St Helens vs Huddersfield Giants Prediction: Sculthorpe backs Saints in tough clash

Saints legend Paul Sculthorpe previews the champions’ Betfred Super League clash with Huddersfield Giants at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday 13 August (17:00).

I think it’s fair to say that I, like many of the Saints faithful, was a bit concerned as the lads went into the break 15-2 down at the AJ Bell Stadium on Sunday.

However, it was a much-improved second-half performance from Paul Wellens’ men, who eventually ran out 18-15 winners over Salford Red Devils.

It was a valiant effort from the Saints, showing that grit and determination of champions.

With a number of first choice players missing, now including fan-favourite Konrad Hurrell and the in-form Will Hopoate who is again struggling with his hamstring, it was testament to the youngsters to come in and get the two points.

Wello again singled out 19-year-old prop George Delaney for special praise after another solid performance. The youngster reminds me of a young Matty Lees. He has very little self-preservation and seems to thrive off the physicality of Betfred Super League!

Next up for us is Huddersfield Giants in the rearranged fixture due to the World Club Challenge trip at the beginning of the year. The Giants come into this game on the back of four straight wins, including victories over league leaders Catalan and Hull FC.

It has been a pretty dismal year for Ian Watson, whose side are still sitting in 10th place despite recent form. Saints will certainly need a big performance at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

This comes only 24 hours after the Betfred Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, where we see a new-look final between the Leigh Leopards and the Robins of Hull KR.

Who’d have predicted these two teams at the beginning of the season! But that is the magic of the Cup – and personally, I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead in this game.

On form so far this season, I have got to go for the Leopards to win the game. They have been a revelation this year, not only in the Betfred Challenge Cup but also in Super League where they sit joint second.

Hull KR have had mixed results this year, but they sit 6^th in the table and look favourable to make the play-offs.

As we know, Cup rugby is all about that sole 80 minutes and anything can happen – but I’m going to stick to form and say that Leigh will lift the iconic trophy for only the third time in their history. Their last final was 52 years ago!

I’m going for the Leopards to win by 13 points or more at Wembley.

Finally, back to the big game on Sunday, when Paul Wellens’ team have the opportunity to go level on points with second and third-placed Leigh and Wigan… but it won’t be easy.

I’m going for a home win by eight or more as the Saints charge for that top spot builds momentum!