Round 21 preview

With seven rounds to go until the end of the Betfred Super League regular season, top six places are up for grabs and seasons are on the line.

Several teams are fighting to secure their Play-Off spots – who will edge one step closer this week?

Every week we move closer to the play-offs! ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/dA8utEMhCU

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 5, 2025

Thursday 7 August

Leigh Leopards v Leeds Rhinos (20.00) – live on Sky Sports

Third meets fifth on Thursday Night for a huge clash between two Play-Off contenders.

The Leopards are the form team in the competition having won their last four, including victories against three of the current top six teams.

The Rhinos inflicted Leigh’s last defeat back in Round 16 and a repeat result on Thursday Night would see Leeds at least temporarily jump into fourth place, while a win for Adrian Lam’s side would see them leapfrog Wigan into second place.

Robbie Mulhern is included in Leigh’s 21-man squad and could feature for the first time since their trip to Headingley back in June. Back rower Ethan O’Neill is also in contention to return.

 For the Rhinos, Morgan Gannon is set to play his first game since June having recovered from an ankle injury, while new signing Chris Hankinson, who joined the Rhinos this week from Salford, comes in to the squad to replace the injured Alfie Edgell.

Starting Round 21 with a tasty clash ?

Watch 3rd host 5th tonight on @SkySports ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/urJma9eU1Z

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 7, 2025

Friday 8 August

Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors – live on Sky Sports

The Wolves are fighting to save their season after slipping further away from the top six following back-to-back defeats. Sam Burgess’ side are four points adrift of sixth placed Wakefield and can ill-afford any more slip ups.

The Warriors go into Friday’s clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium knowing defeat could be the end of their League Leaders’ Shield hopes. Four points separates Wigan and top of the table Hull KR, while local rivals Leigh remain hot on their tails in third place.

Connor Wrench is ruled out for Warrington due to concussion protocols, but Cai Taylor-Wray is set to return from a long-term hamstring injury. 

New signing Ryan Matterson is in line to make his home debut for the Wolves after featuring for the first time away at Leigh last week.

Wigan have been handed a huge boost this week thanks to the return of Jai Field, Bevan French and Sam Walters. The trio have all recovered from their respective injuries to be in contention on Friday Night.

Wakefield Trinity v St Helens – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Wakefield return to action after their Round 20 heroics which saw them defeat Leeds Rhinos in dramatic fashion. Trinity locked in sixth spot with a one point advantage over seventh placed Hull.

They take on a St Helens side who have won six of their last seven games to occupy fourth place on points difference.

The Saints have made just one change to their squad this week, with Leon Cowen dropping out to be replaced by Jake Davies.

For Trinity, Isaiah Vagana returns after serving a one-game suspension, with Mathieu Cozza also joining their 21-man squad after recovering from a foot injury.

Saturday 9 August

Hull KR v Castleford Tigers – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

The Robins can lock in their Play-Off spot with a win against Cas on Saturday. Willie Peters’ side will be mathematically confirmed in the top six and edge one step closer to securing their first ever League Leaders’ Shield.

The two sides met back in Round One at Sewell Group Craven Park, with the Tigers losing in agonising fashion thanks to a Mikey Lewis golden point drop goal.

Hull KR will be without Tyrone May for the next two games through suspension. Eribe Doro rejoins the Robins squad in the only change from last week.

Tex Hoy is back in contention for Cas, but they will be without the services of Rowan Milnes who this week joined Hull KR on loan.

.@DragonsOfficiel are heating up in 2026 ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/QweCUuPcp1

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 6, 2025

Huddersfield Giants v Catalans Dragons - live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

The Giants are down to 18 available players this week with Adam Swift and Tui Lolohea both ruled out for the foreseeable future. Oliver Wilson returns to the squad after overcoming his injury troubles.

Catalans head coach Joel Tomkins welcomes Arthur Romano, Reimis Smith and Paul Séguier back into their 21-man squad, replacing Tevita Pangai Jr, Julian Bousquet and Clément Martin.

Sunday 10 August

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

The Black & Whites sit just one point behind sixth placed Wakefield as they stay firmly in the race for the top six.

Will Pryce and John Asiata are both edging closer to a return for Hull FC, while Salford’s squad continues to be decimated after losing more first team players this week.