Unfortunately, because the matches over the Easter period come so quickly I don't have the time to do full match previews for this round. These should return, all being well - time permitting, in time for Round 13 on Friday morning.
Apart from Huddersfield v Salford, the 6 remaining fixtures of this round will take place on Easter Monday. The aforementioned match will take place on Tuesday, due to the fact Huddersfield Town are playing at home on Easter Monday and the Galpharm is unavailable for the Giants.
Catalan v Bradford;
Catalan are probably the most inform team at the moment in Super League, having won 4 matches on the bounce, two of them being against Warrington and Wigan. Bradford will be feeling disappointed with their overall performance in their match against Leeds last week, having started the match well, the took their foot off the gas and ended up losing the match, that they could have easily won, especially if they'd have got some important refereeing decisions, which could have changed the match completely. I think Bradford will bring Catalan back down to earth in this match, they'll be looking for the victory and Catalan could be a little complacent. However, the quick turn around in matches and the travelling could take it's toll on Bradford, but I'm going to stick with them for the victory.
Hull KR v Harlequins;
Both sides will be looking to get back on track after losing their respective derbies against Hull FC and Catalan. Harlequins were probably the better side out of the two, in their matches last week, but it really is anyone's game. With Michael Dobson back for the Robins I'd side with them. Hull KR to win.
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats v Wigan Warriors;
Both sides clawed victory back at the end of their derby matches on Good Friday, against Castleford and St Helens respectively. However, neither team put in a full performance as they both went behind early on, but both came back to win. Wakefield will take a lot of confidence out of their match and will go into the Wigan match hoping for the win, however, I think it'll be reigning champions Wigan who take the two points home.
Warrington Wolves v Hull FC;
Warrington thrashed Salford 60-0 on Friday and Hull FC beat their inner city rivals Hull KR by 36 points to 18. Both will be wanting the victory and I doubt there'll be any let up in form from either team. Warrington went off the boil a little a few weeks back but are definitely back in contention for silverware this season, even though it's still early days. Hull's form is in and out but I sense that the victory over Hull KR will spur them on to play well continuously. I'll go for the Warrington win as they're the better side out of the two. I doubt the score line will be as massive as the past couple of weeks for them though!
Leeds Rhinos v Crusaders RL;
Leeds took the spoils against Bradford in a thrilling game at Odsal on Thursday night, however, their performance was far from brilliant. They started the game slowing conceding two early tries and it didn't really look like they were interested in the game at all. They still came away with the win, whether the deserved it or not. Crusaders pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the round when they beat - well thrashed - (my team) Huddersfield Giants. Crusaders were always the better side in the match and it looked more like they were top of the league and not Huddersfield. Although Crusaders will take a lot out of that match I doubt they'll be good enough to beat the Rhinos who are to play Danny McGuire for the first time this season after his "rugby-god's karma" caused knee injury last season. Leeds to win this match.
St Helens v Castleford Tigers;
Both sides suffered late defeats in their matches last week and both scuppered the chance to go top of the league after Huddersfield had lost earlier in the day. Liam Farrell scored for Wigan in the dying seconds, breaking St Helens' hearts, whereas Castleford had more time to find a try to beat Wakefield but Wakey's defence was too strong and they held on to win. Both sides will be gutted at their losses, but probably quite disappointed with their overall performances and both will want to win this match. I really can't split the two teams, I think the whole result will dependent on how well each side begins the match. I'll go for St Helens win.
Huddersfield Giants v Salford City Reds;
It's fair to say that both sides were humiliated on Good Friday, it wasn't so good for either of them. Salford were thrashed 60-0 by in-form Warrington, and Huddersfield were also comprehensively beat 32-6 by basement side Crusaders. Neither will be happy about their performances and will be wanting to win this game and get back on the horse. It will be very much back to basics for both sides who shouldn't be playing anything fancy, and just go back to the basic ways of playing rugby league. I've tried to be as unbiased and indifferent as possible however, I'm going for the Huddersfield win. Otherwise I'll be very upset.
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