Rugby League news: St Helens vs Wigan and Bradford vs Leeds headline Super League’s rival round
Super League’s rival round is here, and it's looking tasty - Sports News Blitz writer Elliot Ward gives his thoughts on how he thinks the key games will pan out.
What is rival round?
Rival round is local derbies across the country, which are all played over one weekend's action; it falls on Easter weekend over the bank holiday. We should be in for some great action and high attendances.
Hull KR vs Hull FC
The early kick-off to start us off on Friday is Hull KR, last year's Treble winners, who will take on local rivals Hull FC at home.
With both teams not starting off their respective campaigns very well, this will be a tough game for both. I do think Hull KR will have enough to get over the line this weekend.
St Helens vs Wigan Warriors
At 3pm, we see St Helens at home, and they will take on the feared Wigan Warriors.
Both teams are starting off well this year, with St Helens in fifth - a playoff spot. However, Wigan sit pretty at the top of the league, and this is where I think they’ll stay. Wigan take the win here.
Bradford Bulls vs Leeds Rhinos
The last game of Friday night sees Leeds Rhinos travel to the Bradford Bulls at 8pm.
Similar to the previous game, both teams have started off well. Bradford see themselves in sixth place; however, with a two-point gap, Leeds Rhinos are in third place.
The first shock of the round and thanks to Bradford Bulls’ home record, they will beat the Leeds Rhinos in my opinion.
Huddersfield Giants vs York Knights
On Saturday, we kick off with Huddersfield Giants as they take on the York Knights at 3pm.
After Huddersfield’s impressive win against league leaders Wigan, they come into the game confidently.
However, I do think the York Knights have enough to beat Huddersfield, and I think they will do just that.
Warrington Wolves vs Leigh Leopards
Following that, we have Warrington Wolves, who take on Leigh Leopards at home at 3pm.
Warrington have had an amazing start to the season, sitting in second place.
Leigh have had the opposite, with a pretty slow start to their standards, finding themselves in 12th place.
Leigh’s injury problem again will keep them from getting the win over the Warrington Wolves.
Catalan Dragons vs Toulouse Olympique
On Saturday night, we have the French derby as it's Catalan Dragons against Toulouse Olympique at 8pm.
Toulouse have seemed to have some fire in their belly all season, but ultimately have not been able to get over the line in their games.
Catalan are very similar to Toulouse in that respect. Catalans do have more quality, and I think this will show with the Dragons taking this one.
Castleford Tigers vs Wakefield Trinity
To round the weekend off, we have the Castleford Tigers who play Wakefield Trinity at home, at 3pm on Easter Sunday.
A tough game as Castleford’s home record against Trinity has been pretty good over the years, the quality will shine through in this game.
I'm afraid Castleford lack that, and as for Wakefield, they have that X factor that will win them this game comfortably.
