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Round 26 Preview

13 Sep 2024

The penultimate round of the Betfred Super League is here, but only three Play-Off spots have been confirmed so far…

It’s a must-win game for the five teams fighting tooth and nail to seal their place in the top six, as well as Wigan Warriors and Hull KR who are competing for the League Leaders’ Shield.

What can we expect in Round 26?

The penultimate round before the Betfred #SuperLeague Play-Offs is here and there is a lot to play for! ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/iINIjgwaVl
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 10, 2024

Friday 13 September

Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos – live on Sky Sports

Wigan are back in action at The Brick Community Stadium on Friday night, where they will take on a rejuvenated Rhinos outfit, exclusively on Sky Sports.

The teams will be facing each other in quick succession, having played each other just five rounds ago.

The Warriors can already feel one hand on the League Leaders’ Shield but know it’s a must-win game on Friday if they are to go on and achieve this for a second year running.

The Rhinos, who sit outside the top six on only points difference, also know a victory would keep their Play-Off hopes alive heading into the final round.

Brad Arthur’s men have impressively resurged in recent weeks and have won five out of their last seven matches – including their emphatic 30-4 home win against the Warriors last month.

Matt Peet has named an unchanged Wigan squad ahead of Friday night’s clash against Leeds.

Meanwhile, the Rhinos have been dealt a huge blow and will be without full back Lachie Miller. Miller has been ruled out for at least two weeks with a hamstring strain suffered in last Friday's win over Hull FC at AMT Headingley, so Mickael Goudemand returns to the 21-man squad.

The boys were back on the field today ahead of Friday's trip to Wigan pic.twitter.com/EPwRYydJWM
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) September 10, 2024

St Helens v Castleford Tigers – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Castleford will travel to the Totally Wicked Stadium in Round 26 – a place where they cooked up a historic surprise back in Round 16, impressively beating the Saints 6-8.

The hosts have had a uncharacteristic drop in form heading into the business end of the season and have won just three of their last eleven matches.

Paul Wellens’ men will undoubtedly feel the pressure as the season draws to a close, for they find themselves hanging on to sixth spot by a thread.

The Tigers have nothing to lose, so we could see another gritty encounter unfold at the Totally Wicked as they look to cause trouble for their opposition…

Paul Wellens makes five changes to his St Helens side, and it is a big boost to see five of their senior players possibly available for selection. Tommy Makinson returns after serving a two-match suspension returns into Wellens’ 21-man squad, as do Mark Percival, Lewis Dodd, Daryl Clark and James Bell from their respective injuries.

Leigh Leopards v Hull KR – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Friday’s third game has also massive Play-Off permutations, and it’s set to be a blood and thunder battle.

The Leopards, who have gone from outsiders to firm favourites of a top six finish, will host second place Hull KR, a side who are desperately chasing their first League Leaders’ Shield.

The Robins have defeated Leigh twice in 2024 – 12-0 in Super League, and 26-14 in the Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter-Final. This time, however, they have to travel to the Leigh Sports Village for the first time this year, where the Leopards haven’t lost since April.

Adrian Lam has named an unchanged Leopards squad, who hope to continue their fine form.

Then, there's just one change to KR's squad with Jai Whitbread missing out due to a one-match penalty notice, and George King coming in.

Tuesday work ???#UpTheRobins ??? pic.twitter.com/SciqSFDyyN
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) September 10, 2024

Saturday 14 September

Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves – live on Sky Sports

A top two finish could still be in sight for Warrington Wolves, as they make the trip to West Yorkshire to face Huddersfield Giants.

The Wolves sit just two points behind Hull KR in the Super League table and could still finish second if other results go their way.

They will be boosted by their victory over Saints last Saturday, while the Giants will look to make it back-to-back wins at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Chris Hill and Harry Rushton both missing through injury, so Jack Billington and Darius Carter both come back into the squad for the Giants.

Sam Burgess is boosted by the return of influencial full-back Matt Dufty and England international James Harrison.

Unstoppable ?? pic.twitter.com/dfarErrin7
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) September 8, 2024

Hull FC v Salford Red Devils – live on BBC Two, Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Fourth placed Salford are back on the BBC and will be looking to take the two points from a struggling Hull FC.

A win for the Red Devils and losses or draws for Saints or Leeds would confirm Salford’s place in the Play-Offs for 2024. Either way, Paul Rowley’s men cannot rely on this alone, and must ensure they keep winning if they are to book their place in the Play-Offs.

Simon Grix has made four changes to the FC squad that Davy Litten, Ed Chamberlain, Leon Ruan and Ryan Westerman come into the side. The quartet replace Ligi Sao (ankle), Tom Briscoe (illness) and Sam Eseh, while Jed Cartwright misses out through suspension.

Paul Rowley in opposition makes two changes as Loghan Lewis and Ben Hellewell both return. Meanwhile, Sam Stone and Amir Bourouh drop out, with the former struggling with an injury which forced him off early into last Saturday’s contest.

? A dominant performance from the Reds at the MKM in 2023...

Some classy tries amongst this lot - just try and pick a favourite! ?
— Salford Red Devils ? (@SalfordDevils) September 11, 2024

Catalans Dragons v London Broncos – live on BBC iPlayer Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Round 26 will then conclude with Catalans v London - a game also to be shown by the BBC. It’s a crucial game for the Dragons, who slipped to eighth place in Round 25 and are two points behind Leeds in seventh.

It’s an alarming time for last year’s Grand Finalists, who need a win to keep their Play-Off aspirations intact. They will be hoping a home crowd can inspire them to victory, while London will be looking to make life difficult for the Dragons - continuing to cause upsets when and where they can.

Chris Satae and Jordan Abdull both return for the Dragons. Franck Maria and Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet are the two players who drop out of Steve McNamara's side.

Mike Eccles' Broncos side will be unchanged from the one which gave the Giants a tough afternoon last weekend.