Castleford Tigers vs St Helens Prediction: Sailor-inspired Saints to regain top spot

St Helens made a record-breaking start to the 2025 Betfred Super League season and will be looking for more joy at Castleford on Saturday night (20:00, live on Sky Sports +).

Saints legend and Betfred ambassador Paul Sculthorpe discusses the club's opening fixture before sharing his Castleford Tigers vs St Helens predictions.

As I said on the BBC at halftime on Saturday, you can only play what’s in front of you - and despite a clearly young and inexperienced Salford side, Saints turned in a performance.

A one-sided result was always going to be on the cards when the Red Devils made it clear that virtually no first-choice players would be taking part, but I'm not sure anyone expected a Super League record of 82-0.

I’ll be honest, it wasn’t a good look for our game. Round one of the 2025 Betfred Super League and a game set to be a fierce encounter turned into a farce. It was the first game of the season shown live on terrestrial TV, too.

Paul Rowley stepped up to the BBC cameras post-match and did well to hide his frustration at the situation. Knowing Rowls like I do, this is not the way he wanted his season to start.

I’ve got to pay credit to the young Red Devils though. They never gave in and tried hard, but were completely out of their depth against a Saints side almost at full strength.

Thankfully, Salford's takeover is now complete so they will be allowed to field their first-team against Leeds on Saturday.

The host were on a hiding to nothing last weekend, expected to run away with the result - but despite the opposition I thought it was a highly-professional 80 minutes.

Players don’t enjoy games like that and take no pleasure in racking up such a score, but they showed some great cohesion in the opening fixture.

A lot of the talk was about Tristan Sailor - and rightly so. The new star signing crossed for four tries and had a hand in many more. Yes, opposition will get far more testing, but blistering pace and skill always shines through.

Head coach Paul Wellens was full of praise for the stand-off and his contribution to his new team. Wello said all the right things, admitting not a lot can be learnt from the game.

Some have been asking why he didn’t also field a younger side and save some of the more senior players for this week. I fully back his decision - his job is coaching Saints and preparing them for the season. I'm sure that run out will aid the tough trip to Castleford this Saturday.

The Tigers will no doubt be buoyant, albeit frustrated after their golden-point loss to Hull KR in the season opener. They'll be looking for another big performance back at the Jungle.

My old GB teammate Danny McGuire has made some shrewd signings in the off-season and will no doubt be passing on some of the traits that made him one of Super League's best players.

I’m feeling confident Saints can make it two from two this weekend with a win by 15 or more to go back to the top of the table.

After Saturday's showcase, Tristian Sailor to cross for the first try also appeals.

Click the link for all the latest Rugby League Odds

Find more Rugby League Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights