Wakefield Trinity vs Hull KR Prediction: Johnstone try not enough against rampant Robins

After stunning Leeds Rhinos in their own backyard on their Betfred Super League return last weekend, Wakefield Trinity bid to make it two from two on Thursday as they welcome Grand Finalists Hull KR to the DIY Kitchens Stadium (Kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Both sides enjoyed success in round one, with the Robins edging out Castleford Tigers in golden point in what proved as unpredictable an opening round as the competition has seen for years. Here are my Wakefield Trinity vs Hull KR predictions, along with full team news and match odds.

Wakefield Trinity vs Hull KR Odds

Despite their impressive win at AMT Headingley last week, Trinity are the 16/5 underdogs on Thursday, with the implied 23.8% probability belying Wakefield's success rate in this fixture down the years. The home side have won 10 of the 17 contests at Belle Vue in Super League, and 17 of 34 in total in the summer era.

Rovers won all three meetings in 2023 though, with Wakey going on to be relegated from the top flight, and Willie Peters' side are 1/4 to retain that hold over the hosts. The draw in 80 minutes is available at 20/1, with KR's exploits against Castleford last week having fallen into that category just 24 hours on from Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards doing similar.

On the standard handicap, Rovers are giving up a 10.5-point start, with Wakefield 4/5 to win with that edge and the visitors 20/21 to overcome the disadvantage.

Team News

Wakefield boss Daryl Powell makes three changes to his squad after their 14-12 win at Leeds. Isaac Shaw, Jayden Myers and Cain Staveley-Carr are all added to the squad for Trinity's first home game of the season.

The changes are forced, with Ky Rodwell picking up a hamstring injury before the game against the Rhinos, and hooker Liam Hood sustaining an ankle problem during the game. Winger Matty Russell is the other man to drop out with what Powell describes as “bumps and bruises”.

Myers returns from a four-game ban, with Wakefield still missing Cam Scott, Josh Griffin, Renouf Atoni and Seth Nikotemo.

Rovers came through their narrow win over Castleford relatively unscathed, with Peters naming the same 21-man squad again this week. Sam Luckley, Jack Broadbent and Bill Leyland are the trio who missed out against the Tigers, with Jack Brown having been the unused 18th player, and the KR coach could make similar decisions again at Belle Vue.

Handicap 2-way Hull KR -10.5 @ 20/21

The round-one results were chaotic, and although we had Hull KR to be too strong for the Tigers at home, few would have predicted they would need golden point to scrape through. Likewise all the early-season optimism at Headingley was swiftly nipped in the bud by Wakefield's shock win, reminding me why I do everything possible to avoid backing the Rhinos!

Those two results set this week's game up perfectly in front of what is expected to be a very boisterous atmosphere for Wakefield's first home game back in the top flight. Hull KR's near miss will give Powell and Wakefield a huge incentive and belief that in these early rounds every team is there for the taking.

Make no mistake, Wakefield's win at Leeds was thoroughly deserved and if they produce a similar intensity here and get a decent start, then there is a chance for them.

I feel, however, that the Robins will be stronger for last week's scare and I expect them to travel well. With an early score to quieten the crowd this could be a more comfortable evening than some are predicting.

I'm fancying another Rovers win here, but it could be tight against the handicap.

Rugby League Odds

Tom Johnstone anytime try scorer @ 5/4

Betfred have a couple of appetising offers for you this week, a free £5 in-play bet for all bets of £10 or more (odds 1/2+) on any Super League game on Thursday or Friday, to use on Saturday's games, and also the Double Delight boost which doubles the odds of any winning first tryscorer bet if he goes on to score again.

My tip this week is England winger Tom Johnstone, who plays his first home game back at Wakefield since his return to the club from Catalans Dragons.

The prolific Johnstone was off target in the win at Leeds but is a huge threat out wide and a try during 80 minutes at home is a bet I would expect to come in for a player who has scored 133 tries in 171 appearances for club and country. The 5/4 odds imply a 44.4% probability, but I consider that on the generous side.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.