Leigh Leopards vs St Helens Predictions: Saints to end regular season with a win

The Betfred Super League regular season concludes this week - and St Helens, whose playoff place is all but confirmed, face a visit to Leigh Sports Village on Friday night (20:00).

In the latest instalment of his weekly column, Saints legend Paul Sculthorpe gives his Leigh Leopards vs St Helens prediction - and forecasts the final six.

We're all set for a fascinating finale to the Betfred Super League regular season.

The six playoff places are still to be decided as we enter the final round of this headline-grabbing campaign.

Saints climbed to fifth in the table and all but secured their place in the knockout stage with a much-improved performance against the Castleford Tigers - more on that in a moment.

Fourth and a home quarter-final is still possible if we beat Leigh at the Sports Village on Friday and our arch rivals Wigan do us a favour and triumph over the Red Devils of Salford.

The latter sit two points ahead Saints in fourth, but with a far inferior points difference. Wigan will obviously be going full throttle to confirm the League Leaders' Shield, so it's well within the realm of possibility.

Anyway, back to that 40-4 mauling of the Tigers.

It was no surprise to see more strike on attack with the likes of Mark Percival, Daryl Clark, a fully-fit Jack Welsby and the outstanding Morgan Knowles returning to the 17.

As disappointing and frustrating as this season has been, the stars might just be aligning for Wello at the business end of the season. With only Konrad Hurrell and Curtis Sironen still missing, last Friday could signal the start of a big few weeks.

Let’s be honest, despite some indifferent displays this season there remains a lot of big-game experience in this Saints squad - players who know what it takes to win big games.

One of those is Tommy Makinson, who I admire greatly. On Friday, he potentially bids farewell to the Totally Wicked Stadium before joining Catalans Dragons in 2025. There would be nobody more deserving to bow out at a Grand Final.

Special mention also to Jon Bennison, who crossed for his first ever hat-trick at the club. All three needed finishing, but unsurprisingly all came through great service from his centre partner Mark Percival who looks like he means business.

So, prediction time for the final round.

I fancy Wigan to wrap up the Shield by beating Salford, while Hull KR - consistently the best team in the Betfred Super League this season - will have far too much for Leeds. That secures the top two, who will enjoy a week off.

Warrington, who can’t really go anywhere but third, can beat London Broncos in what could sadly be their last game in the top-flight.

Saints are taken to build on Friday's win and tame the Leopards to confirm fourth place. Betfred have set the handicap at -2, which is available at 21/20. That looks good to me.

Finally, Catalans should sneak into sixth as they face an out-of-sorts Hull FC. If the latter manage to upset the odds, this would send Leigh to the playoffs. So many permutations!

If my predictions come true, the top six after Saturday would be: Wigan, Hull KR, Warrington, Saints, Salford and then Catalans.

Then, all roads lead to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 12. Wigan are 10/11 favourites with Betfred followed by Hull KR (5/2), Warrington (9/2), St Helens (10/1), Leigh (28/1), Salford (28/1), Catalans (80/1) and Leeds (100/1).

Click the link for all the latest Rugby League Odds

Find more Rugby League Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights