Super League 2026 – Round 25 preview, predictions and tips
Before I give my thoughts on Hull KR’s squad selection this week, it would be wrong not to mention Sir Billy Boston. Rugby league’s first ever knight sadly passed away this week, and there won’t be a dry eye in the house when Wigan pay a very special tribute to him at their home game with Hull KR on Thursday.
Which leads me on to the Robins. Much has been made of their decision to effectively throw the game this week, and I can see it from both sides. When the fixtures were announced at the start of the season, tonight’s game was one I earmarked as it could have been a straight shhotout for the Leahue Leaders’ Shield.
Of course, it hasn’t worked out that way, and Hull KR are clearly resting players with a view to winning their final two matches and making the top six. On the one hand, I agree that it damages the integrity of the competition, and if it weren’t for the tributes to Sir Billy Boston, I think the crowd would plummet tonight.
On the other hand, every coach has the right to select the squad they choose, and if it pays off for the Robins on 3rd October, then no one will question the decision.
Don’t forget, Wigan did the same thing the week before the Challenge Cup Final, and their 40-10 win at Wmbley more than vindicated Matt Peet’s call to rest players the previous week. They’ve also won all 12 Super League games since, so before anyone piles in on Willie Peters, maybe just trust that the coach who delivered four trophies to Hull KR knows what he’s doing.
Anyway, that was a much longer intro than usual, but here’s my look ahead to the weekend…
- Thursday 27th August – Wigan Warriors vs Hull KR
- Friday 28th August – Castleford Tigers vs Catalans Dragons
- Friday 28th August – St Helens vs Leeds Rhinos
- Friday 28th August – Huddersfield Giants vs Leigh Leopards
- Saturday 29th August – Wakefield Trinity vs York Knights
- Saturday 29th August – Hull FC vs Warrington Wolves
- Saturday 29th August – Toulouse Olympique vs Bradford Bulls
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 27th August 2026.
Thursday 27th August – Wigan Warriors vs Hull KR
Form guide
Wigan set a new club record last weekend, with their 26-12 win over Wakefield making it 12 in a row. They remain level on points with Leeds at the top of the table, but they sit 2nd on points difference.
Hull KR suffered a surprise 32-12 loss at home to Toulouse last weekend. They’ve dropped a place to 6th, and they’re now just two points ahead of St Helens.
Team news
My prediction – Wigan Warriors 58-6 Hull KR
With Hull KR naming a weakened squad this week, what should have been an exciting encounter will be a training run for the Warriors. Anything less than a 30-point margin would be a surprise here.
Betting tips
I’ll take the -42 handicap for Wigan, at 10/11. I wouldn’t normally do this either, but with Wigan likely to fill their boots and the odds being so low on individuals, I’m backing Eckersley, Marshall, Field and French for anytime tries, with the acca paying just over 2/1.
Friday 28th August – Castleford Tigers vs Catalans Dragons
Form guide
Castleford were comfortably beaten 36-12 at St Helens last time out. That saw them drop a place to 10th.
The Dragons were narrowly edged out 27-26 at home by Hull FC. They remain 8th, but Toulouse and Castleford are just two points behind them.
Team news
My prediction – Castleford Tigers 28-16 Catalans Dragons
It’s difficult to separate these two. They’ve both been miles off it this year, with the occasional high point. However, with the Tigers celebrating their centenary on Friday night, maybe that’ll give the players an extra lift to go on and put in a big performance. Maybe.
Betting tips
I’m not overly shocked to see the Dragons are favourites, so I’m jumping straight on a Cas win at 11/10. When the market opens, I’ll back Mikaele Ravalawa for an anytime try as well.
Friday 28th August – St Helens vs Leeds Rhinos
Form guide
Saints’ 36-12 win over Castleford last week made it back-to-back victories, and they’ve closed the gap on Hull KR to just two points.
Leeds bounced back from their first home loss of the season to smash York 66-16 on the road. They remain top on points difference.
Team news
My prediction – St Helens 12-20 Leeds Rhinos
I just can’t see Saints winning this. They’ll give it a good go, but if both sides are at their best, the Rhinos are miles ahead of this current St Helens outfit. The good news for Saints is that they’ll still be in the fight for the top six.
Betting tips
I’m not completely convinced by the -10 handicap here, so instead I’ll back Brodie Croft and Ash Handley for anytime tries when the market opens.
Friday 28th August – Huddersfield Giants vs Leigh Leopards
Form guide
The Giants saw their four-game winning run come to an end with a 34-24 loss at Warrington last week. They remain 13th.
Leigh’s 62-10 demolition of Bradford lifted them to 5th, and a victory here could all but seal their play-off place.
Team news
My prediction – Huddersfield Giants 18-30 Leigh Leopards
Despite Huddersfield’s upturn in form, this is a game I’d expect the Leopards to win. If they have realistic ambitions of making it to Old Trafford in October, they should be getting two points here.
Betting tips
Nothing’s jumping out at me so far, so I’ll back David Armstrong and Umyla Hanley for anytime tries when the market opens.
Saturday 29th August – Wakefield Trinity vs York Knights
Form guide
Wakefield’s form has dipped at just the wrong time of the year, with their 26-12 loss at Wigan making it three in a row. They remain 4th, and a win this week could see them all but clinch a top six spot.
York were hammered 66-16 at home by Leeds last time out. It was their fifth defeat in six games, and it saw them drop to 12th.
Team news
My prediction – Wakefield Trinity 36-10 York Knights
I’m expecting Trinity to bounce back with a win here. York have had a good crack in their first ever year in Super League, but they’re just about done for the season.
Betting tips
Wakefield should be safe with a -20 handicap at 10/11. I’ll back Jake Trueman for an anytime try when the market opens as well.
Saturday 29th August – Hull FC vs Warrington Wolves
Form guide
Hull FC grabbed a great win at Catalans Dragons last week, as they edged them out 27-26. That saw them climb a place to 11th.
Warrington’s 34-24 win over Huddersfield made it five wins in a row, and they still have a slim chance of winning the League Leaders’ Shield.
Team news
My prediction – Hull FC 6-24 Warrington Wolves
This should be fairly routine for the Wire. Hull have picked up a couple of good wins in recent weeks, but Warrington are a serious contender and this should be two points in the bag.
Betting tips
I’m happy to back Warrington with a -10 handicap at 1/1. I’m also backing Matty Ashton for an anytime try when the market opens.
Saturday 29th August – Toulouse Olympique vs Bradford Bulls
Form guide
After four straight losses, Toulouse picked up a magnificent 32-12 win at Hull KR last weekend. They’ve climbed back up to 9th with that victory.
Bradford were hammered 62-10 at Leigh to suffer a 10th defeat in 11 games. They remain bottom, but level on points with Huddersfield.
Team news
My prediction – Toulouse Olympique 40-10 Bradford Bulls
Toulouse should win this one without too much fuss. Bradford have been spiralling for weeks, and Olympique have pulled off some great victories against top sides, so this should be fairly routine against a side in 14th.
Betting tips
I’m straight on Toulouse with a -16 handicap at 10/11. I’ll back Paul Ulberg for an anytime try as well when the market opens.
