Warrington Wolves vs Catalans Dragons Prediction: Makinson can’t stop the Wire

After edging out Huddersfield Giants in round one, Warrington Wolves bid to make it two wins from two at the start of the Betfred Super League season when they host a wounded Catalans Dragons on Friday night at the temporarily-renamed Luke Littler Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT, Sky Sports Action).

The Wolves are dedicating their home opener to the world darts champion, a lifelong Warrington fan, who will lead the team out and parade his trophy at half-time. Below are my Warrington Wolves vs Catalans Dragons predictions, plus full team news and match odds.

Warrington Wolves vs Catalans Dragons Odds

The Wolves are understandably big favourites to win this one and continue their positive start to the season. Their 2/9 odds for the win mean the handicap markets might be the place to go for the greater value, and they are 5/6 to overturn a 13.5-point start in the straight 2-way, with Catalans 10/11 to win it with the advantage.

The Dragons are 18/5 to win in 80 minutes, implying a 21.7% probability of an away triumph, while the draw is 18/1.

Matty Ashton is the favourite in the tryscoring markets, with 4/6 available for him to cross at any time and 5/1 about the winger being the first over the try line.

Team News

The Wolves have been boosted by the return to the squad of second rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon after a long lay-off since shoulder surgery which ended his 2024 season.

His inclusion in place of centre Rodrick Tai is the only change to the initial 21-man squad named by head coach Sam Burgess.

The Dragons make one change too, as Steve McNamara names Matthieu Laguerre in place of Romain Navarette.

Sam Tomkins remains sidelined, with Arthur Mourgue likely to deputise at full-back once more.

Handicap 3-way Warrington -14 @ 21/20

The first few weeks of a season are traditionally a nightmare to predict, with teams at different stages of their pre-season fitness and/or skill development, and a host of new players looking to bed in to their surroundings.

Warrington were one of the teams who did what we expected of them in this column last week, while the Dragons were the complete opposite and stank the place out at home to unknown-quantity Hull FC.

I'll admit to being a bit alarmed as to how clunky the Dragons were. I didn't see that coming at all, but full credit to Hull, who were far better than I anticipated.

I've seen enough to be confident of a home win this weekend, and the margin of it will depend a lot on the start. When the Wolves get off to a flyer in front of their home crowd they are almost impossible to reel in.

I'm backing a two- to three-try Warrington win this weekend, with the 48.8% implied probability of the 21/20 odds not putting me off in the slightest.

Rugby League Odds

Tommy Makinson anytime tryscorer @ 2/1

We have a couple of special 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 our Double Delight boost which doubles the odds of any winning first tryscorer bet if he goes on to score again.

Last week I backed new signing Tommy Makinson to score against Hull FC but he was one of many Catalans stars who endured a tough start the season, as their new-look team failed to click in a surprise home defeat.

I spoke to a frustrated Makinson this week and he is sure things will start to gel for the Dragons soon. He told me it was a tough loss to take but the team will get there. I don't expect that to be this weekend, but the brilliant Makinson never goes on too long a dry run, and given his anytime odds have gone from 1/1 to 2/1 between these two fixtures I am happy enough to stick with Tommy to return at the Halliwell Jones - sorry, Luke Litter Stadium - this weekend.

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