Warrington Wolves vs St. Helens Predictions: Scully is backing the Saints

St Helens travel to face Warrington Wolves at The Haliwell Jones Stadium in the Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-finals on Sunday (14:30, BBC Two). The hosts have had the better of this fixture in recent years but the Saints will be eager to flip the script in hostile territory.

Paul Sculthorpe, a man who played for both teams during his playing days, gives his thoughts ahead of this captivating contest.

What a game we are set for this coming Sunday, as we head to the Halliwell Jones Stadium to face Wire for the second time in two weeks.

This time it’s do or die, as the two sides battle it out for a place in the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Both teams come into this game on the back of big wins. Saints got a seven-year monkey off their back by recording their first win over the Catalans Dragons in the South of France since 2018.

Warrington pipped an enthusiastic Leeds Rhinos by 16-14. Both Wire and St Helens are now joint-third  in  Betfred Super League, on eight points alongside current champions Wigan.

Warrington Wolves vs St. Helens Odds

Both clubs have had their share of early season wobbles, and despite recent wins, I know there is huge improvement in both sides. However, I think this fixture is one that brings out the best in both. Head coaches Paul Wellens and Sam Burgess will be emphasising to their players the importance of the next 80 minutes.

So, what wins it? Well in these games, it always starts with a war of attrition- both forward packs trying to get on top of their opponents. For me, I think the Saints have the edge here.

As I said in previous columns this season, the forwards have done their bit week in week out, both offensively and defensively. Where we at Saints have struggled is turning that pressure into points.

Some of that is  down to poor execution, or at times the lack of organisation and leadership. This includes last tackle plays -  and average kick selections.

This is where Wire have the advantage- in Mark Sneyd, who made his debut in the recent 14-12 win over Saints, and in George Williams, the hosts have two of the best organisers and kickers in the comp.

Saints must win the ruck and put these two under serious pressure all afternoon.

Both teams have players who can win games. Matt Dufty and Matty Ashton are the Wolves main strike, while Saints will be looking for the in-form Mark Percival and Jack Welsby to cause the opposing defence hell.

I’ve got into the Saints halves the last few weeks, and justifiably, I think. However, this weekend against the Dragons, both Jonny Lomax and Tristan Sailor came up with some clutch plays to get their side the win.

Sailor scored both of Saints' tries within the opening eight minutes of the game, while Lomax had a real captain's knock…twice!

Rugby League Odds

With the scores tied at 12-12 after 72 minutes, Jonny put the visitors in front with a drop goal. A minute later this was cancelled out by Catalans Luke Keary.

Then six minutes later, the Saints skipper again coolly slotted it straight between the posts despite the barrage of defenders which meant the  Saints returned over the Channel with a massive two points.

You have to give credit to both teams for their endeavours in such horrendous conditions. A 60 mph wind throughout the game was always going to challenge the skill levels of both teams, but it certainly made for an exciting contest. This was something shared by Wello and his Catalans counterpart Steve McNamara.

Back to the Challenge Cup ties...and the title sponsors Betfred have the current league leaders Hull KR as favourites to lift the iconic trophy at Wembley. The Robins, who face City rivals Hull FC in the quarter finals are 5/2, with Saints 7/2, Wolves 4/1, Dragons 13/2, with Leigh amongst them at 7/1.

St Helens -4.5 handicap @ 17/10

I’m expecting another great battle in Warrington on Sunday, and am going to say Saints to win with a -4.5 handicap, which is priced at 17/10 at Betfred.

Finally, with movements already on the NRL/SL conveyor belt for 2026, which sees Saints hero Morgan Knowles heading to Queensland to join the Dolphins, it has been rumoured that Canberra legend Josh Papali'i could be heading the opposite way, and to the TWS. He has certainly been one of the NRL’s outstanding props over the past decade, chalking up over 300 games for the Raiders.

Remarkably still only 32 years old, Papali'i could be a great addition to a fairly young Saints pack, bringing a wealth of experience and inspiration. Watch this space!

Find more Rugby League Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights