Super League: Barrie McDermott and Terry O'Connor are back with their predictions

The boys tear into each other once more as they go head-to-head with their Super League predictions.

On the pitch, Barrie McDermott and Terry O'Connor liked nothing better than tearing into the opposition.

They may have hung up their boots but that competitive streak still runs strong and we have found a way to channel their energies.

Each week they will give their predictions for the Super League games; they will score one point for a win and if they both pick the winner, then the pundit with the closest score gets an extra point.

Last year, McDermott pipped O'Connor to the title, and although Terry demanded a recount, he finally conceded that Barrie was the rightful winner.

Let battle commence!

Current standings

BARRIE - 81

TERRY - 83

Castleford Tigers v St Helens: 7.30pm, Thurs, Sky Sports 1

Terry says: Both of these sides were involved in derbies last week and that takes it out of you, not just physically but mentally as well. Castleford recorded a huge win at Leeds while St Helens came from behind to defeat Wigan. Jon Wilkin was tremendous for Saints and it shows how dangerous they are when they have a high set completion rate – 85 per cent against Wigan. They scored three tries with the same play and while you've got the likes of Jon Wilkin and Travis Burns, and also the returning Luke Walsh, that looks really dangerous for Cas.

Cas have won three games on the bounce and started really well in all of those. They went 18-0 up inside 16 minutes at Leeds and I’m looking to seeing how they play against Saints. Andy Lynch and Alex Walmsley were standout performers for their sides last week. Justin Carney, the Tank on the Flank, could be against Matty Dawson. It’s a huge plus for the Tigers to have Carney back, especially at home.

Prediction: It’s all about the start to this game. If Cas come flying out of the blocks again they could go on and win, but Saints are top of the table and I’m backing them to win by eight points.

Barrie says: I was so impressed with both of these teams last week and I think this game will be a great one. Cas started very strong against Leeds and it was that start that helped them get the result in the end – Leeds put so much energy into levelling it all up which meant that Cas were in a position to really kick on. They have some fantastic players who are in really good form – I look at the front row of Andy Lynch, Adam Milner and Grant Millington who are on fire; as a front row they are good as anyone. The match-up between them and Alex Walmsley, James Roby and Kyle Amor is going to be a real collision of the big men.

Prediction: The history of this game goes in favour of St Helens who have won the last five, but Cas are beginning to build some momentum. If they can defend like they did last weekend and take their chances like they did last weekend then they are in with a shout here. I just feel that Saints will not let them get off to their usual flying start and I expect Saints to win by eight points.

Hull KR v Warrington Wolves: 7.30pm, Fri, Sky Sports 1

Terry says: This is a must-win game for both sides. Hull KR are chasing a top-eight spot while Warrington are eyeing the top four. The Wolves have won nine and lost nine of their 18 games and that’s not good enough. They were guilty of another poor start against Huddersfield, letting the ball bounce out of play from the kick-off. Warrington are an incredible side but there are 10 or 15-minute periods during games where they seem to switch off. They’re very inconsistent and that will frustrate Tony Smith. They've got so many quality players. People were concerned when Micky Higham left but Brad Dwyer has brought so much energy and enthusiasm.

Hull KR picked up a gutsy win against Widnes. They had to tough it out and their tries came on the back of penalties conceded by Widnes. The loss of Terry Campese for the rest of the season is a huge blow but when they’re in the mood they some very dangerous players. Albert Kelly is one of those. Most players have flaws in their game but Kelly’s strength in when he has the ball in his hands. His weakness is when he’s forced to make a decision in defence.

Chris Hill has been getting the plaudits for Warrington. He was the only player to make over 100 metres against Huddersfield – he made 142 metres from 20 carries.

Prediction: It’s a big game for both sides but I think Warrington will take this one by 10 points.

Barrie says: Hull KR have had some really bad news this week with the loss of Terry Campese to that knee injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season. He has been one of their top performers. Whenever him and Albert Kelly have played in the half-backs they have looked like they can beat anyone. It is a real blow to their chances of making it into the top eight.

Warrington are just so unpredictable at the moment. One week they can turn up and be as good as anyone; the week after they can let a lead slip through their fingers – as they did last weekend against Huddersfield. Warrington may look at their playing roster and think they have got the stronger one, however I think at home Hull KR are a totally different prospect.

Prediction: Hull KR may have key players missing I think they will go into this game and give it a go. I am going for a home win by 10 points.

Catalans v Wakefield: 5pm, Sat, Sky Sports 1

Terry says: Catalans beat Hull last week but they missed 45 tackles – there were times in that game where Hull threw the kitchen sink at them though. They also made 17 errors in the game but they still got the win and their home record is highly impressive. Wigan, Saints, Warrington and Huddersfield have been beaten at the Stade Gilbert Brutus; Leeds are the only team to win in the south of France this season.

When you see those teams that have come a cropper in Perpignan, I think its mission impossible for Wakefield. Their losing streak continued against Salford last weekend. They suffered a 40-6 defeat in this fixture last season, and lost 40-4 at home to the Dragons in April. They've lost the likes of Dean Collis and Lopini Paea. Brian Smith will have had more time with them and have gotten to know the strength and weaknesses of the players, but I don’t think he can change as much as is required within a week. They’ll be spirited, rugby league players always are, but it’s just really difficult for them.

Prediction: Like James Webster said, they need to concentrate on the Middle 8s, because I just can’t see them getting a win in France. Catalans by 16.

Barrie says:  Catalans may have won against Hull FC last weekend but they really need to be better than that. Hull FC should not have lost that game but they conspired in their own downfall and just did not take their chances. Catalans did take them, but they were really sloppy and need to tighten up this weekend. I think they are lucky that they have Wakefield, who have not won since round 2, to get some of the basics right.

Wakefield are in an awful place – they did manage to score some points against Salford but they also need to do better for their own mental well-being for the Middle 8’s.

Prediction: I am going for a big win for Catalans – a win by 22 points

Wigan v Salford

Terry: Wigan by 12

Barrie:  Wigan by 12

Leeds v Hull FC

Terry: Leeds by 8

Barrie: Leeds by 14

Widnes v Huddersfield

Terry: Huddersfield by 8

Barrie: Huddersfield by 12