Barrie McDermott’s Tremendous League storylines and predictions: Hull KR to maintain rising as Wigan Warriors come to city

Sky Sports activities Rugby League’s Barrie McDermott takes us by the largest storylines and his massive predictions for spherical seven of the Tremendous League season…

On Thursday night time, I assumed Leeds had been strong with out being spectacular however the take dwelling after I was leaving the match was James McDonnell and the way in which he carried out.

As we all know, Leeds signed Kallum Watkins again and all of the speak is about the place he’ll play and what kind of position he could have, and the way influential he shall be within the surroundings.

He’s a winner and he was there in that golden era interval so he is aware of what profitable appears like and he is aware of what it takes to get to that time and he is aware of what it takes to remain there.

Nonetheless, what it does is it creates actually wholesome competitors within the squad and that’s in all probability evident in the way in which McDonnell performed. He is aware of he has received to be on prime type and James Bentley is identical, Morgan Gannon is identical.

It’s that surroundings that brings out the perfect in folks and it weeds out the worst as a result of if they cannot stand that competitors they have a tendency to not be in it for too lengthy.

It was good indicators for Leeds however finally, Salford and the state of affairs they’re in, it’s now only a disgrace. We have now mentioned this earlier than, however it actually must be sorted sooner slightly than later.

Hull KR vs Wigan Warriors – Friday April 11 (Sky Sports activities Motion, 7.30pm)

It’s the recreation of the spherical on Friday night time as Hull KR tackle Wigan in a Grand Ultimate replay from 2024. KR are coming in off the again off a really spectacular derby efficiency in what might have been a tough fixture towards Hull FC within the Problem Cup.

They got here out with immense credit score and I feel we’ll be taught much more about Hull KR and their mentality and their perspective on this one.

Wigan had been massive winners of their final match towards Salford however the final month or so has not been nice for Wigan, they’re having a little bit of a wobble. Each nice crew could have a wobble sooner or later within the season – will this recreation be the purpose the place Wigan begin to get their season again on monitor within the hardest of circumstances?

It’s all the time an amazing ambiance at Hull KR and Wigan are after a morale-boosting win. However, the momentum that the Robins have gotten means it’s a particular 50-50 recreation.

Mikey Lewis not being obtainable for Hull KR too, his absence would weaken any facet. However, Jez Litten was excellent final week and it reveals the standard of the crew Willie Peters has received at his fingertips when probably the greatest gamers within the league can go off and it nonetheless does not cease how harmful they’re.

It could possibly be a few factors both approach that secures the win.

Barrie’s prediction: Hull KR win.

St Helens vs Wakefield Trinity – Friday April 11 (Sky Sports activities+, 8pm)

This can be a difficult one to try to predict. St Helens are in an actual rut in the intervening time. Even when they’re profitable, you get the impression that it’s not sufficient to make the camp and spectators cool down and be pleased.

They’re additionally lacking a few gamers from HIAs final week so they’re very a lot down on numbers.

Wakefield are a extremely difficult opposition, they may give anyone a recreation on their day. Daryl Powell has introduced a facet that’s within the picture of him – throw the ball round, ask questions, then be stoic in defence.

This can be a difficult one for Saints however I really feel like they must win so I’m going to again them.

Barrie’s prediction: St Helens win by 7 factors.

Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC – Saturday April 12 (Sky Sports activities+, 5.30pm)

Warrington received themselves within the bag for the Problem Cup and they’re simply gathering momentum. George Williams got here up with the decisive play of the match however the mentality to remain within the grind, keep within the distance and actually try to outwork their opposition is beginning to bear fruit.

They’ve some elegant gamers, could have confidence, and can sit up for this recreation.

Hull FC underneath John Cartwright are all collectively a distinct prospect however they had been overwhelmed final week within the Problem Cup. It was an event that reminded them they nonetheless have plenty of work to do.

I feel they’re an excellent facet, however not adequate to go to Warrington and win.

Barrie’s prediction: Warrington by 8 factors.

Castleford Tigers vs Leigh Leopards – Saturday April 12 (Sky Sports activities+, 8pm)

This can be a easy one. If Leigh flip up with the best perspective they’ll get the win and get some factors whereas they’re doing it.

However Castleford Tigers have to enhance, they must get higher, they’ve to begin understanding what it takes to win a recreation.

For Danny McGuire, you possibly can see how pissed off he’s each time he speaks about his facet. He speaks about what they do within the week and the way that’s not mirrored on a matchday. That reveals the frustration he’s feeling as a result of that could be a man who is aware of learn how to win and is aware of what it’s all about. He’s making an attempt to get the perfect out of his crew.

Barrie’s prediction: Leigh win by 12 factors.

Huddersfield Giants vs Catalans Dragons – Sunday April 13 (Sky Sports activities+, 3pm)

There’s a lot being mentioned about Catalans and Toulouse and a French presence in our recreation. I’m all the time in favour of Catalans Dragons, you’ve got to make it work, we’ve received to help them as finest we are able to.

There are different components off-field which are taken under consideration however by way of on-field – they’ve been in Grand Finals and have a Problem Cup win. You can not query what Steve McNamara and his crew have finished over the past decade.

This recreation towards the Giants, they must hold doing their stuff on the sphere to quieten down what’s going on off the sphere.

It appears like it’s simply getting harder, and harder, and harder for Luke Robinson’s crew.

Barrie’s prediction: Catalans win by 12 factors.

Sky Sports activities will once more present each recreation of the Tremendous League reside this season – together with two matches in every spherical solely reside, with the remaining 4 matches every week proven on Sky Sports activities+