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Round 9 Preview

5 hrs

Rivals Round brought all the drama and now we move on to Round 9 of the Betfred Super League where we're almost a third of the way through the 2025 season!

Games are coming thick and fast – and it's just one round to go until the eagerly anticipated Magic WKND and its return to St. James’ Park, Newcastle!

But first, here's a breakdown of the six Super League fixtures coming your way this weekend…

Almost a third of the way through the regular season ?@Betfred #SuperLeague Round 9 coming your way this weekend ? pic.twitter.com/saqslVyyEJ
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 22, 2025

Thursday 24 April

Warrington Wolves v St Helens (20.00) – live on Sky Sports

Warrington will meet with St Helens once more in 2025 – with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats in Rivals Round.

They've already met on three occasions this year - in both league and cup - with the Wolves coming out on top both times.

Sam Burgess' men won the reverse Super League fixture at the Totally Wicked Stadium 14-12 before knocking Saints out of the Challenge Cup 20-12 - will they complete the trilogy?

As the league hots up, both sides will be aiming to climb the league ladder and ensure they are right up there in the top six mix.

James Harrison returns after missing last week's game against Leigh, replacing Oli Leyland in the 21. George Williams (ankle) and Arron Lindop (jaw) remain unavailable.

Paul Wellens makes just a single change to the Saints squad that was declared for the Rivals Round match against Wigan, with Joe Batchelor coming out of the side whilst young outside back Owen Dagnall steps in.

The final act of the trilogy tomorrow night ?

Wire v Saints. Blockbuster Rugby League ? pic.twitter.com/hrVEAmOjER
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) April 23, 2025

Friday 25 April

Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR (20.00) – live on Sky Sports

Arguably one of the standout ties of the round, a high-flying Hull KR will make the trip down the M62 to face Leeds at AMT Headingley.

Both have the confidence and momentum heading into this one following their strong wins in Rivals Round, and Leeds have the chance to move within two points of the table topping Robins.

Hull KR will be determined to keep their place at the top, however - especially with Wigan, Leigh, Hull FC, Saints and Friday's opponents Leeds hot on their heels.

Mikolaj Oledzki returns to the Rhinos squad following his one game suspension and is set to make 150th Super League appearance. Young star Presley Cassell is once again included in the 21 and could be set for his debut.

Hull KR have three changes to their 21-man squad, with Tom Davies missing out this week due to the injury picked up in last week's Hull Derby, and Joe Burgess sitting out due to failing his HIA last week.

The final change is Harvey Horne, with the young winger now being out on loan.

This means Lee Kershaw, Bill Leyland and Zach Fishwick all come into the extended squad.

? at AMT Headingley on Friday night!

Join us on the road ? https://t.co/6mY6tBAPLq #UpTheRobins??? pic.twitter.com/PvlKY5VoCI
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) April 22, 2025

Saturday 26 April

Huddersfield Giants v Castleford Tigers (15.00) – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

It’s a clash between two sides rooted to the bottom end of the Super League table.

Can Huddersfield finally bank their first win of the 2025 season? Or will Cas claim their second?

It’s Huddersfield who have won their last five home meetings with Castleford, although a spirited Tigers did come excruciatingly close to victory in Rivals Round, but were denied by a last-minute Trinity drop goal.

The Giants welcome back Adam Swift, Zac Woolford, Matty English and Kieran Rush to their 21-player squad.

Meanwhile, the Tigers' new recruit Tom Amone could make his debut for the club and is named in the squad for the first time.

? All eyes on Saturday#Since1895 pic.twitter.com/HqPzGuvp70
— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) April 23, 2025

Catalans Dragons v Wakefield Trinity (17.30) – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

The Dragons are back in action at Stade Gilbert Brutus and are looking to make it three wins on the spin when they welcome Wakefield Trinity.

Catalans have won their last 13 meetings with Wakefield – and Trinity haven't come away victors in the south of France since February 2018.

Both picked up wins in Rivals Round, but who will take the two points in Round 9?

Steve McNamara will be delighted to see Elliot Whitehead and Nick Cotric set to return from injury. They replace Clément Martin and Léo Darrélatour.

Salford Red Devils v Leigh Leopards (17.30) – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

It’s a local rivalry renewed between Salford and Leigh on Saturday, as they meet for the first time since the Play-Off Eliminators.

The Leopards have won the last three meetings against the Red Devils, but will they make it four?

Adrian Lam could hand a debut to new recruit Joe Ofahengaue on Saturday afternoon. However, star full-back David Armstrong will be a big miss for the Leopards.

Back home in Round 9! ?

?? ???? ??, Leigh Leopards (H) - https://t.co/2nWslBAa9w pic.twitter.com/KPNsP13g8w
— Salford Red Devils ? (@SalfordDevils) April 22, 2025

Sunday 27 April

Hull FC v Wigan Warriors (15.00) – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

There’s a huge tie to conclude Round 9 on Sunday as Hull FC host Wigan Warriors at the MKM Stadium.

The Warriors have already paid a visit to West Hull in Round 2 this year – coming away confident 4-46 victors.

They most recently met in the Betfred Challenge Cup, however, when the Black & Whites pulled off a dramatic victory at The Brick Community Stadium and knocked the current holders out of the competition at the Round 4 stage.

Matt Peet’s men will no doubt be out for revenge when they revisit Hull FC in Round 9, but we've already seen what John Cartwright's men are made of in 2025...

Who's ready for a Sunday Super League cracker?