Rugby league news: Predictions and suggested bets for Super League round eight

Another huge round awaits in the Super League, with teams battling for play-offs spots and everything still to play for.

And while there isn’t a standout game this weekend, the stakes remain just as high as the next gameweek is likely to give us a clearer picture of who could break into the top six. 

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Elliot Ward takes a look at upcoming fixtures, highlighting the best betting angles and offering some choice tips.

Hull FC vs St Helens

This clash shapes up to be a tough battle for both teams.

Last time out, Hull FC lost 24-8 to bitter rivals Hull KR in a disappointing game for the former – especially so after their previous two efforts, which saw wins against Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons.

St Helens, on the other hand, recently featured in arguably the match of the season thanks to a wonderful comeback, scoring four tries in the final six minutes to beat Wigan Warriors.

Hull FC’s confidence will likely be diminished after that loss to Hull KC, while St Helens’ confidence should be peaking after such a turnaround.

Therefore, I think St Helens take the win here.

Suggested bet: Tristan Sailor anytime try scorer – 13/10 (Spread Ex)

Toulouse vs Hull KR

Toulouse had a very decent start to the season, with wins over Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers in their first two games, but they have since lost five on the bounce.

In contrast, Hull KR are one of the best teams in this league and will definitely be near the top of the table come the end of the campaign.

Hull KR will almost certainly have far too much for Toulouse, and I’ll go as far as saying it could be an absolute whitewash.

Suggested bet: Half-time/Full-time Hull KR win – 1/4 (Bet365)

READ MORE: Rugby union news: High-scoring action in the Champions Cup quarter-finals

York Knights vs Leigh Leopards

This is a very interesting fixture as neither team is in good form.

York Knights have a very experienced squad and will look to put this to good use against 11th-placed Leigh.

Leigh have had a torrid start to the season, with the number of injuries to key players not helping.

Yet, you can only blame things on injuries for so long – the players have got to dig in and try and get a result as well.

Friday’s fixture could go either way, but given recent form and overall experience, I think York can edge this one.

Suggested bet: York Knights to win – 4/1 (Coral)

Huddersfield Giants vs Leeds Rhinos

Huddersfield Giants have excellent form, picking up two wins in as many weeks and scoring 34 points in both matches.

A big part of those victories against Wigan Warriors and York Knights was full-back George Flanagan, who has been particularly brilliant of late.

However, Leeds Rhinos are top of the league for a reason – and that reason is the quality they have in every single position on the field, with Maika Sivo, Brodie Croft, and Lachie Miller just the tip of the iceberg.

Those players will win the game for their side in all likelihood, and the Rhinos will continue to lead the way.

Suggested bet: Half-time Huddersfield, Full-time Leeds Rhinos – 7/1 (Betfred)

Wakefield Trinity vs Bradford Bulls

Trinity come into this match-up joint-first with 10 points after an excellent display at Castleford resulted in a 34-0 scoreline.

Bradford Bulls have been good this season too, although losing out to rivals Leeds Rhinos last time out will hurt.

If they can get over it and move on quickly, they could give Wakefield a really good game here.

Wakefield’s Jake Truman and Bradford’s Joe Mellor – who averages 50 tackles per game – are the players to watch.

I think Wakefield have enough to get the win, but it won’t be easy and Bradford could force an upset.

Suggested bet: Half-time/Full-time Wakefield Trinity win – 1/2 (Bet365)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Rugby union news: Challenge Cup quarter-finals produce thrilling games

Catalans Dragons vs Warrington Wolves

Catalans managed a solid victory in the last round against French rivals Toulouse.

They remain the most inconsistent team in the league, though, and that might cost them on Saturday.

Warrington are a very good side and have shown that this season – I think they’ll have too much for Catalans and ease to victory in France.

Suggested bet: Warrington Wolves winning at half-time – 7/8 (Unibet)

Wigan Warriors vs Castleford Tigers

Wigan have not had a good time of it lately, with defeats coming against St Helens and Huddersfield Giants.

There’s no doubting Wigan's quality as they have the resources to chase top spot – it’s just about being consistent now.

Castleford have been awful this season and sit bottom of the league.

Not being able to score against Wakefield last week will also be embarrassing for the squad.

In my opinion, they don’t have what’s needed to beat Wigan and are actually in serious trouble of finishing bottom at the end of the term.

Wigan take this one and keep the pressure on the leading pack.

Suggested bet: Half-time/Full-time Wigan Warriors win – 3/10 (Bet365)

READ NEXT: Changing The Batting Order — Every child deserves the chance to play cricket