St Helens vs Leeds Rhinos Predictions: Saints to keep marching on

After a week off due to the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-finals, focus now switches back to the Betfred Super League - and next up for St Helens is a home clash with Leeds Rhinos on Friday (20:00).

Saints legend Paul Sculthorpe is, as always, on-hand with his St Helens vs Leeds Rhinos predictions.

No prizes for guessing where this week's column starts - of course with the news that Tommy Makinson is leaving St Helens at the end of the season.

It's been widely reported that he and his family will be moving to the south of France to join Catalans Dragons for the start of the 2025 season.

Saints chairman Eamonn McManus paid tribute to Tommy, who is currently in his 14th season wearing the famous Red V. Eamonn said Tommy has been ‘front and centre’ of some of Saints' greatest moments during his career and he fully respects his decision to move on and experience a new life with his family.

Tommy has played 325 first grade games since his debut back in 2011, after coming through the Saints Academy. During that time, he's scored 199 tries and 1343 points - and he'll no doubt be looking to add to that when we host Leeds Rhinos on Friday evening.

Anyone who has followed this column over the years will know I'm a huge Makinson fan. For me, he's undoubtedly the best winger of the modern Betfred Super League era.

Everyone is aware of his outstanding acrobatic abilities of scoring tries in the corner, but that is only 20% of what he brings to his team. What has always been forefront in my admiration and respect for Tommy is his sheer work rate and determination to perform for the team.

His back-field carries, frequently beating the first defenders and putting his teammates on the front foot, are the best in the division and his ability to simultaneously use his pace, power and footwork to get his nose through defensive lines has been a pleasure to watch.

I join Mr Chairman, and no doubt all of the Saints faithful, in wishing Tommy the very best of luck in his next chapter. But before then, there's another Super League trophy to win - and there's no doubt he’ll fight with everything he’s got to achieve it.

The next step on that journey is Friday's clash with Leeds at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

I think a refreshed Saints, in front of the adoring fans, will have far too much for an inconsistent opponent. I’m going for a comfortable home win by 17 points or more.

Finally, how great was it to see Saints women book another visit to Wembley to face the Rhinos in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup final after demolishing York Valkyrie 32-2!

They made history last year by becoming the first women’s rugby league side to win at the national stadium and will be looking to retain the trophy for the fourth year running.