Super 8s predictions with Barrie McDermott and Terry O'Connor

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.

Terry has pipped Barrie to the post with his predictions for the regular season of Super League but the overall crown is still up for grabs as we head into the Super 8s and Qualifiers.

Let battle commence!

Results after 23 round of regular Super League season: 

TERRY - 115

BARRIE - 112

Super 8s and Qualifiers

TERRY - 0

BARRIE - 0

Wigan v Huddersfield: 7.30pm, Thursday, Sky Sports 1

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Terry says: In Wigan and Huddersfield you have two teams with real aspirations. Huddersfield have performed well this season and with Wigan are one of the best defensive sides out there. Danny Brough gets all the plaudits for them but Ukuma Ta’ai and Craig Huby have been two stand out players for them. For Wigan, well you would have to say that there stand out player is Michael McIlorum – love him or hate him you have to say he is one tough cookie!  At this stage of the season you need all the toughness you can get and I think Wigan could take some stopping here.

Prediction: I think Wigan will kick off the Super 8’s with a 12 point win.

Barrie says: Both of these two teams will have used the week off to look and assess where they are and where they need to be. These are two sides that finished their regular campaign in fine form and that should provide them with plenty of confidence going into the ‘business’ end of the season. Wigan go into the Super 8s having won their last three matches – and four of the last five, losing only in front of the SKY cameras at Warrington. Although Huddersfield are in fourth on merit we will see their true credentials in this tough trip to the Warriors 

Prediction: Wigan to win by 10 points

Leeds v Warrington: 7.30pm, Friday, Sky Sports 3

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Terry says: Leeds have been the best side of the last 23 rounds and their big name players have proved once again that they can perform on the big stage. They are in the Challenge Cup final and are on the hunt for a Grand Final place too. They have lost Jamie Jones-Buchanan for six to nine months which is a bitter blow. I think that there is a bit of sentiment surrounding Leeds this year – with a lot of players leaving it is a bit like the end of an era. They are up against a side who are the only team to have done the double over Leeds this year. Warrington are a team that as soon as you write them off, they prove you wrong. They always raise their game against the best sides and there is something about playing against Leeds that always gives them a lift.

Prediction: I just think that this game is all about Leeds and I am going for a Rhinos win by 10 points.

Barrie says: Warrington’s loss to Hull KR in the Challenge Cup semi-final was a bit of an upset and the Wolves will be looking to make amends this week. Leeds have the perfect storm at the minute with tough but skilful forwards and quick ruthless backs and it will be hard for any team to beat them, however, the only team to do the double on them is in fact the Warrington side who have beaten them home and away.

Prediction: I expect an even contest with home advantage just giving Leeds the edge to win by eight points.

Leigh v Hull KR: 3pm, Saturday, Sky Sports 1

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Terry says: I think Leigh would have been preparing this game since the start of the year. Both of these teams love to just play and if you are a neutral then these are the two teams you want to watch because they love to entertain. Four of the top ten try scorers this season are from Hull KR which is remarkable from a side that have finished outside the Top 8. The question is how much did that Challenge Cup semi-final take out of them last week? I love watching Leigh and I cannot wait to watch this game.

Prediction: I am going for an upset, I just feel a lot was taken out of Hull KR last weekend. Leigh are ready for this game and I am backing them to win by eight points.

Barrie says: What more can be said about the epic performance that the Robins produced last weekend to book a place in the Challenge Cup final.  What it means to the club and Neil Hudgell deserves plenty of accolades for them, time, energy and finance he has put into that club for a long time now without any reward. That being said Leigh have already beaten Salford, Wakefield and ran Warrington very close this year albeit in the Cup. They have a good balance and have only lost two league games all year scoring 106 points in their last two games 

Prediction: Leigh will want a good start to these play offs without any other distractions I think they'll get the Qualifiers off to a dazzling start. Leigh to win by 12. 

Catalans v St Helens: 5pm, Saturday, Sky Sports 3 - Red Button 

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Terry says: Consistency is the key word for Catalans – if they want to make a dent and get into the semi-finals then they have to pick up every point on offer. Saints were beaten in Catalans in early May and have lost a few players to injury. St Helens know that they need to get a win here if they want to put pressure on Wigan and Leeds for the top spot going into the semis.

Prediction: I think Saints will revenge their May loss and will win by 11 points.

Barrie says: The Dragons have had time to rest and hopefully put right some frailties that are the reason for the erratic form this year. These teams have served up some classics over the years I'll never forget the last minute Catalan try and touch line conversion from Scott Dureau in 2012. This assignment could be too early for Saints who have a lot of injuries and lack options in the back row. A lot of responsibility will be on the shoulders of players like Roby, Flanagan and Jordan Turner.

Prediction: St Helens are a bit busted and below strength and I don't think it will be their week. Catalan by 12 points.

Castleford v Hull: 8pm, Friday, Sky Sports Xtra

Terry: Cas by 14
Barrie: Cas by 12

Bradford v Sheffield

Terry: Bradford by 10
Barrie: Bradford by 14

Halifax v Widnes

Terry: Widnes by 18
Barrie: Widnes by 16

Salford v Wakefield: 3pm, Sunday, Sky Sports Xtra

Terry: Salford by eight points
Barrie:  Salford by 12

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