Warrington Wolves vs Castleford Tigers Prediction: Walker to star in Wire victory

Warrington are one of just two teams with 100 per cent Betfred Super League records in 2026, and Sam Burgess will expect his side to chalk up another win when struggling Castleford come to the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday afternoon (15:00, live on BBC Two).

Wire have won three from three and are firm favourites to extend that run against a Tigers side with just one win from four this term. Our rugby league guru George Riley shares his Warrington Wolves vs Castleford Tigers predictions, complete with the latest match odds and team news.

Warrington Wolves vs Castleford Tigers Odds

Team News

Warrington eased comfortably past part-timers Goole last weekend to book their place in the Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-finals, and that 78-10 win successfully covered our huge first-half handicap tip of -27.5.

Burgess was able to rotate his squad too, and will be back to full strength for this weekend's visit of the Tigers who bowed out of the Cup themselves last week against St Helens.

One negative for the Wolves was the loss of powerful forward Tof Sipley who left the field and reappeared on the bench in a bad way. The former NRL star managed to pick up two separate injuries in the game - to his knee and calf, and could miss two months.

Star young full-back Cai Taylor-Wray is again absent with his hamstring injury, but Josh Thewlis excelled in his absence, flourishing in the free role in attack rather than being stuck on the wing.

And speaking of wingers, England international Matty Ashton will finally return this week. He has been champing at the bit already - telling me in round one he was fit and available. But Burgess has been very cautious and held Ashton back. Also returning this week after a rest against Goole are the likes of Mark Sneyd, Toby King, Sam Stone, Ben Currie and Luke Yates.

Dropping out are the other Thewlis brother Jake, who started on Ashton's left wing last weekend, and forward James Bentley who didn't have his most imposing game, while youngsters Ben Hartill and Ewan Smith also make way.

Castleford named Semi Valemei last week but he did not make the matchday 17. Valemei is again in this week's 21-man squad and has a better chance of playing given the absence of Krystian Mapapalangi through concussion protocols.

There is no Chris Atkin after his move to rivals Bradford, so the two men to come in are hooker Aidan Doolay and half-back Jenson Windley.

Handicap 3-way Alternative 1: Warrington Wolves -16 @ 4/7

Warrington should again prove tough to beat this week, having enjoyed a very beneficial start to the year. Not only were they playing Championship side Goole while Cas were locking horns with St Helens, but they have also played a Super League game fewer than their rivals thanks to Hull KR's involvement in the World Club Challenge.

So this is a fresh Warrington side on a nice little winning run with yet another home fixture too. The handicap with Betfred is 22 points which tells you everything you need to know about the expected destination of the points in this one.

I fully expect another Wire win - they look a much more resilient and stable unit since the arrival of former Catalans boss Steve McNamara to the coaching staff.

I don't think Cas can live with Warrington in this one, although I am a little hesitant with the handicap. I feel the Tigers are a better side than a glance at the Super League table will tell you - despite three defeats from four their points difference is only -14 which is the best outside of the top six.

So I'm going to be a little more cautious here and take a Wire win from a -16 start.

Danny Walker anytime tryscorer @ 7/2

I'm going to take a bit of a punt on my second selection because I was impressed by his performance last week. Hooker Danny Walker produced a lively outing in the Cup and was rewarded with a try - he is 7/2 to cross again this week which represents great value.

If you are more risk-averse then you can pretty much bank on Warrington's outside backs. Josh Smith and Josh Thewlis have been consistent scorers, both grabbed a couple last weekend and both are 4/6 for an anytime try this week.

Ashton is the same price to mark his long-awaited return from an ACL injury with a score, while for Castleford the most likely threat comes from wingers Jason Qareqare and Mikaele Ravalawa - both 6/4 with Betfred.

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