Super League 2026 – Round 12 preview, predictions and tips
There’s never a quiet week in RL is there? Catalans Dragons have a new coach, Wigan have rested almost their entire first team and practically written off the first game of the round, while Leigh and Bradford have been announced for Vegas next year.
And as I write this, it’s only Wednesday afternoon, so who knows what’s still to come? Anyway, Vegas can wait for now, but here’s a closer look at this weekend’s runners and riders…
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 20th May 2026.
Thursday 21st May – Hull KR vs Wigan Warriors
Form guide
The Robins are firing after a slow start to the year, and they’ve won six straight in Super League. Last week they saw off Leigh in a 20-16 victory which sees them sitting in 4th.
Wigan have bounced back from a poor run of form to win their last two in Super League. They beat Leeds 24-4 last week to cement their spot in the top six.
Team news
Three changes for Hull KR this week with Arthur Mourgue, Joe Burgess and Jack Charles all dropping out. Jordan Dezaria, Harvey Horne and Ryan Hampshire replace them.
Wigan have named a hugely under-strength squad with Wembley in mind next week. Nine players could make their debuts this week, while Zach Eckersley, Junior Nsemba, Patrick Mago, Jack Farrimond, Sam Eseh and Tom Forber are the only first teamers in the 21-man-squad.
My prediction – Hull KR 58-10 Wigan Warriors
There’s no getting away from the fact Wigan have effectively thrown in the towel before kick-off with their squad selection. If they beat the Robins at Wembley next week then it’ll quickly be forgotten, but for now I’m expecting their kids to get a hammering this week.
Betting tips
After Wigan’s squad announcement, all markets have gone for this game. If they open nearer the time, I’ll back Tom Davies and Peta Hiku for anytime tries, but I don’t expect much value at all.
Friday 22nd May – Leigh Leopards vs Hull FC
Form guide
The Leopards saw a three-game winning run come to an end with defeat against Hull KR last week. They sit 7th – four points off the play-off places.
Hull FC have lost four of their last five games, including back-to-back defeats against newly-promoted Toulouse and Bradford in the past two weeks. They’re down in 9th.
Team news
Leigh are likely to name the same 17 who faced Hull KR last weekend. Tesi Niu was injured in the warm-up ahead of that one, and he drops out this week.
Hull FC have made five changes to their squad from last week’s defeat at Bradford. Yusuf Aydin starts a six-game ban, while Lewis Martin, Amir Bourouh, Ligi Sao, and Brad Fash drop out through injury. In their places come Herman Ese’ese, Joe Phillips, Hugo Salabio, Ben Johnson, and Lennon Clark.
My prediction – Leigh Leopards 22-6 Hull FC
I fancy the Leopards in this one. The Black and Whites are missing 15 players, and although Leigh also have a few absentees, I still think they look stronger overall.
Betting tips
I’m backing Josh Charnley and Umyla Hanley for anytime tries when the market opens for this one.
Friday 22nd May – Leeds Rhinos vs Huddersfield Giants
Form guide
The Rhinos suffered a disappointing 24-4 loss to Wigan last week, which has seen them drop to 2nd. They’d won five in a row heading into that game though.
After showing some signs of life a few weeks ago, the Giants have lost their last four in a row to slip to rock bottom. They did at least put in a spirited second half display against St Helens last week before falling short in a 26-18 loss.
Team news
Lachlan Miller misses out for Leeds through suspension, while Tom Holroyd misses out through injury. Youngsters Jacob Hardy and Zak Lloyd come into the squad this week.
Huddersfield have Adam Swift, Taane Milne, Asher O’Donnell and Jack Billington all missing from last week’s squad. Sam Hewitt, Kieran Rush and Connor Carr all return this week.
My prediction – Leeds Rhinos 38-12 Huddersfield Giants
Leeds will fancy their chances of a convincing win here against a struggling Giants side. I don’t expect the Rhinos to have too many problems in this one.
Betting tips
I’m happy to back Leeds with a -22 handicap at 10/11. I’ll get on Maika Sivo for an anytime try as well when the market opens, but don’t expect great odds.
Saturday 23rd May – Castleford Tigers vs St Helens
Form guide
Castleford picked up a much-needed 24-18 win at York last week for just their fourth victory of the season. They’re 11th heading into this weekend.
Saints bounced back from their Challenge Cup exit with a 26-18 win over Huddersfield last weekend. That victory saw them go top at the expense of Leeds.
Team news
Squads haven’t been announced yet, but Castleford will definitely be without George Hirst. The prop picked up a two-game ban earlier this week.
St Helens coach Paul Rowley confirmed that Saints will have Mark Percival available again this week after injury.
My prediction – Castleford Tigers 12-30 St Helens
Saints should win this one relatively comfortably. Cas have struggled in most games this year, and Saints bounced back well last week. This is one they’d expect to win.
Betting tips
Again, the handicap market looks fine here with St Helens at -10 and 10/11. I’ll back Lewis Murphy for an anytime try as well when the market opens.
Saturday 23rd May – Toulouse Olympique vs Wakefield Trinity
Form guide
Toulouse put up a good fight against Warrington last time out, but fell short in a 24-18 home loss. They remain 13th heading into this weekend.
Wakefield put on a clinic in the second half last week to destroy Catalans Dragons, 58-10. They sit 5th in the table.
Team news
Again, squads haven’t been named yet. Henry O’Kane avoided a ban at the disciplinary this week, so he’s available for Toulouse.
No news out of Wakefield so far, but Caius Faatili will be hoping to start this week after his second half hat-trick against the Dragons last week.
My prediction – Toulouse Olympique 10-24 Wakefield Trinity
I’d be surprised if Wakefield don’t win this. Toulouse have put in some good performances recently and will cause Trinity a few problems, but the away side will be eyeing a win here if they’re serious about pushin for a top four spot.
Betting tips
After his exploits last week, I’m backing Caius Faatili for an anytime try again when the market opens. I’ll also back Jake Trueman for the same, as the handicap of -14 could be a bit touch and go.
Saturday 23rd May – York Knights vs Catalans Dragons
Form guide
The Knights were very unlucky in losing 24-18 to Castleford last week, but it was ultimately a seventh defeat in their last eight games. They’re down in 12th ahead of this one.
Catalans, meanwhile, have fallen off a cliff in recent weeks. Their 58-10 hammering by Wakefield last time out was their third straight loss, and they’ve conceded 137 points in the process. They’re 8th heading into this game.
Team news
It’s too early for official squad news, but York will definitely be without Jesse Dee, who failed his HIA last week. Justin Sangare is a doubt too after suffering a head knock in the same game.
No news out of Catalans Dragons so far. Four players faced the disciplinary this week, but all escaped without a ban.
My prediction – York Knights 12-18 Catalans Dragons
I wouldn’t be too surprised if the Knights win this, but I expect Catalans to bounce back at some point, and with a new coach named this week, now’s the perfect time to start.
Betting tips
I’m backing Catalans at 10/11 in the half-time/full-time market. I’ll also get on Tommy Makinson for an anytime try when the market opens.
Sunday 24th May – Warrington Wolves vs Bradford Bulls
Form guide
Warrington’s 24-16 win over Toulouse last weekend made it three straight wins in Super League. They remain 3rd, just two points off top spot.
Bradford had an impressive 16-14 win over Hull FC last time out. It followed a run of five straight losses, and has them sitting in 10th.
Team news
Warrington coach Sam Burgess has confirmed that Joe Philbin will be missing again this week. Sam Stone is expected to return though.
Bradford will be without Ethan Ryan this week after the winger failed his HIA against Hull FC.
My prediction – Warrington Wolves 36-14 Bradford Bulls
Warrington should win this one without too much fuss, especially with the Bulls still missing a number of players.
Betting tips
Warrington should be ok with a -20 handicap at 10/11. I’ll back Josh Smith for an anytime try when the market opens as well.
