the play-offs. Both are under new management so both will be keen to get off to the perfect start. I think Hull have a more settled squad, but I'm expecting the Giants under Ian Watson to be an exciting side to watch. Toss of a coin job but I'll go Huddersfield.
Castleford Tigers Vs Warrington Wolves
Chris
The beginning of the end for both coaches with Powell and Price both saying farewell at the end of the season. This looks a tight one on paper. Both have quality in all departments, but as a collective I feel the Wolves are more established. I think Warrington will just had the upper hand, but the main question is whether Greg Inglis makes his debut or not.
Rob
Best till last in my opinion, this is another close game that’s going to go down to the wire. Literally, if you are a Warrington fan. Both coaches are onto new teams at the end of the season so, both will want to sign off on a high. There’s going to be big hits and a high attrition rate (a bonus who gets them in the next game). For me, Warrington pinches this, hopefully at the death.
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