Barrie McDermott and Terry O'Connor give 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 - 106

TERRY - 106

Hull FC v Wigan: 7.30pm, Thursday, Sky Sports 3

Terry says: I thought Hull last week showed a lot of steel in their match against Hull KR. They were winning by four points at half-time, but they'd lost two players in Leon Price and Gareth Ellis. To go on and play in a derby game with two subs down for the next forty minutes shows what Lee Radford's got. What they proved that day is that they can defend as well as score tries.

Richard Whiting is an incredibly dependable player, and in Jordan Abdull they have a player who's got more skill than most players in Super League. I'm sure that Radford will be confident with the replacements of the two injured players.

However when you play against Wigan you have to look at what they've got in the bank as well. Last week against Widnes the Warriors were clinical. They scored a try in the first set of six so they started well and they finished well too. Sean O’Loughlin and John Bateman both had good games and I'm expecting the same this week.

I love the forward battles in these games but for me the best head-to-head on show will be Joe Burgess up against Tom Lineham. Both are leaving their respective clubs next year and will be looking to get one over the other on Thursday.

Prediction: Despite home advantage I can't see Hull FC taking this one. Still I think it will be reasonably close, so I've gone for a Wigan victory by 8 points.

Barrie says: You could look at these games in Round 23 and say there isn’t a lot to play for, but that isn’t the case. The thing about our game that we’re most proud of is our innovation. This is uncharted waters for everybody; the Super 8s is like a mix between the play-offs and a cup competition.

It has been really exciting and there have been lots to play for. Quite a bit of it was settled in the previous round and for a lot of teams this weekend it’ll be about performance. Every team wants to build some momentum heading into the Super 8s or the qualifiers.

I don’t think Wigan have been that inspiring over the past month. One of the things they’ve been really good at is scoring points - we talk about the strength of their defence but they’ve been clinical at the other end, with Joe Burgess leading the scoring charts - but over the last month they’ve averaged only 21 points per game.

Wigan beat Widnes last weekend, although they scored a contentious try early on - but it’s a good side that wins when they’re not playing well. However, Shaun Wane is more of a realist and he’ll know there’s things they need to fix ahead of the Super 8s.

Hull FC secured their place in the top eight last weekend with a fantastic win at their noisy neighbours. However, victory came at a cost. Leon Pryce and Gareth Ellis both picked up injuries, with the latter ruled out for the rest of the season. Their experience will be missed at the KC Stadium and a lot of responsibility will fall on the likes of Mark Minichiello, Marc Sneyd and in-form prop Liam Watts.

Prediction:  Even though Hull are at home I can’t see them having enough to trouble a very determined Wigan team. I think the Warriors will win by a margin of 12 points.

St Helens v Hull KR: 7.30pm, Friday, Sky Sports 3

Terry says: Hull KR quite frankly need a miracle to progress to the Top 8, so I think they need to look at the bigger picture. Yes, they blew a few opportunities to win games this year but every team will look back on the season and identify fixtures they should have won. The big picture for them is what they've done this season with virtually a brand new team.

They've had some cruel injuries and lost some key individuals but they've played a fantastic brand of rugby this season. After the Hull derby last week I heard some fans chatting about the game and they seemed happy with the season overall, and I believe they are right to. The side will grow from strength-to-strength from here - let's not forget they are in the Challenge Cup semi-final - and it's great to see the fans behind their team.

Saints have something in their DNA that helps them beat teams even when they look down and out. The passion they have is infectious and reverberates through the club. After their disappointing loss to Leeds they bounced back with two games in a row where they won in the dying minutes. That shows you the kind of team Hull KR will be dealing with on Friday.

There are a few youngsters in the Hull KR side and that could mean the game will go one of two ways; either the relative inexperience could be an issue, or they will come out firing to prove their worth and gain a place in the semi-final next week.

Prediction: They're down a few players, with James Roby rested and Jon Wilkin out injured, which could keep it interesting, but I’m still going with a Saints victory by 18 points.

Barrie says: Saints picked up a morale-boosting victory at Warrington last week thanks to a sensational last-gasp score from Jordan Turner. They’ve got that inner strength and belief that Saints have been renowned for down through the years, and that helped them to victory at the Wolves.

The players in the Saints’ engine room are playing very well, such as Alex Walmsley and Mark Flanagan, the latter making 52 tackles and 17 carries.

Last weekend’s defeat to Hull FC showed why Hull KR need Terry Campese. Albert Kelly is a fabulous individual player who inspires his team, but he has been rested for the trip to Langtree Park. With Kelly rested it’s an opportunity for Dane Chisholm to prove his worth.

The Australian has only signed until the end of the year, but squad depth during the Super 8s will be vital, so Chris Chester will be hoping for good things from him.

James Roby is also missing out. The Saints hooker has been rested which isn't ideal but they have the personnel to fill the void left by him.

Prediction: This is a tough game for the Robins. Their opponents are still in with a chance of claiming top spot and I think Saints will win by 12 points.

Huddersfield v Wakefield

Terry: Huddersfield by 8
Barrie: Huddersfield by 26

Leeds v Catalans Dragons

Terry: Leeds by 16
Barrie: Leeds by 12

Widnes v Salford 

Terry: Widnes by 10
Barrie: Widnes by 16

Castleford v Warrington 

Terry: Warrington by 10
Barrie: Castleford by 6

Join Barrie and Terry for a special evening to say farewell to Kevin Sinfield MBE and Jamie Peacock. Click here for details