Super League: Barrie and Terry are back with their predictions

The boys are back and ready to 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...

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

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.

Let battle commence!

Widnes v Wigan, Thurs, 8pm, Sky Sports 2HD

Barrie says: Widnes have been developing at a really steady pace over the last few years and finished very strong at the end of last season. They will really miss Jon Clarke on the field but they have been smart in retaining him to look after the strength and conditioning side of things.

His role is more than just getting their bodies ready; he will get their minds ready as well. I expect Widnes to really put a marker down this season and show that they are not looking to be one of those mid-table teams; I think they will look to first of all get into the Super eight and then to really give that competition a shake-up at the end of the year.

Wigan, after the trauma of losing the Grand Final, would have been thinking of this game for a long time. I think in their minds it would not matter who they were playing, they just want to get out there and get back to winning ways and eradicate the ghosts of that Grand Final.

I think there is a lot of pressure on Wigan this season. They have lost a few players like Blake Green who has gone back to Australia, but they have give young George Williams the No 6 shirt and are doing what they have always done which is invest into their own system and show faith in those players who have come through.

Prediction: Wigan to win by eight points.

Terry says: All I can say is that I now am a world-record holder – not sure if Baz can claim to be that...unless he’s been eating a lot of pies. Okay I may be one of 3400 people who broke the record for most people exercising to a fitness video, but there is a real buzz around Widnes at the moment. Widnes have got some great signings with the likes of Gil Dudson, Aaron Heremaia and Manase Manuokafoa. There is a really strong unity in the team too and everyone knows what they have to do this season.

Against Wigan, Widnes know exactly what they have to do - especially in that first 10 minutes when they know what is coming. They have to weather the storm; they know they are going to get battered in the first 10 minutes but the Vikings forwards are ready for that and it is what comes after that really counts.

Matty Smith is a key player for Wigan and it will be interesting to see how they go. They were beaten by St Helens and by Leigh Centurions in the pre-season friendlies. Wigan have always started slow but by the end of the season they are always challenging for the Challenge Cup and for the Grand Final. This year is different, though, and they have to hit the ground running.

Prediction: I am going for a shock win here, I think that playing on the iPitch is a real advantage for Widnes. I think there is something special here and I think that Widnes will win by eight points.

St Helens v Catalans, Fri, 8pm, Sky Sports 1HD

Barrie says: St Helens had a magical season last year with a real fairytale end for a club who battled with a huge injury list and off-the-field distractions, including Nathan Brown announcing that he was going back to Australia. It is now down to Keiron Cunningham to guide Saints into this new era. He has a statue outside Langtree Park for what he did for Saints on the field and now he has to show what he can do in a coaching role.

Saints have the two former Penrith half-backs in Luke Walsh and Travis Burns and I am really excited to see what Burns does with all the talent he has at his disposal; I think he is going to have a ball and we will see the best out of Burns. St Helens won’t have it all their own way, though – we have had some amazing Saints v Catalans game and I am hoping this will be another one of those.

Remi Casty is back for Catalans from Sydney Roosters and he will really lift the team. They also have the very exciting and unpredictable Todd Carney. He has his demons and his critics but if you judge him on his rugby league alone then he is one of the best in the game. I think he will bring a lot to this Catalans side. They were good at home but scratchy away and will need to improve on that.

Prediction: I think St Helens will win this one by 12 points.

Terry says: I tipped Saints last year as the Grand Final winners and they did me proud. This year they look strong as well despite losing the likes of Iosia Soliola who is a huge loss for them. Last year they had key injuries which really  affected them and they will be hoping to keep their key players fit for most of the season.

Travis Burns is a great signing and I think he will really relish playing in this Saints set-up. Catalans Dragons look powerful this season. They have signed Todd Carney and Willie Tonga and Remi Casty returns. Everyone is going to be looking at Carney, he is a genius and I urge everyone to watch him if you can. I think this is going to be a fabulous game and I think we are all in for a treat.

Prediction: Todd Carney really raises the stakes for Catalans but I think home advantage will count in St Helens' favour and they will win by 10 points.

Rest of Round 1 fixtures: 

Warrington v Salford
Barrie: Warr by 6
Terry: Warr by 20

Huddersfield v Hull
Barrie: Hudds by 12
Terry: Hudds by 16

Hull KR v Leeds
Barrie: Leeds by 10
Terry: Leeds by 18

Castleford v Wigan
Barrie: Cas by 4
Terry: Cas by 10