Super League 2025 – Round 4 preview and predictions
After the excitement of Vegas last weekend, it wouldn’t be rugby league without a negative story straight off the back of it, which leads us nicely to Salford. The sorry mess that is currently the Red Devils has continued this week, but at least the named squad looks capable of competing.
Anyway, we’ll get to them in good time, but let’s start this weekend’s preview with an intriguing clash in West Hull…
Thursday 6th March – Hull FC vs Leigh Leopards – 8pm – MKM Stadium
Form guide
Round four kicks off with the Black and Whites against the Leopards in what should be a close encounter. Hull have won two out of three so far and already look to have banished a dreadful 2024 to the history books, while Leigh have been mightily impressive, winning all three of their games.
Team news
Jed Cartwright, Will Hutchinson and Sam Eseh are back in the squad for Hull, with Ed Chamberlain, Denive Balmforth, Will Gardiner and Ryan Westerman dropping out. New signing Liam Knight is a late inclusion after arriving from Australia earlier this week.
David Armstrong has been named in the squad again for Leigh, but the fullback is 50/50 due to illness. If he misses out, Bailey Hodgson is likely to take his place after an impressive performance last weekend. Darnell McIntosh is in the squad but this week’s likely to be too soon for him, while Andrew Badrock is in line to make his debut.
Our prediction – Hull FC 12-20 Leigh Leopards
I’ve been really impressed with the Leopards in all three games so far, and there’s nothing to suggest they won’t maintain their 100% record this week. Hull are going along OK too, but Leigh look too strong for me.
Betting tips
Leigh to win by 1-10 points looks well priced at 2/1.
Friday 7th March – St Helens vs Hull KR – 8pm – Totally Wicked Stadium
Form guide
This game has ‘match of the round’ written all over it. Two teams with genuine Grand Final ambitions and 100% records so far – what’s not to love?
Saints have conceded just 12 points in the opening three weeks, while the Robins followed up two tight wins with a 42-0 demolition of Salford last week.
Team news
Morgan Knowles is back for St Helens after concussion, with Ben Davies dropping out, in the only change from last week.
Reigning Man of Steel Mikey Lewis is back in contention for Rovers after missing out last week, while Lee Kershaw and Eribe Doro come into the squad for Niall Evalds, Rhyse Martin and Bill Leyland.
Martin’s absence is a particularly tough one to take, with the second rower expected to be out for around four months.
Our prediction – St Helens 14-10 Hull KR
This one’s almost too close to call, but I’m going with Saints as they’re at home and they’ve been the more impressive of the two teams so far. The Robins have had two close games and a comfortable win over a distracted Salford team, whereas Saints have brushed Castleford and Wakefield aside (forget the Salford debacle in round one)
Betting tips
With this game likely to be a close one, I like the look of Hull KR with a +10 handicap at 10/11. As for try scorers, Harry Robertson is a good price at 2/1 to score any time.
Friday 7th March – Castleford Tigers vs Salford Red Devils – 8pm – The Jungle
Form guide
The Salford shambles continues this week, with the Red Devils’ players still yet to be paid for February, almost a week late. Their performances have been shocking so far, but is it any wonder with all the uncertainty around the club? I mean, would you put your body on the line and go to work for free?
As for Cas, it’s zero wins for them as well, but if they could have handpicked an opponent and a venue this weekend, it’d surely be Salford at home.
Team news
Lee Kershaw has returned to Hull KR after they cut short his loan spell, while Jeremiah Simbiken is serving a suspension this weekend. In better news for Castleford, Rowan Milnes could make his first appearance of the year.
Salford have managed to name a relatively strong squad for this one, but it’ll be interesting to see who actually takes the field on Friday night. If they still haven’t been paid by then, don’t be surprised if one or two players drop out
Our prediction – Castleford Tigers 18-6 Salford Red Devils
The Tigers surely have to be sniffing blood this weekend, and they won’t get a better opportunity for a first win than they will this weekend. As for Salford, if they can pull together and get a win then all credit to them, but if my monthly wage was over a week late, I’d be pretty distracted too.
Betting tips
Cas are just 2/5 for the win, so back them with a -8 handicap at 10/11. In the try scorer market, Josh Simm to score any time looks a steal at 11/10.
Saturday 8th March – Catalans Dragons vs Leeds Rhinos – 5.30pm – Stade Gilbert Brutus
Form guide
The Dragons’ hangover from 2024 has continued into this year and they’ve been pretty woeful so far. Watching them at Leigh last week, it’s no surprise they currently have the second-worst attack in the league.
As for the Rhinos, they’ve bounced back from an opening round defeat to pick up back-to-back wins, and they look to be growing into the season nicely.
Team news
The squads haven’t been announced for this one yet, but the Dragons shouldn’t look too different from last weekend. Jordan Dezaria was the most likely absentee, but he’s avoided suspension for a charge of late contact on the kicker.
Leeds were slightly less fortunate on the disciplinary front, with Tom Holroyd picking up a two-game suspension starting this weekend, but they managed to get it downgraded, so he’s avoided a lengthier ban.
Our prediction – Catalans Dragons 6-18 Leeds Rhinos
Every week I think the Dragons will turn things around and every week they let me down, so this week I’m going against them. They were dreadful last weekend, and although they have too much talent to keep losing the way they are, there was nothing in that Leigh game to suggest they can bounce back in a week.
Betting tips
Catalans actually go into this match as favourites, which is a surprise. Get on Leeds to win at 11/8. It looks too good to miss.
Sunday 9th March – Wigan Warriors vs Huddersfield Giants – 1pm – The Brick Community Stadium
Form guide
Technically Wigan are at home for a second straight weekend, but the Brick will be a far cry from the bright lights of Las Vegas. Still, it’s all about getting the two points, and the Warriors will fancy their chances against a winless Huddersfield on Sunday after last weekend’s demolition of Warrington.
The Giants were extremely unlucky last week, losing by a single point to Hull FC, but no wins from three games tells its own story of their season so far.
Team news
Squads haven’t been announced yet, but Wigan are likely to make minimal changes from last week’s 48-24 win over Warrington.
Huddersfield are unlikely to make any major changes from last weekend’s team, although Taane Milne could come in for his Super League debut.
Our prediction – Wigan Warriors 38-6 Huddersfield Giants
There’s a possibility of this being a case of ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show this week, but I can’t see Matty Peet allowing his side to be complacent. The Giants look a long way off even being a play-off contender and Wigan are the best team in Super League by a distance right now, so anything other than a home win would be a shock.
Betting tips
With the squads yet to be named, there aren’t many markets open yet, but Wigan to win with a -18 handicap looks reasonable at 10/11.
Sunday 9th March – Warrington Wolves vs Wakefield Trinity – 1pm – Halliwell Jones Stadium
Form guide
Warrington are back in action at the formerly-named Luke Littler Stadium this week, determined to bounce back from their Vegas mauling.
As for Wakefield, they’ve proved they can compete in their return to Super League, but it’s been back-to-back defeats for them after an opening day win over Leeds Rhinos.
Team news
Warrington’s team shouldn’t look too different from last weekend’s loss to Wigan, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Stefan Ratchford come into the team, possibly in place of Oli Leyland.
Wakefield are also unlikely to make mass changes, but Matty Russell could come into contention for a place on the wing, especially after Lachlan Walmsley and Tom Johnstone both had off days last week.
Our prediction – Warrington Wolves 12-14 Wakefield Trinity
This could be one of the boldest predictions I ever make and I could be left with a lot of egg on my face, but I can see the Wire having a Vegas hangover. Nine times out of 10 I would be backing them in this fixture, but I have a very sneaky suspicion that Trinity will nick this.
Betting tips
Again, it’s just outright markets at the moment with the squads not named yet, but if you do agree with my crazy theory, then Wakefield are 9/2 for an upset win.
