Super League returned last week with three days of action from Emerald Headingley in Leeds. Now, the 2021 roadshow is stopping off at the Totally Wicked Stadium, the home of the Champions St Helens as the competition marks the Mose Masoe round.
The big Samoan suffered a spinal injury during a pre season game for Hull KR in 2019. Mose has defied the odds in his recovery from near paralysis to being able to walk with the aid of crutches. The round in his honour will see his two former Super League clubs St Helens and Hull KR do battle on Thursday night as part of the first double header of the Easter weekend.
As always, our Rugby League team have given their thoughts on how they think each of the six fixtures will pan out...
Wigan Warriors Vs Wakefield Trinity, Thursday 6pm
Chris
Wigan didn't exactly pull up any trees during their season opener with Leigh, but there were several positives including the 2 points of course. Young Harry Smith was a stand out and may have to be again with the Warriors likely missing key players once again. Trinity in spells looked good - Tom Johnstone was immense and he will be the key threat. Mason Lino had a solid debut and will need to step up again. I think Wigan will just have too much, and take it by a try or two.
Rob
Wigan didn’t look convincing for 80 minutes against Leigh, but for the 20 minutes, they did play they were ruthless. Four unanswered tries and fitness took over against Leigh. Wakefield went well against Leeds but came up short. Injuries to the Wigan team mean this one is going to be tight, but Jackson Hastings is back for the Warriors. I think they pinch it.
Kieran
If this was the first fixture of the season I would have said Wigan easily, however, after round one’s results my outlook has changed. I still think Wigan will win, but it will be mighty close in my opinion.
Hull KR Vs St Helens, Thursday 8.15pm
Chris
Saints looked very good against Salford. And more to the point, as if they had an extra gear or two to go. Big Alex Walmsley was great as per and the new signings looked solid. KR showed great spirit to force Golden Point against Catalan, thanks in no small part too Ryan Hall's hat trick. But I can't help but feel the Dragons let KR back into the game rather than Tony Smith's side forcing the issue. Big task ahead for them to get anything here, Saints to win at a canter.
Rob
St Helens were ruthless for 80-minutes against Salford and started off the season well. Hull KR battles back against Catalan, but they won’t be doing the same this weekend. If St Helens gets out of third gear it will be a surprise.
Kieran
Hull KR shocked me with that valiant fightback against Catalans and maybe there is more about that squad than I initially anticipated, however, they will have their work cut out against the strong machine that is Saints. Saints made light work of an exciting Salford team and I fancy them to win comfortably here
Warrington Wolves Vs Leigh, Friday 12.45pm
Chris
Leigh gave Wigan an almighty scare, while Warrington stuttered against Castleford. The big issue facing Leigh is injuries. Another two are set to miss out, with a crisis brewing in the halves. They'll give it a right good go and will cause Wire problems, and the Leythers have nothing to lose which makes them dangerous. Warrington have to avoid defeat here in order to stop major questions being asked, and that pressure could prove difficult to deal with. But they have tar quality in their ranks, and with Leigh missing several key men, I think that little bit of extra quality will see the Wire through. Just.
Rob
Warrington looked lack-lustre, and Leigh played with incredible pace against Wigan and blew them away with three quick tries. Their middles also looked very strong going forward and I said on Twitter that how John Duffy has got Leigh playing is exciting. I’m going for an upset in this one as Leigh should be playing with huge confidence.
Kieran
How disappointing were Warrington? I thought that the Steve Price announcement could impact performances in one of two ways and in that first game there were sluggish. Leigh on the other hand were brilliant and, even though they lost, they will have their tails up. I’m going for a Leigh victory here - maybe even by a couple of tries...
Leeds Rhinos Vs Castleford Tigers, Friday 3pm
Brad Dwyer helped Leeds to snatch a golden point winner in a memorable 2019 meeting of the two rivals
Chris
Leeds may have beaten Wakefield but they weren't great. But they could have a few big names available again. Cas impressed in round 1 to beat Warrington, with Evalds starring on debut. This, as ever in this derby game, will be tight. I'm going to back the Tigers, and maybe we'll see a reversal of the 2019 golden point drama?
Rob
Leeds were good, but so was Castleford. Leeds probably should have won more comfortably, but Wakefield got them locked into the arm wrestle. I can’t split this one if I’m honest, could it go to golden point? Potentially, but if there is an 80-minute winner it goes to the Tigers for me.
Kieran
This has cracker written all over it - Leeds’ character shone through against Wakefield, whilst Castleford looked like they had their mojo back in a wonderful win against Warrington. I'm backing it to go all the way to Golden Point where the Rhinos will take it.
Salford Red Devils Vs Hull FC, Saturday 12.15pm
Chris
Salford had it tough against Saints but showed signs of encouragement for new boss Richard Marshall. Hull FC looked very sharp under Brett Hodgson for the first time with Jake Connor looking every bit a Man of Steel contender! Its crucial for Hull that they don't let the win over the Giants be a false dawn, while Salford will need a win to settle things down. But I'm backing Hull and the quality of their pivots.
Rob
Salford looked fiery going forward against St Helens, but a lot of handling error cost them a lot of metres and energy. The repeated sets allowed St Helens to show their class. Hull FC beat Huddersfield and beat them well too. For me, Salford will bounce back.
Kieran
Salford looked like they will play exciting rugby this season but that comes with its risks. Hull were efficient in a victory over Huddersfield. I think Salford might just pinch this but wouldn’t be surprised if it went the other way either - there’s going to be a lot of tight games this season.
Huddersfield Giants Vs Catalan Dragons, Saturday 2.30pm
Chris
For an hour, Catalan looked flawless. And with a large amount of French DNA in that side I really like the look of them. But they did fall away and let KR in, but they did win in the end which was crucial. Huddersfield just couldn't quite get the flow right in attack but looked decent in their first competitive game under Ian Watson. This has the hallmarks of a tight and tasty tussle. But I'm backing the French outfit here.
Rob
Huddersfield were beaten well by Hull FC, but showed glimpses of some very good rugby. Catalan started well, but they were taken to golden point by Hull KR, who we should say we tipped to go down. Huddersfield take this one for me.
Kieran
A disappointing start for Ian Watson at Huddersfield and they’ll be looking to bounce back. Catalans were electric for 40 minutes but nearly blew it against Hull KR. I’m really on the fence with this one, let’s go Catalans...
So after the first round of the new season, Kieran leads our prediction league, after coming so close to a clean sweep!
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