Round 5 preview

Thursday 16 March

Castleford Tigers v Leeds Rhinos (20.00) - Sky Sports Main Event & Arena

The Tigers head into Round 5 still searching for their first win in 2023. Interim head coach Andy Last has made two changes to the squad that fell short against Huddersfield last time out.

Alex Sutcliffe sustained a head knock in Round 4 and misses out through HIA protocols, whilst George Griffin also drops out. Experienced centre Jordan Turner is back in contention, as is youngster Sam Hall. 

The Rhinos are boosted by the return of Kruise Leeming and Justin Sangare ahead of Thursday's trip to the Jungle. Leeming missed last week's win against Wakefield through injury, whilst Sangare was granted leave after the birth of his child. 

Ash Handley is unavailable for Rohan Smith after picking up an ankle injury last week - he is replaced in the 21-man squad by youngster Luis Roberts.

Sezer's late winner ?@leedsrhinos won the 2022 play-off decider the last time they met the Tigers ?

Round 5 gets underway tonight live on @SkySportsRL Arena, 8pm KO ? #SuperLeague #SLLeeCas pic.twitter.com/Hel0fUha1j
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 16, 2023

Friday 17 March

Huddersfield Giants v Wigan Warriors (19.45) - John Smith's Stadium

Ian Watson will be without three first team stars on Friday. Theo Fages, Matty English and Joe Greenwood all suffered injuries during last weeks win against Cas and drop out of the 21-man squad. 

Fiji international Kevin Naiqama returns to the squad after missing the Giants last two games, whilst Seb Ikahihifo and off-season recruit Harry Rushton could both feature for the first time this season following their inclusion.

Wigan name an unchanged 21-man squad following a home defeat to Catalans in Round 4. Willie Isa is in contention despite suffering a nasty lip injury which required stitches after a collision with an opposing player.

St Helens v Hull FC (20.00) - Sky Sports Arena

Hull FC travel to St Helens on Friday in search of their first win against the Champions since April 2017. Saints welcome back-rower Curtis Sironen back from suspension, but must wait one more week before both Sione Mata'utia and Konrad Hurrell serve their respective bans. 

Tony Smith makes one change to the Hull FC squad that were beaten by Salford Red Devils in Round 4. Harvey Barron replaces Jamie Shaul in the 21-man squad, with Shaul expected to feature for the reserves as he looks to get some minutes under his belt following an injury lay-off. 

Mitieli Vulikijapani is also unavailable having been selected for the British Army Rugby Union side to face the French Army Rugby Union team. 

Abdull leading the way ?

The @StevePrescott1 MBE #ManOfSteel leaderboard following Round 4 ? pic.twitter.com/K1Tny8Dwpm
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 14, 2023

Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards (20.00) - Halliwell Jones Stadium

Warrington are boosted by the return of Joe Philbin and Gil Dudson this week. Both are yet to feature in Betfred Super League this season due to injury, with Dudson in contention to make his full Warrington debut. 

James Harrison again misses out due to a knee injury, whilst Joe Bullock drops out of the 21-man squad along with Riley Dean, who has returned to Betfred Championship side Featherstone Rovers on loan. 

Young forward Jacob Gannon drops out of the Leigh squad after joining Championship side Halifax Panthers on loan. Joe Wardle is also unavailable for the Leopards, with Nathan Wilde and Aaron Smith included in their absence. 

Saturday 18 March

Catalans Dragons v Hull KR (17.00 UK) - Stade Gilbert Brutus

The Robins travel to Catalans having lost their last seven meetings against the Dragons. 

Suia Taukeiaho is back in contention for Catalans after missing last weeks win at Wigan. Alrix Da Costa and Cesar Rouge also return to Dragons 21-man squad but Sam Tomkins remains unavailable through injury.

Current Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel leader Jordan Abdull returns to Hull KR's 21-man squad after missing last weeks defeat to Warrington. Matt Parcell and Matty Storton both drop out of the Robins squad through injury, whilst Ethan Ryan is still unavailable. 

?? "Sam Tomkins revolutionised how full-back was played."

The latest Out Of Your League podcast, with guest Martin Gleeson, is available to download & watch NOW ? #SuperLeague
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 15, 2023

Sunday 19 March

Salford Red Devils v Wakefield Trinity (15.00) - Salford Stadium

Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley revealed this week that Danny Addy is available for the first time this season. Addy is yet to feature in 2023 due to injury, despite being included in the Red Devils 21-man squad in recent weeks.

Winger Joe Burgess remains unavailable for at least the next two weeks, whilst Oliver Partington is expected to miss the next couple of months due to surgery on a knee injury.

Sam Hewitt could make his Wakefield debut on Sunday after joining the club on a short term loan from Huddersfield.