Super League 2021: Round 3 Predictions

After a week off for the Challenge Cup, and a short international training camp, the Super League returns for Round 3. The latest set of fixtures are book-ended by mouthwatering clashes between Leeds and Wigan as well as Hull FC and Warrington. This round also see's games return to "home venues" with Catalans playing in France for the first time in 2021. Matchday FM's Rugby League trio of Chris, Kieran and Rob have given their predictions for the 6 fixtures to come between Thursday and Sunday.

Leeds Rhinos Vs Wigan Warriors

Chris

Both these sides are missing players, but Leeds ain't half doing it tough! No halves against Saints in the Cup, yet they pushed the Champions all the way. The Warriors have Bevan French back, so it will be interesting to see if it's him or Hardaker at Full Back, with the other either at Centre or WIng. Nearly always a classic, and could be again. Kyle Eastmond being in the Leeds squad also adds a layer of intrigue, but I think Wigan shade it.

Kieran

Still one of the biggest games in the calendar and that stems from the early 2000s and early 2010s when these two sides were regularly battling for honours. I expect this match to be just as competitive and it will be a very close one... Wigan to take it in Golden Point.

Rob

Wigan are still missing some key players in that back line, but the addition of Bevan French will be massive. Leeds have had an up and down start to the season so will be wanting to bite back. It’s going to be close, but I’ll stick with my gut.

Castleford Tigers Vs Leigh Centurions

Chris

The Tigers produced nothing short of a miracle to come back and beat KR in the cup, which has helped to maintain their 100 per cent start. Leigh were made to pay by Huddersfield for a poor start, but did have a really good spell where they made the game interesting again. Two new signings in Simms and Gelling could feature, but Cas look slick already and I think they will have too much for the Centurions.

Kieran

After a promising start against Wigan, Leigh have been brought back down to earth with injuries and heavy defeats to Warrington and Huddersfield. They can take heart from Hull KR’s cup performance against Castleford but I still fancy the Tigers here.

Rob

Leigh’s injury problems seem to be getting worse with every week, and when their opponents get tougher it’s hard to not spiral out of control. Castleford look a strong side as well and with how all the facts pan out, I think this one goes the way of the Tigers.

St Helens Vs Wakefield Trinity

Chris

3 from 3 for Saints and top already. Pretty ominous. But a depleted Leeds gave them a real scare at the weekend. Wakefield seem to have a very good first half followed by an indifferent 2nd so far this term. They need to be on it for the full 80 to stand a chance. Even they St Helens could be too strong, which is what I think will happen here.

Kieran

I can’t make much of a case here for Wakefield sadly. St Helens are picking up where they left off last campaign and are looking good money to defend their crown. Comfortable Saints victory in this one.

Rob

One team is three from three in all competitions, the other is none from three. The reigning champions have a 100% start to the year and I can’t see that stopping any time soon, mainly because they haven’t got into top gear yet.

Hull KR Vs Huddersfield Giants

Chris

KR suffered yet more Golden Point heartache in the Cup, and the shear effort will have taken plenty out of them. The Giants got their first win under Ian Watson over Leigh, but there was still plenty to improve on. They are still of course missing Aiden Sezer, but even so I think they'll take this by 2 scores.

Kieran

This could be a tasty game. Huddersfield will have their tails up after a big cup win over Leigh, while Hull KR will feel they aren’t getting the rewards their performances are deserving right now. Hull KR are due a bit of luck (especially with Golden Point) so let’s go Tony Smith’s men! and you know what, in Golden Point too!

Rob

Huddersfield thrashed Leigh in the Challenge Cup, but KR took Castleford all the way to golden point. In the table the only thing that separates the two teams is just points difference. This one is a good one to call and with the way KR have been playing in the second halves of their game, they could take this one.

Catalans Dragons Vs Salford Red Devils

Chris

Catalans have performed really well in spells but still haven't done so for the full 80. Salford got a confidence boosting win over Widnes in the Cup, but need to show more quality in Super League. First game in the south of France this season. Salford will be better, but I see the Dragons still coming out on top.

Kieran

A struggle for Salford at the moment while Catalans seem to be quietly ticking along with results. I fancy the French side for a solid win here.

Rob

Salford haven’t really started the season the way they would have wanted to. Whilst there looks like promising attacking rugby is there, their defence has more holes in it that a kitchen sieve. If they can tighten up in defence they could be too strong for the Dragons, but with how Catalans have been scoring in the first half it could be a bit too much to claw back.

Hull FC Vs Warrington Wolves

Chris

For me, this is the game of the weekend. Hull FC have been nothing short of magnificent in Super League so far but this is their first big test. Steve Price was far from happy with his side's display against Swinton in the Cup so they'll be keen to respond with a statement win. Will be interesting to see how FC go without Josh Reynolds, and will the Wire unleash Greg Inglis? I fancy Hull to sneak it, with less than a Try in it.

Kieran

What a start to the season for Hull FC and Warrington have picked up too. Arguably game of the round. Wouldn’t be surprised whatever the outcome but I’m going with Wire - just...

Rob

Both are flying high, both beat their Challenge Cup appoints last week. The only difference is Warrington have lost in the league this year, Hull haven’t. I think this one could be a war of attrition, a game that comes down to a defining mistake. I think Hull have the mantle to take it, wouldn’t surprise me if we get a golden point.

Let us know how you think the next round of fixtures will play out by tweeting us @matchdayfm