Super League 2025 – Round 20 preview, predictions and tips – part one
In one of the better ideas I’ve seen come out of Rugby League in recent years (at least when it comes to player welfare), half the competition’s getting this weekend off with Round 20 being split in two.
Then, while they’re back in action over the first weekend of August, this weekend’s six teams will have their feet up at home getting their own welcome breather.
I’ll be reviewing those three games as usual next week, but for now here’s a look at this week’s fixtures…
*All tips are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 23rd July 2025.
Thursday 24th July – Wakefield Trinity vs Leeds Rhinos – DIY Kitchens Stadium
Form guide
Wakefield’s big win at Huddersfield in Round 19 kept them right on the tail of Hull FC in the battle for the play-offs. Their 10-46 win kept them in 7th, just a point behind the Black and Whites. Perhaps even more crucially, Warrington’s loss at Castleford means they’ve got a bit of breathing space too, especially with their superior points difference.
Leeds, meanwhile, picked up a routine 42-6 victory over Salford in Round 19. The win moved them up a place to 4th, at St. Helens’ expense, and they come into this game with three wins from their past four games.
Team news
Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Thomas Doyle and Isaiah Vagana are all out this week for Wakefield. Oliver Pratt, Oliver Russell and Noah High come into the squad.
One change for Leeds this week, with Ethan Clark-Wood dropping out due to a shoulder injury. Jack Sinfield comes into the squad in his place.
My prediction – Wakefield Trinity 12-14 Leeds Rhinos
This one’s almost too close to call, but I’m tipping the Rhinos to maintain their recent good form and nick it in a tight one.
Betting tips
Leeds have been given a -2 handicap for this one and they’re just 8/11 in the outright market, so neother of those look great value to me. Instead, I’m backing them to win by 1-7 points, which is a nicely priced 4/1. There are no try scoring markets yet, but when they open, I’m backing Alfie Edgell again for an anytime score.
Friday 25th July – Wigan Warriors vs Catalans Dragons – Brick Community Stadium
Form guide
Wigan’s recent slump continued last weekend as they were humbled, 12-32 at home by Hull FC. The loss made it three defeats from their past five games, while their grip on 2nd has been weakened, with Leigh just a point behind them.
Catalans’ sorry season can’t end quickly enough, with their 6-34 home loss to Hull KR making it nine defeats from their past 10 games. They remain hovering in 9th, although Castleford’s win on the weekend will have them looking over their shoulders with the Tigers just two points behind.
Team news
Wigan have made two changes to their squad for this weekend. Jai Field misses out after failing an HIA last weekened, while Kian McDermott drops out. Noah Hodkinson comes into the squad and will make his debut if selected, while Jack Farrimond has also been named ahead of schedule following injury.
Joel Tomkins has made three changes to his first Catalans Dragons squad since being named permanent head coach. Bayley Sironen, Jordan Dezaria and Fouad Yaha come in for Arthur Romano, Nick Cotric and Paul Séguier.
My prediction – Wigan Warriors 24-10 Catalans Dragons
Wigan were woeful last week, but they’re fortunate to be playing a Dragons side who already have their towels on the sunloungers. I’m reluctant to back the Warriors too heavily, but if they don’t win then it really will be a crisis at the Brick.
Betting tips
Wigan have been given a -24 handicap, but their recent form makes me reluctant to back that. On the other hand, Catalans have been so bad recently that I’m not confident tipping them with a +24 handicap either. On that basis I’ll be looking at the try scoring markets when they open. Christian Wade has two in his first two games for Wigan, so I’ll be getting on him for an anytime score this week. Jake Wardle’s my other tip when the market opens.
Saturday 26th July – Hull FC vs Huddersfield Giants- MKM Stadium
Form guide
Hull FC were magnificent last weekend, as they destroyed champions Wigan on their own patch in a 12-32 victory. That made it back-to-back wins for the Black and Whites, who remain in 6th – a point clear of Wakefield.
As for the Giants, their recent improvement went out the window in Round 19, as they were hammered at home by Wakefield. Trinity’s 10-46 win at the renamed ACCU Stadium, means Huddersfield remain 11th with just three wins from their opening 19 games.
Team news
Squads haven’t been announced yet, but Hull FC are set to welcome back Amir Bourouh following concussion. Sam Eseh should also come back into the squad after being ineligible to play parent club, Wigan last week. Ed Chamberlain also has a chance of returning after missing the last few weeks with concussion.
Niall Evalds got through his Huddersfield comeback unscathed, so he’s likely to continue at fullback ahead of George Flanagan. None of the Giants’ long-term absentees are due back, including halfback Adam Clune.
My prediction – Hull FC 36-14 Huddersfield Giants
If these two play like they did last week there’s only one winner in this. The only thing that makes me hesitant is Hull’s dismal home record. Having said that, they got the monkey off their back in their last home game with a first victory at the MKM in 12 months, and they should back it up with another one this week.
Betting tips
Hull FC should be safe with a -16 handicap, which is priced at 10/11. After letting me down last week, I’m getting on Lewis Martin for an anytime try again this weekend. Given that I’m expecting the Black and Whites to cross at least four times, I’m backing Harvey Barron for an anytime try as well.
