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Round 2 Preview

20 Feb 2025

Round 2 Preview

A record-breaking and history-making Round 1 was certainly one to remember! But what does Round 2 of the 2025 Betfred Super League have in-store?

Thursday 20 February

Wakefield Trinity v Hull KR (20.00) – live on Sky Sports

Super League returns to Wakefield live on Sky Sports this Thursday, as Wakefield Trinity host Hull KR at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, in front of a sold out crowd!

Trinity enjoyed an unbeaten run at home in last year’s Betfred Championship competition, turning their newly looking stadium into a fortress.

But the last time the Robins visited this West Yorkshire city, they came out victorious in a 56-12 win to secure a top four finish on the final day of the 2023 season.

Both teams came away with emphatic wins in Round 1 – Trinity triumphed against local rivals Leeds Rhinos, whilst Mikey Lewis kicked his side to glory with a dramatic drop goal in Golden Point extra time.

Magic Mikey Lewis has scored a try in each of KR's past three meetings with Wakefield, so could be one to watch out for on Thursday night.

And his head coach, Willie Peters, has named a strong and unchanged 21-man squad to travel to their opponents in Round 2.

Daryl Powell, on the other hand, has been forced into some changes for his Trinity side. A hamstring injury to Ky Rodwell before the Leeds game ruled the Australian forward out while Liam Hood picked up an injury in the game at AMT Headingley, which sees the hooker on the sidelines. 

Matty Russell also drops out of the squad for the game this week, and in comes Jayden Myers, Isaac Shaw and youngster Cain Staveley-Carr.

Friday 21 February

Warrington Wolves v Catalans Dragons (20.00) – live on Sky Sports

Expect fireworks when Warrington welcome Catalans on Friday night, as The Halliwell Jones Stadium has been renamed as The Luke Littler Stadium for this huge Round 2 clash.

World Champion Darts sensation and lifelong Wolves fan, Littler, will be the guest of honour on the night as the hosts look to make it two wins from two.

Meanwhile, Steve McNamara will be hoping for an immediate response from his Dragons outfit, who were soundly beaten by Hull FC in Perpignan last Friday.

Sam Burgess has named his Wolves squad for their massive home opener. The side remains unchanged from Round 1, bar one change - with Wire boosted by the return of Lachlan Fitzgibbon from a long-term shoulder injury. The second-rower replaces Rodrick Tai.

Likewise, there’s just one change to Catalans' team, as Matthieu Laguerre comes in for Romain Navarrete.

 Hull FC v Wigan Warriors (20.00) – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Who can forget what happened last time out at the MKM Stadium between these two?! Sitting second from bottom with just two wins under their belt, the Black & Whites managed to pull off a sensational 24-22 win against the 2024 league leaders and will be hoping they can do more of the same on Friday.

The hosts will be in high spirits, with the Warriors reeling from their Round 1 defeat to Leigh Leopards. Therefore, a blood and thunder battle can certainly be promised over in West Hull.

John Cartwright has made four changes to his 21-man squad, with Ed Chamberlain, Will Gardiner, Will Kirby and Will Hutchinson coming into the squad. The quartet replace Zak Hardaker (groin), Amir Bourouh (head), Jed Cartwright (hamstring), and Ryan Westerman.

The current champions' squad remains unchanged.

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Saturday 22 February

Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos (15.00) – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Super League Saturday starts with two teams searching for their first win in 2025 – Salford Red Devils and Leeds Rhinos.

There have been a series of tight encounters between these two sides in recent years, including two 22-16 scorelines last season. But who can up their game in Round 2?

With their takeover now approved and the sustainability cap having been lifted, the Red Devils have named a full-strength squad who will be raring to go for their first home game.

Meanwhile Rhinos hooker Jarrod O'Connor is set to make his return from an injury sustained on Boxing Day.

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Castleford Tigers v St Helens (20.00) – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Fast forward to Saturday evening and Castleford are ready to rumble at the Jungle when St Helens come to the town.

The Tigers haven’t beaten the Saints at home since 2022 at the Jungle, but did come up with spoils on the road at The Totally Wicked last year - pulling off a 6-8 victory.

Will we witness another gutsy affair?

Saints head to West Yorkshire knowing to expect a fiery game a Castleford will be hungry to get their first competitive win of the year in front of their own fans, and build on the terrific efforts they showed last week against Hull KR.

Danny McGuire has named a similar side which includes new loan signing Lee Kershaw. Paul Wellens then makes two changes to the squad he declared for the big win over Salford last Saturday.

Lewis Murphy is unfortunately set for around eight to ten weeks on the sidelines following a hamstring injury picked up in the match. Moses Mbye is the other Saint that steps out of the squad. They are swapped out with hooker Jake Burns, and half-back George Whitby.

Sunday 23 February

Leigh Leopards v Huddersfield Giants (15.00) – live on BBC, Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

There will be more rugby league on the BBC this Sunday, as Leigh Leopards are in action at home to Huddersfield Giants - and it's set to be electrifying.

The Leopards will be boosted by their pulsating Golden Point victory in Round 1’s Battle of the Borough, while the Giants are hopeful of registering their first win.

Fans can find all the relevant information and kick-off times for these Round 2 fixtures here.

For information on SuperLeague+ and how to purchase your passes, click here.