St Helens vs Castleford Tigers Predictions: Scully backs Saints to maul Tigers

After the international break, Betfred Super League returns this week - and next up for title hopefuls St Helens is Castleford Tigers at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday night (20:00, live on Sky Sports).

Club legend Paul Sculthorpe also returns with his weekly column, reflecting on England's win over France before sharing his St Helens vs Castleford Tigers predictions.

Last week's international break saw England travel to Toulouse and, as expected, thrash France 40-8 in a one-sided affair.

Head coach Shaun Wane didn’t make the trip after undergoing ankle surgery, with assistant coach Andy Last taking the reigns in his absence.

I can imagine Waney stamping about his house after watching his team go 8-0 down after 19 minutes. He did get on the blower, though, to have his say after the poor start.

It was Saints star Jack Welsby that got England back into the game just a couple of minutes later, scoring the first of a brace of tries. Ash Handley crossed for a quickfire double too, before fellow winger Tom Johnstone scored England's fourth in 10 minutes.

The French defence looked completely disinterested in the second half and England rubbed salt in the wounds.

Stand-in boss Lasty did admit there needs to be big improvements before the Autumn International Series against Samoa. Story of our game in the UK at the moment….

Anyway, Betfred Super League now returns with the old enemy Wigan top of the table by two points, with a game in hand, while Saints sit joint-second with Hull KR.

Next up for Paul Wellens and Co. is the 10th-placed Castleford Tigers at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday.

St Helens vs Castleford Tigers Odds

This has got to be a ruthless performance - and I don’t just mean the scoreline. There has to be ruthlessness with the ball and in defence, especially on the edges where some of the recent performances have been frankly dreadful. Let’s get back to that honest, quick, aggressive but smart line speed and make the Tigers not want the ball.

The attack needs more threat from the half-backs, who make defensive lines accountable. But again, let’s get back to what Saints have always done best… playing fast in numbers with bodies in motion and pass the ball when on. We have one of the best running hookers in the game - let’s give him something the play on the back of.

I’m hoping to see all of the above and a convincing victory by 27 points or more.

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