Super League 2025 – Round 20 preview, predictions and tips – part two
This weekend sees the other half of the Super League sides return to action, while those who played last week can top up their tans as we head into August.
Last weekend’s games saw Wakefield edge out Leeds in a thriller, Wigan ease past Catalans Dragons in a routine home win, and Hull FC suffer a shock defeat at home to Huddersfield. That last result has seen the Black and Whites drop out of the top six, and Warrington have a great chance to close the gap on them to a single point this weekend…
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 30th July 2025.
Thursday 31st July – Salford Red Devils vs Hull KR – Salford Stadium
Form guide
After the excitement of a rare win in Round 18, Salford came back down to earth with a bump on their last outing, as they were beaten 42-6 at Leeds. Huddersfield’s surprise win at Hull last weekend means the Red Devils are four points behind in the battle to avoid finishing bottom, although the one thing they’ve had in abundance this year is fight, so don’t rule them out just yet.
Hull KR, meanwhile, bounced back from two straight losses to beat Catalans 6-34 in France in their Round 19 clash. Wigan’s victory over the same opponents last weekend means the Robins’ lead at the top has been cut to two points, but they’ve played a game less than the Warriors.
Team news
Salford make one change to their squad with Loghan Lewis returning after concussion. Oliver Russell has gone back to Wakefield after his loan ended.
One change for Hull KR as well, with Jez Litten returning following concussion. Harvey Horne is the player to drop out, and he’s gone to Doncaster on loan.
My prediction – Salford Red Devils 0-54 Hull KR
As with most Salford games this year, it’s a case of how many the opposition will score rather than who will win. We’re coming into the business end of the year now and I can see the Robins putting some emphasis on solid defence and nailing their attacking plays in this one, ahead of some tougher tests to come.
Betting tips
There are only three markets open so far, but I’m confident with the -42 handicap for Hull KR, at 10/11. When the try scoring markets open, Tom Davies and Joe Burgess should be shoo-ins (although don’t expect great odds). For more value and more of an outside chance, I’m going for Jared Waerea-Hargreaves as well.
Friday 1st August – Leigh Leopards vs Warrington Wolves – Leigh Sports Village
Form guide
Leigh’s 4-16 win at St. Helens in their last game was some statement, and they’ve now beaten Saints, Hull KR and Wigan in their last three games to put themselves in serious contention for a Grand Final victory this year. A win this weekend would see them close the gap on 2nd-placed Wigan to just one point.
As for Warrington, their shock 20-14 defeat to Castleford in Round 19 put a serious dent in their play-off hopes. However, Hull FC’s surprise loss against Huddersfield last weekend has just opened the door a little for them, and a victory this weekend would put them within two points of the top six.
Team news
Robbie Mulhern returns in a huge boost for Leigh, who are otherwise unchanged from their last outing.
Warrington have three huge inclusions this week in a big boost for their play-off push. Leon Hayes is named for the first time this year following injury, Danny Walker is back from injury too, while new arrival Ryan Matterson could make his debut after signing from NRL side, Wests Tigers.
My prediction – Leigh Leopards 20-16 Warrington Wolves
It’s getting to that do-or-die stage for Warrington now, and although the inclusions of Walker, Hayes and Matterson will be a big boost, I just can’t see the Leopards slipping up given their recent form.
Betting tips
Leigh have been given a -8 handicap, which I’m not convinced by. Equally, I don’t trust Warrington enough with a +8, so I’m steering clear of that. Instead, I’ll be looking at the anytime try market when it opens. I’m backing Josh Charnley and Josh Thewlis, but I’m not sure how well priced they’ll be.
Friday 1st August – St. Helens vs Castleford Tigers
Form guide
After five straight wins St. Helens were beaten 4-16 at home by Leigh in their last match to drop down to 5th. A top six spot still looks likely though, as they have a three-point lead over 7th-placed Hull FC with a game in hand.
For Castleford, their surprise 20-14 win over Warrington in Round 19 was just their fifth of the season. They’re just two points behind 9th-placed Catalans with a far superior points difference as they look to climb up the table in the remaining rounds.
Team news
Daryl Clark, Jake Burns and Joe Batchelor return for St. Helens this week. Jake Davies and Jon Bennison drop out of the squad, with Bennison on loan at Widnes.
Jenson Windley is back from a loan spell at Sheffield and goes straight into the Castleford squad this week. Liam Horne and Jeremiah Simbiken are both suspended.
My prediction – St. Helens 30-12 Castleford Tigers
Saints shouldn’t have too much trouble in this one if they’re serious about challenging for a place at Old Trafford in October. Cas picked up a morale-boosting win over Warrington last time out, but I can’t see them following it up with another surprise here.
Betting tips
Again, I’m not overly convinced by the -18 handicap in this one, so I’ll be looking at the anytime try market when it opens. Kyle Feldt and Owen Dagnall are my two picks for Saints.
