Hull FC vs St Helens Prediction: Scully backing Saints to extend winning streak

After their Betfred Challenge Cup demolition of Catalans Dragons, St Helens turn their attention back on Betfred Super League matters on Thursday night, as they travel to MKM Stadium to face Hull FC (20:00 BST, live on Sky Sports +).

Saints legend Paul Sculthorpe discusses the club's recent form and provides his Hull FC vs St Helens predictions.

It can always be difficult for a team the following week after such an emotional high, like a cup final win, or an unthinkable Good Friday comeback!

Well, Paul Rowley and his players clearly managed the week well, following that epic Easter fight back over Wigan.

It was so important they did that, going into knock out football as they faced the Catalan Dragons in the quarter-finals of the Betfred Challenge Cup.

These are must win games, and ultimately that’s all that matters in a cup game. But I’m sure Rowls is delighted in the manner of the performance too.

In a completely different atmosphere to that of the derby, basically because the Dragons don’t bring any fans, it can be challenging for the players to not drop their standards, energy and focus.

It was Saints who got the scoreboard moving. Joe Shorrocks was hit after the pass after four minutes, which Tristan Sailor duly slotted over for a 2-0 lead.

Next, it was smart vision and reaction from Daryl Clark following a scruffy play the ball that lead to Lewis Murphy crossing in the corner.

Clarky then came up with a very unconventional kick, which landed perfect in the arms of the chasing Sailor, to score under the posts. He converted his own try, and Saints 12-0 up after 20 minutes and looking well on their way to be in the bag for the semi-final draw.

A further Sailor penalty, followed by a Jake Davies converted try, both on the back of some destructive running by the big man Alex Walmsley.

Great to see big Al back out there after a number of weeks out with a foot injury. He certainly looked hungry to play, and there’s no doubt his teammates will benefit from that time off in the weeks to come.

It was 20-0 at the break, and it was yet more misery for the French side who had announced in the week that their head coach Joel Tomkins had left his role with immediate effect.

It took 11 minutes of the second half for the home side to continue where they left off at the break. Hastings and Sailor combined to feed Owen Dagnall, who stepped inside the Dragons defence to score.

Although 24-0 up, Matt Whitley showed they meant business on defence too. Working hard on the inside push, he nearly cut their star full back Charlie Staines in half with a huge shot!

A Jackson Hastings chip-kick at the line was taken by George Whitby who put the home side 30-0 up with just 14 minutes to play. Game over.

Disappointingly, with only six minutes to go, hoping to keep the opposition at zero, some poor Saints right-edge defence saw Solomona Faataape cross for Catalans first and only points of the game.

Whitby scored the final try and conversion of the game following a calamity of errors from a Hastings bomb, and it was Saints who cruised into the semi-finals of the Betfred Challenge Cup and only 80 minutes away from Wembley on May 30.

That 80 minutes will be no doubt another sell-out ding dong against arch rivals Wigan, who Saints were drawn out to face during the Warriors' quarter-final win over Wakefield on Sunday.

Warrington and Hull KR make up the other two sides vying to make it to the capital.

This week, it’s back to the domestic Betfred Super League, and Saints will travel to another club who have completely lost the plot, Hull FC.

The Black and Whites last week announced that they would be parting ways with their head coach John Cartwright at the end of 2026, a decision out of the blue that left him feeling ‘betrayed and disrespected’.

I know John personally, and he is a very well respected guy in the sport, and this is not the way you go about treating someone of his standing. Also to do this mid-season, maybe further shows why this club continues to be hugely unsuccessful.

They have also taken Leeds out-of-favour centre Harry Newman too, on a week's loan to face Saints on Thursday. Says it all. The Hull FC vs St Helens Odds are currently as follows: 11/5 Hull, 2/5 Saints and the draw is 16/1.

I’m tipping Saints to continue their winning run, by 6-10 points.

Super League Double Delight

Pre-match single on First Tryscorer market in selected games in 2026 Super League season. Paid in cash upon market settlement. 80 mins only. T&Cs Apply.

Sports Welcome Offer

New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.

Click the link for all the latest Rugby League Odds

Find more Rugby League Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights