Super League 2025 – Round 3 preview and predictions
With all the excitement of Vegas, it’s easy to forget this weekend’s a normal round with 10 other teams in action, besides Warrington and Wigan.
We’ll be giving that one a bit of special treatment though when it comes to the previews this week, but in the meantime, here’s a look ahead to the other five fixtures…
Thursday 27th February – Hull KR vs Salford Red Devils – 8pm – Sewell Group Craven Park
Form guide
The opening game of the round sees a team with a 100% record against a team with a 0% record so far, so on paper this one should be straightforward.
Rugby league’s very rarely that simple though. The Robins have been unconvincing in both wins so far this year, with a one-point victory followed up by a two-point victory.
As for Salford, round one was a debacle, so last weekend’s game with Leeds was the first chance to really judge them. Their 6-32 loss didn’t make for pleasant viewing if you’re a Red Devils fan though.
Team news
The big news for Rovers is the absence of reigning Man of Steel, Mikey Lewis. The halfback has an ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for a few weeks, so Danny Richardson replaces him in the only change from last week.
Joe Shorrocks is the most notable absentee for Salford. He was named in the extended squad pending an appeal, but his two-game ban has since been upgraded to three, so he’s out.
Our prediction – Hull KR 20-12 Salford Red Devils
The Robins should be too strong at home for a Salford side who haven’t got going yet for various reasons. They should give Rovers a tough test, but I can’t see them winning.
Betting tips
It’s 11/4 for either Joe Burgess or Tom Davies to score the first try, which looks a good price given they’re the most likely try scorers for the Robins.
Friday 28th February – Huddersfield Giants vs Hull FC – 8pm – John Smith’s Stadium
Form guide
The Giants are yet to get off the mark this year, with defeats against Warrington and Leigh.
As for the Black and Whites, they came back down to earth with a bump last week in a 4-46 home loss to Wigan. The previous week they were magnificent in beating Catalans Dragons 4-24 on their own patch.
Team news
Taane Milne has returned from Australia and is in line to make his Giants debut this week. George Flanagan will be expecting to start in the halves after an impressive debut last weekend.
Hull have made two changes to last weekend’s squad, with Amir Bourouh and Ryan Westerman replacing Ligi Sao and Will Hutchinson. Sao will be out for the rest of the year with a serious knee injury suffered against Wigan last weekend.
Our prediction – Huddersfield Giants 14-22 Hull FC
I’m expecting the Black and Whites to bounce back this week with a win against a side I can see struggling all year. Huddersfield will put up a fight, but Hull should have too much for them.
Betting tips
The Giants are the bookies’ favourites in this one, which is a bit of a surprise to me. So, if my prediction’s correct, a Hull FC win looks a steal at 11/8.
Friday 28th February – Leigh Leopards vs Catalans Dragons – 8pm – Leigh Sports Village
Form guide
The Leopards have been impressive in their opening two games, winning both of them and conceding just 10 points last week after a shutout in round one.
As for the Dragons, they’ve started with back-to-back defeats. A poor showing in round one saw them beaten 4-24 at home by Hull, but they put in an improved performace last weekend against Warrington, but still lost 18-12.
Team news
For the Leopards, Frankie Halton and Arron Pene have dropped out of the squad from last weekend, with Andrew Badrock and Nathan Wilde replacing them.
Reimis Smith and Romain Navarrete return to the Dragons squad to replace Chris Satae and Clément Martin this week.
Our prediction – Leigh Leopards 28-10 Catalans Dragons
The Leopards have started the year brilliantly and I can’t see that changing against an out-of-sorts Catalans team. I’m expecting them to turn things around at some point, but it’s been a slow start to the year and Leigh should be too strong at home.
Betting tips
Leigh with a -4 handicap looks too good to miss at 10/11.
Saturday 1st March – Wakefield Trinity vs St Helens – 2.30pm – DIY Kitchens Stadium
Form guide
Wakey have looked good in their first two games back after promotion, beating Leeds by two points and then losing by the same margin to Hull KR.
As for Saints, we can’t read too much into their 82-0 drubbing of Salford in round one, but they were mightily impressive in seeing off Castleford last weekend as well, 6-46.
Team news
The squads haven’t been named yet for this one, but Trinity are expecting to have Liam Hood, Jake Trueman and Matty Russell available again. Renouf Atoni is an outside chance of being back as well, and should make the extended squad at least.
Morgan Knowles is missing for Saints through concussion, with James Bell his likely replacement.
Our prediction – Wakefield Trinity 10-14 St Helens
This game should be an absolute cracker with two in-form teams and another huge crowd expected at Belle Vue. I’ve been really impressed with Trinity so far and they’ll give anyone a run for their money right now, but Saints should have a little too much for them.
Betting tips
St Helens are just 1/5 to win this one, which looks a little unfair on Wakefield to me. Get on Trinity with a +12 handicap at 11/10.
Sunday 2nd March – Leeds Rhinos vs Castleford Tigers – 3pm – AMT Headingley Stadium
Form guide
Leeds were poor in round one, then much improved last time out against Salford to give them a 1-1 record so far.
As for Cas, they were outstanding in a losing effort against Hull KR in round one, but a 6-46 home defat by St Helens last weekend leaves them without a point so far.
Team news
The Rhinos will be without co-captain Cameron Smith for around two months after he suffered an ankle injury in last weekend’s win over Salford. Brodie Croft went off in that game as well with concussion, and he’ll miss out this weekend too. In better news, Matt Frawley is expected to be available following a hand injury.
Rowan Milnes is back in training for Cas, but this weekend’s game is likely to come too soon for him.
Our prediction – Leeds Rhinos 30-12 Castleford Tigers
The Rhinos will be keen to put things right in front of their own fans after a disappointing loss in their first home game. As for Cas, they’re unlikely to be favourites in any game this year, and a trip to Headingley is likely to end in defeat.
Betting tips
There’s no value in an outright Leeds win, so the Rhinos to win by 11-20 points looks good at 9/4.
