ROUND 27
03/09/2010 12:23:44
Wigan Warriors v Bradford Bulls
This game would usually be a deciding fixture on who finishes where in the Super League play-off shuffle. However, Bradford have had their worst season since the summer era began and will be glad to see the back of 2010. Much happier days lie ahead for the Bulls in 2011 but first I think they will again struggle against the League Leaders as the Warriors aim to return to winning ways at home before the play-offs begin. Home form will be so important for the Warriors and they will want to put a marker down for everyone else to see this Friday evening.
Winning Margin - Wigan Warriors to beat Bradford Bulls 26-30 points
Harlequins RL v Warrington Wolves
Another fixture that pitches two teams at either end of the rugby league spectrum. Whilst Warrington are fresh from another memorable cup final win at Wembley last weekend, Harlequins are fighting hard to sustain their very existence. I hope that for the wider good of rugby league Harlequins will survive but I can only see one winner in this match and with the Wolves having to score plenty of points to try to secure second spot this could be a rout.
Winning Margin - Warrington Wolves to beat Harlequins RL by 31-35 points
Catalan Dragons v Huddersfield Giants
Catalan Dragons will be desperate to see the back of Super League XV but only a victory here could give them the possibility of not finishing bottom. Will that motivate the Dragons squad? Only time will tell. Huddersfield will need no motivating as they could still leap frog either Hull or Leeds dependent on their result so they have everything to play for. Nathan Brown's side could be a real danger in this year's play-off series.
Winning Margin - Huddersfield Giants to beat Catalan Dragons by 16-20 points
Crusaders RL v Hull Kingston Rovers
Hull KR are guaranteed 7th spot whilst the Crusaders must win this game to have any chance of finishing 8th. This fixture will be close and could come down to who wants it most? It will be a great achievement for coach Brian Noble to have steered the Crusaders to a play-off position in his first season in charge. Rovers will still be hurting from last year's poor showing in the play-offs and will want to make amends this year. Close game but the Crusaders to just edge it.
Winning Margin - Crusaders RL to beat Hull Kingston Rovers 6-10 points
Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos
Without doubt, the biggest game of the weekend and arguably the season so far in the league for these two sides. The winner will secure 4th spot and a second chance should they need it in the play off series. How will the Rhinos recover from last weeks horror showing in the Challenge Cup semi final, I suspect the players will be hurt and will want to make amends this Saturday evening. Hull have all their senior players back and suddenly could be a real contender for this year's title. Hull have won 10 of the 13 games Sean Long has played this year and Long could be the key to a FC victory in this fixture.
Winning Margin - Hull FC to beat Leeds Rhinos by 6-10 points
St Helens v Castleford
Saints will want to put a big score on Cas to ensure they clinch 2nd spot from Warrington, whilst Cas themselves need to win to ensure they clinch 8th spot. This will be a good open game with both sides determined to win which could yield a number of tries. On a dry Saturday evening this game will be a classic but one in which I think Saints will win well.
Winning Margin - St Helens to beat Castleford Tigers by 16-20 points
Salford City Reds v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
A game between two sides that will be glad to see the season end. Both sides will hope for better times in 2011 and with Salfords recent recruitment drive that most certainly will be the case. Will both sides want to put a show on for their fans? Salford have been reasonably good at home and with that in mind, I take the City Reds to sign off with a victory this weekend.
Winning Margin - Salford City Reds to beat Wakefield Trinity Wildcats by 6-10 points
ROUND 25
13/08/2010 13:00:27
Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants
The game of the round between two superb sides. Wigan will look to clinch top position this Sunday whilst Huddersfield look re-energised since the announcement that head coach Nathan Graham will stay for another season. No doubt, Huddersfield have the ability to defeat any side in Super League but do they have it in their locker to mount a serious charge to Old Trafford in 2010? I think they have but there will only be one winner in this game, as Wigan will want to cement top position as they focus on regaining the Super League title.
Winning Margin - Wigan Warriors to beat Huddersfield Giants 6-10 points
Castleford Tigers v Leeds Rhinos
Leeds come back down to earth after last weeks heroic cup semi final victory against St Helens and can they refocus their energy on securing a top four Super League finish? I think it will be extremely difficult for Leeds to re-energise themselves for a Super League fixture with little over 14 days before their first appearance at the new Wembley Stadium. No Rhinos player will want to get an injury now, which will almost certainly rule him out of the prestigious final. Potentially for Cas they couldn't be facing their big city rivals at a better time. Cas are desperate to get the necessary victories to over take Crusaders to grab that all important eighth position. It's Castleford to grab a shock victory in this one!
Winning Margin - Castleford Tigers to beat Leeds Rhinos by 6-10 points
Hull FC v Crusaders RL
Crusaders currently hold that all-important play-off position and will need to be in top form to secure the two points in this week's fixture against Hull FC. FC despite a crippling injury list throughout 2010 have a real chance of finishing in the top four, which will in turn give them a real chance of a Grand Final appearance. Hull's injury list doesn't get any better with the news that talisman Richard Horne is now out injured for several weeks if not the season. I expect a competitive game but its home advantage that will tip the balance to Hull FC.
Winning Margin - Hull FC to beat Crusaders by 11-15 points
St Helens v Bradford Bulls
In past seasons, this game would have been billed as a key match in the battle to finish in top spot. Due to the demise of the Bulls, it's almost certain they won't finish in the top eight for the second successive year. Saints in contrast to the Bulls have everything still to play for in Super League XV. They will however need to pick themselves up after last weeks epic game against Leeds Rhinos, which unfortunately had to result in somebody being the loser and in this match it was Saints. I'm sure the Saints players will be key to show their fans that they are still fully focused on another trip to Old Trafford in October. I expect the Saints to bounce back strongly and win this match comfortably.
Winning Margin - St Helens to beat Bradford Bulls 26-30 points
Catalan Dragons v Harlequins RL
Both these sides have been so inconsistent since the start of the season. At times, they have produced memorable performances whilst on other occasions they have been very poor. Catalans will be hurt by their performance in last weekend's semi final defeat to Warrington. Whilst it was a heavy defeat, they lost key players such as Brent Sherwin very early in the game. Rugby league is a 17 man game now and when you lose players through injury it seriously reduces your inter change options. Quins on their day can beat anyone and I think this could be one of those days.
Winning Margin - Harlequins to beat Catalans by 1-5 points
Salford City Reds v Hull Kingston Rovers
Salford put in the worst display of an inconsistent season last time out against Crusaders and will want to end the season on a high in the remaining weeks. City Reds have been competitive at home and if Rovers arrive, thinking this game could be easy they could well get turned over. I expect this game to be really close and whilst Rovers have the better players, this game will come down to attitude. I just take Salford to record another fantastic home victory.
Winning Margin - Salford City Reds to beat Hull Kingston Rovers by 6-10 points
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats v Warrington Wolves
Normal circumstances would indicate that this would be a comfortable win for the Warrington Wolves but the Challenge Cup semi final factor could play a key part in this game. Not only have Warrington got to come to terms with the emotional aspect of winning the Challenge Cup semi final but they have got to re-focus quickly on Super League XV if they are to edge St Helens to second position. It will be a massive ask of Tony Smith to get the team to perform at a high level so close to a final appearance at Wembley. Wakefield coach John Kear will know this but will his team have the ability to beat Warrington?
Winning Margin - Warrington Wolves to beat Wakefield Trinity Wildcats by 6-10 points
ROUND 24
30/07/2010 10:22:07
Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors
The game of the weekend and quite possibly the game of the season is the offering this Friday evening at Headingley as Wigan travel to face the Leeds Rhinos. Wigan were superb last week against Hull FC and another repeat performance will almost certainly guarantee a win that will take the Warriors one step closer to top position going in to the play-off series. Rhinos however will have the psychological advantage after defeating Wigan in the last seconds of the Challenge Cup quarter final at Headingley in May. If this game is half as good we will all be in for another Super League cracker!
Winning Margin - Wigan Warriors to beat Leeds Rhinos 6-10 points
Harlequins RL v Hull FC
Quins are all of sudden in danger of finishing bottom in 2010 after the Dragons great win last week. FC will know they need to return to winning ways after last weeks shocking home defeat to Wigan. Such an unpredictable game between two sides who just continually turn in inconsistent performances. Can anyone predict the out come to this game?
Winning Margin - Hull FC to beat Harlequins RL by 6-10 points
Warrington Wolves v St Helens
Another classic game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday evening and one that could go a long way to deciding the make up of the top four. Wolves will be hurt by last weeks shock defeat to the Catalan Dragons and they don't often lose two on the bounce. Saints though were in fantastic form last week against Wakefield, especially Leon Pryce. This game will have plenty of points but will both teams have one eye on next weekends cup semi finals?
Winning Margin - Warrington Wolves to beat St Helens by 6-10 points
Bradford Bulls v Catalan Dragons
Bradford look to end their 10 match losing streak whilst the Dragons chase Harlequins to get off the bottom position. If Catalans can back up last weeks fantastic victory against high flying Warrington then there will only be one winner! Bradford appear to have no structure to their performances and need to improve dramatically to get back to winning ways.
Winning Margin - Catalan Dragons to beat Bradford Bulls 6-10 points
Crusaders RL v Salford City Reds
Crusaders can sense a top eight position in their debut season in Wrexham is not beyond the realms of possibility and this is a must win game if they are to catch Castleford. Salford are another inconsistent side and depending on which team arrives in Wales will determine whether this is a close game or not?
Winning Margin - Crusaders RL to beat Salford City Reds by 11-15 points
Huddersfield Giants v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Giants are back to their early season form and I can only see one winner in this game. Wakefield coach John Kear will be looking for a vast improvement after last weeks horror show at home to St Helens. I expect Wakefield to improve but can they really challenge Huddersfield? Giants to march on for me!
Winning Margin - Huddersfield Giants to beat Wakefield Trinity Wildcats by 26-30 points
Hull Kingston Rovers v Castleford Tigers
Rovers are in fantastic form whilst Cas are just about hanging on to the last play-off position. I expect the Tigers to be competitive and Rangi Chase is having a fantastic season and if he plays well Cas play well. Rovers are in awesome form, especially Clint Newton, and he's also in fine try scoring form. Home advantage is key here for Rovers!
Winning Margin - Hull Kingston Rovers to beat Castleford Tigers by 16-20 points
ROUND 23
22/07/2010 16:49:31
Hull FC v Wigan Warriors
Both these side were involved in epic derby games last weekend and now face another fierce battle this weekend at the KC Stadium. Wigan know they will have to beat Hull in their own back yard, which is no easy task. FC have the best home record in Super League in 2010. I expect another great rugby league encounter one that could go either way but Wigan don't lose back-to-back games very often.
Winning Margin - Wigan Warriors to beat Hull FC 1-5 points
Catalan Dragons v Warrington Wolves
These two teams are scheduled to meet in the Challenge Cup semi final in just a few short weeks and both teams will be keen to get some psychological advantage going into that semi final. Wolves were simply awesome last week at the DW Stadium; can they repeat that performance in France? Catalans have been so inconsistent all season they are almost impossible to call.
Winning Margin - Warrington Wolves to beat Catalan Dragons by 11-15 points
Hull Kingston Rovers v Bradford Bulls
I can only see one winner in this game, Hull KR. Rovers were involved in one of the games of the season last week and if they repeat that performance, they will blow Bradford away. The Bulls are on an awful run and everybody at the club seems to be counting down the days to the end of the season. Another painful day for Bulls fans.
Winning Margin - Hull KR to beat Bradford Bulls by 26-30 points
Crusaders RL v Castleford Tigers
This has the hallmarks of another unpredictable Super League classic fixture as both teams have the capabilities to win this one. Both are fighting hard to get one of those coveted play-off positions. Home advantage to just edge it.
Winning Margin - Castleford Tigers to beat Crusaders RL 6-10 points
Huddersfield Giants v Harlequins RL
The Giants suffered last second heartbreak last weekend against Leeds Rhinos and will be desperate to return to winning ways. Quins put in a great competitive display at St Helens but in the end lost narrowly. I think the Giants will have too much pace and power in this fixture and could run out easy winners.
Winning Margin - Huddersfield Giants to beat Harlequins RL by 16-20 points
ROUND 22
15/07/2010 22:19:38
Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves
The game of the season is the offering this Friday evening. A sell out crowd playing in front of the Sky 3D cameras for the very first time and this game should be a cracker. Both teams are packed with talent and so evenly matched. The match up I am most eagerly awaiting is the clash between star halfbacks Richard Myler and Sam Tomkins. Who ever comes out on top in this battle will steer their team to victory.
Winning Margin - Wigan Warriors to beat Warrington Wolves 1-5 points
Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants
A great Yorkshire derby is set to take place this weekend at Headingley. The Giants received a huge boost last week with the news that coach Nathan Brown is to extend his stay in the British Isles. Can Brown now steer the Giants to a top four finish? If he is to do so, he will need to start with a win against Leeds. Rhinos will be hurt after losing to Hull KR last week. Great game, which will go to the wire.
Winning Margin - Leeds Rhinos to beat Huddersfield Giants by 1-5 points
Catalan Dragons v Crusaders RL
What a victory for Catalans last week against St Helens. Just about nobody predicted that score line. With the Dragons continuing to get key players back from injury, I can only see one winner in this game. More misery looms for Crusaders coach Brian Noble.
Winning Margin - Catalan Dragons to beat Crusaders RL by 16-20 points
Bradford Bulls v Salford City Reds
A change of coach but will it be the same old Bradford of late? Salford will sense this is a good time to visit the Grattan Stadium and Shaun McRae will have team ready to come away with two precious Super League points. Bulls to improve but will it be enough.
Winning Margin - Salford City Reds to beat Bradford Bulls 6-10 points
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
This game could go a long way to deciding who eventually clinches eight spot in the play-offs for 2010. Both teams lie on 18 points and a win here will put the winning team in pole position. Both teams enter the game after contrasting results last weekend. Could those results be reversed this week?
Winning Margin - Castleford Tigers to beat Wakefield Trinity Wildcats by 1-5 points
St Helens v Harlequins RL
Saints will be hurt after last weeks shock defeat to Catalans and coach Mick Potter will want them to bounce back strongly. Who knows which Quins team will arrive at St Helens? If the real Quins team turn up could we be set for another surprise score line?
Winning Margin - Harlequins RL to beat St Helens by 6-10 points
ROUND 21
07/07/2010 10:04:03
Wigan Warriors v Salford City Reds
Wigan return home after two away games and remain firmly at the top of Super League XV. The Warriors just need to remain composed now to clinch top spot going into the play-offs whilst Salford will be glad to end the season. I expect big things from Salford next year and in the years to come and despite an inconsistent season, they have had some memorable moments in 2010. This Friday won't be another of those moments.
Winning Margin - Wigan Warriors to beat Salford City Reds 21-25 points
Harlequins RL v Bradford Bulls
Bulls are on the slide and another defeat could signal the end of any chance of a play-off position in 2010. Quins have provided some real shocks this season but this wont be a shock should they win this fixture. Bradford are poor and I can see Harlequins winning this one comfortably.
Winning Margin - Harlequins RL to beat Bradford Bulls by 11-15 points
St Helens v Catalan Dragons
Saints entertain Catalans who may be buoyed by the news of their incoming coach being announced. Will the players step up a level in an attempt to win a new contract? St Helens have been rocked by injuries in the last 14 days and the loss of Kyle Eastmond is huge, do they have the strength in depth to handle the loss of both Pryce and Eastmond? The Dragons could sense an upset here.
Winning Margin - St Helens to beat Catalan Dragons by 1-5 points
Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos
Rovers recorded a magnificent win last week away to Wakefield and they have really come into form towards the business end of Super League XV. They will not be scared of taking on a Rhinos team who have recorded great wins against St Helens and Warrington in recent weeks. The game of the round in week 21 and a game that will go to the wire to determine the out come of the match.
Winning Margin - Hull KR to beat Leeds Rhinos 1-5 points
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats v Hull FC
Wildcats are really struggling and their season is coming off the rails whilst FC coach Richard Agar continues to defy all the injuries his side have suffered to try to secure a top four position. The continued absence of Sean Long will hurt Hull but players like Jordan Turner have had a great season and with the experience of Fitzgibbon in their ranks, they will continue to be in the mix for Super League's top prize in 2010.
Winning Margin - Hull FC to beat Wakefield Trinity Wildcats by 16-20 points
Huddersfield Giants v Crusaders RL
Both teams suffered bad defeats last week and will want to bounce back strongly in round 21. It maybe the Crusaders last chance to put a run together to get in the top eight whilst Huddersfield will wan to regain some consistency to make sure they are a threat when the play-offs start.
Winning Margin - Huddersfield Giants to beat Crusaders RL by 21-25 points
Warrington Wolves v Castleford Tigers
The Wolves are playing some great Rugby League and in recent weeks Cas have become ‘classy Cas' again. An entertaining Super League fixture is in the making at the Halliwell Jones Stadium this weekend. Expect plenty of high scoring, free flowing rugby league. Wolves just to edge this fixture.
Winning Margin - Warrington Wolves to beat Castleford Tigers by 1-5 points