Super League 2025 – Round 1 preview and predictions – part two
Two more games are taking place on Saturday, and with the squads now named, let’s take a look at what’s in store…
Saturday 15th February – Leeds Rhinos vs Wakefield Trinity – 3pm – AMT Headingley Stadium
The Rhinos get their campaign underway with a clash against local rivals Wakefield, who are playing their first game back in Super League after promotion.
For the Rhinos, coach Brad Arthur starts his first full season in charge, and a play-off place is the minimum expectation at Headingley this year.
Both sides cruised through their Challenge Cup ties last weekend. The Rhinos beat Wests Warriors 92-0, while Trinity hammered Goole Vikings 82-0.
Team news
New signing Ethan Clark-Wood is in the Leeds squad after arriving from Australia on Monday, but he’s unlikely to feature. Keenan Palasia, Cooper Jenkins and Jake Connor are in line for their Super League debuts with the club, while Ryan Hall is making his ‘second debut’ after six seasons away.
James Bentley and Jarrod O’Connor are named in the squad after missing out last weekend, while Lachlan Miller, Maika Sivo, Jack Sinfield, Ben Littlewood, Ned McCormack and Max Simpson are all missing through injury.
Isaiah Vagana replaces Isaac Shaw in Wakefield’s only change from last weekend.
Mike McMeeken, Olly Russell, Corey Hall, Matty Storton, Jake Trueman, Josh Rourke and Matty Russell could all make their league debuts for the club. Tom Johnstone, meanwhile, is in line for his ‘second debut’ after two years with Catalans Dragons.
Our prediction – Leeds Rhinos 18-12 Wakefield Trinity
I’m expecting the Rhinos to face a tough challenge against a Wakefield side who’ll be full of confidence after breezing through the Championship last year. However, Leeds should have enough to overcome them in front of an expectant home crowd.
Betting tips
Ryan Hall is priced at evens to score a try on his Leeds return, and that looks a good bet. In the first try scorer market, Tom Johnstone’s a well-priced 12/1.
In the outright match betting, I’m expecting a close game, so Wakefield with a +6 handicap looks a good shout at 5/4.
Saturday 15th February – St Helens vs Salford Red Devils – 5.30pm – Totally Wicked Stadium
Saints will be keen to bounce back after an underwhelming 2024 campaign, while Salford exceeded expectations yet again with a 4th-placed finish.
Both sides did what they had to in last weekend’s Challenge Cup ties, but were a bit unconvincing. Saints saw off amateur side, West Hull, 0-38. As for Salford, they only led Midlands Hurricanes 10-12 at the break, before pulling away to record a 10-46 win.
Team news
Kyle Feldt is in line to make his club debut for St Helens this weekend, while Lewis Murphy and Tristan Sailor should make their league debuts for the club.
Konrad Hurrell is the most notable absentee for Saints.
Due to the restrictions they’re currently under, Salford have named a squad made up mostly of reserve players, with just 17 players instead of the permitted 21. Tiaki Chan and Joe Bullock are the most notable names, but the likes of Nene McDonald, Marc Sneyd and Jayden Nikorima are all missing.
Our prediction – St Helens 40-0 Salford Red Devils
This had the potential to be a really good game if the Red Devils were at full strength, but with a squad of reserves lining up, it’s just a case of how many for Saints, who’ll use this game as a chance to build up their points difference early doors.
Betting tips
All bets are off! No, seriously. I’ve looked at a couple of different bookies, and the game isn’t even listed now. It may well come back, but if it does, fill your boots. A Kyle Feldt hat-trick can’t be ruled out, and Saints with a -40 handicap should be a bare minimum.
