Super League 2025 – Round 12 preview, predictions and tips
We’re almost at the halfway stage of the season and we’ve seen the first coaching casualty. Steve McNamara leff the Catalans Dragons earlier this week after eight largely successful years at the helm.
Can the Dragons respond against champions Wigan? Read on for my preview, predictions and tips…
Thursday 22nd May – Leigh Leopards vs Hull FC – Leigh Sports Village
Form guide
Leigh were narrowly beaten last weekend by local rivals, Wigan, in a 36-28 loss at the Brick. That followed a Challenge Cup semi-final defeat the previous weekend against Warrington. However, the Leopards are still well placed for a play-off push, sitting in 3rd and four points clear of 7th place…
Which is where Hull FC sit. After a promising start to the year, the Black and Whites have lost four games in a row in Super League, although their last two have been by just two points, against Huddersfield and Leeds.
Team news
David Armstrong and Gareth O’Brien have dropped out of the Leigh Leopards squad from last weekend, but there’s some positive news with the return of Keanan Brand.
Hull FC have made just one change to their squad from last week. Jordan Rapana failed his HIA, so will sit out this week, with Matty Laidlaw taking his place.
My prediction – Leigh Leopards 20-14 Hull FC
I’m backing Leigh to pile on the misery for Hull FC this week. This one could go either way, but the Leopards should have too much for their out-of-form opponents.
Betting tips
I like the look of Tesi Niu to score an anytime try for Leigh, at 6/5, plus Lewis Martin is a very well priced 11/8 to do the same for Hull FC.
Friday 23rd May – Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR – Halliwell Jones Stadium
Form guide
After reaching the Challenge Cup Final two weeks ago, Warrington were brought back down to earth with a mighty bump in Super League last weekend, losing 40-10 to Wakefield. That loss leaves the Wire way down in 9th heading into this weekend.
The Hull KR juggernaut continued, meanwhile, as they saw off Huddersfield 34-0 last weekend to make it two successive nillings in Super League. It’s now five straight wins for the Robins in all competitions and they remain two points clear at the top.
Team news
Paul Vaughan and Toby King both picked up injuries for Warrington last week, so they’re missing for this one. Zack Gardner also drops out of last weekend’s squad. Josh Thewlis is back after concussion, and youngsters Ben Hartill and Tom Whitehead are both named as well.
Just one change for Hull KR this week, with Lee Kershaw replacing the suspended Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. The Kiwi prop’s been banned for two games, so he’ll be back in time for the cup final in a couple of weeks.
My prediction – Warrington Wolves 10-26 Hull KR
The only team I can see stopping Hull KR right now is Wigan. The Robins have only lost once all year – to the Warriors – and despite Wolves having home advantage, I can’t see them getting anything from this game.
Betting tips
Friday 23rd May – Huddersfield Giants vs St. Helens – John Smith’s Stadium
Form guide
After picking up their first win of the season at Magic Weekend, it was a familiar tale for the Giants last weekend, as they were soundly beaten 34-0 at Hull KR. In fairness, the scoreline was a little harsh as they were in the contest for most of the match before Rovers pulled away.
As for Saints, they earned coach Paul Wellens some welcome respite with a 40-0 win over Catalans Dragons, following three straight losses. The win means they’re 5th in the table and still very much play-off contenders.
Team news
Huddersfield will finally have their first-choice halves pairing available in 2025, as Tui Lolohea makes his comeback this week. Tom Burgess is also back after missing out last week, but Matty English is missing due to concussion protocols and Max Merta also drops out of the squad.
St. Helens make just one change to their squad from last weekend. Jake Davies comes in for Matt Whitley, who failed an HIA last week. If Davies plays, he’ll be making his first team debut.
My prediction – Huddersfield Giants 12-24 St. Helens
The Giants have been much closer in recent weeks and picked up their first win of the season earlier this month, but Saints should still have too much for them.
Betting tips
Saturday 24th May – Castleford Tigers vs Leeds Rhinos – Mend-A-Hose Jungle
Form guide
Castleford picked up just their third win of the year last week, with a routine 48-16 demolition of struggling Salford. The victory cemented them in 10th, and even at this stage, it looks as though that’ll be their ceiling this season.
Leeds, meanwhile, sneaked past Hull FC 18-16, to make it four wins from their last five games. They’re up in 4th in the table and looking good for a top six spot.
Team news
Ethan Clark-Wood replaces Alfie Edgell in the only change for Leeds Rhinos.
My prediction – Castleford Tigers 16-24 Leeds Rhinos
Cas have improved recently, but I’d still expect the Rhinos to have too much for them.
Betting tips
Leeds are 10/11 with a -6 handicap, which should be safe. It’s also 10/11 for Leeds in the half-time/full-time market, which also looks a good shout.
Saturday 24th May – Catalans Dragons vs Wigan Warriors – Stade Gilbert Brutus
Form guide
The Dragons’ inconsistent year continued last week, as they were soundly beaten 40-0 by St. Helens. That loss left them down in 8th, and more significantly, coach Steve McNamara has left the club this week after eight years in charge. Joel Tomkins will take caretaker charge this week.
Wigan were made to work hard for their latest victory in Round 11, eventually overcoming local rivals, Leigh Leopards, 36-28. That win made it six in a row, and they remain 2nd in the table.
Team news
Elliott Whitehead’s back from suspension this week for Catalans Dragons, and Tommy Makinson and Franck Maria also return. Arthur Romano and Bayley Sironen drop out of the 21.
One huge return this week for Wigan, with Ethan Havard named in the squad for the first time this season. He replaces Taylor Kerr in the only change from last weekend.
My prediction – Catalans Dragons 10-30 Wigan Warriors
With the team out of form and the head coach gone, I’m expecting the Dragons to be wounded this week. And against a Wigan side who have won six straight games, I’m expecting the visitors to take full advantage.
Betting tips
Wigan with a -8 handicap should be a shoo-in, at 10/11. The 4/6 on Wigan in the half-time/full-time market looks tempting too.
Sunday 25th May – Wakefield Trinity vs Salford Red Devils – DIY Kitchens Stadium
Form guide
Wakefield destroyed Warrington, 40-10, in Round 11 to make it back-to-back victories in Super League and climb into the play-off places.
As for Salford, it was a case of same old, same old for them last weekend. Castleford were the latest team to put them to the sword, with a comfortable 48-16 win. At least the Red Devils scored double figures, but after 11 games, they still haven’t cracked 100 points in total, and their defence is 126 points worse than the next worst side, Huddersfield.
Team news
Squads haven’t been announced for this one yet, so there’s no news on the Wakefield front. although expect minimal changes from last weekend.
Salford have suffered three major blows, with Jayden Nikorima and Ethan Ryan ruled out long-term and George Hill recalled from loan by his parent club, Castleford Tigers.
My prediction – Wakefield Trinity 38-6 Salford Red Devils
As is the case every week with Salford, it’s not a question of whether they’ll lose, but by how many. The Red Devils have scored double figures on just four occasions this year, and I’m not expecting them to do it here.
Betting tips
As has been customary this year with Salford, there are no markets open yet, so it’s hard to know where the value will be. I’d back Wakefield with at least a -20 handicap though and for some better value in the try scoring market beyond the usual suspects, get on Caius Faatili to score anytime. The bulky prop has four in his last two games.
