Round 9 preview

Thursday 13 April

Salford Red Devils v Castleford Tigers (20.00) - Sky Sports Arena

The Red Devils are boosted by the return of Oliver Partington ahead of Thursday's clash with Cas. Partington has not featured for Salford since Round 3 and was expected to miss 10 weeks after requiring surgery on an injured knee, but returns ahead of schedule. 

Gareth Widdop returns for the Tigers after missing their last two games through illness. Adam Milner returns having served a two-match suspension, while youngsters Sam Hall and Brad Martin are also included.

Joe Westerman drops out of the Cas 21-man squad due to suspension, with Albert Vete, Jason Qareqare and Jacob Hooken also absent.

Friday 14 April

Huddersfield Giants v Catalans Dragons (19.45) - John Smith's Stadium

Huddersfield make just one change to their 21-man squad ahead of Friday's game with the Dragons. Olly Russell drops out after suffering a hamstring injury during training last week - he is replaced by youngster Kieran Rush. 

Sam Tomkins returns to the Catalans squad in Round 9 - the full-back has featured just twice so far in 2023. Bastien Scimone also comes into contention, with both Micky McIlorum and Alrix Da Costa dropping out. 

Forwards Gil Dudson (@WarringtonRLFC) and Morgan Knowles (@Saints1890) have both been suspended for five matches by tonight?s independent tribunals...
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) April 11, 2023

Hull KR v St Helens (20.00) - Sewell Group Craven Park

Hull KR will be without Jesse Sue and James Batchelor in Round 9 after the pair received two and one match suspensions respectively. Sam Wood also drops out of the Robins 21-man squad due to injury. 

Corey Hall is included in the Hull KR squad for the first time since joining the club a fortnight ago, with Jimmy Keinhorst and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e the other two additions.

St Helens have made four changes to the squad that suffered a Derby day defeat to Wigan on Good Friday. Sione Mata'utia drops out following a nasty collision which saw him leave the field on a stretcher, whilst Curtis Sironen and Agnatius Paasi also miss out through injury.

Morgan Knowles was referred to the independent tribunal this week and has subsequently received a five match suspension, meaning he will also miss out.

Coming into the Saints squad ahead of Friday's trip to East Hull are youngsters Lewis Baxter, Dan Hill, McKenzie Buckley, and Wesley Bruines.

Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC (20.00) - Headingley Stadium

Rohan Smith has included all 17 players who were on hand during the Rhinos Rivals Round win against the Giants on Sunday. James Donaldson and Sam Walters return to Rhinos 21-man squad after featuring for the Bradford Bulls on dual registration over Easter. 

Hull FC have been forced into four changes following last weeks defeat against Hull KR. Kane Evans and Mitieli Vulikijapani drop out of the 21-man squad after receiving one-match suspensions, with Jake Clifford and Jamie Shaul absent through injury. 

Andre Savelio, Joe Lovodua, Cameron Scott and Harvey Barron all come into the Black & Whites squad in Round 9.

Us vs Them. We've got history. ?

The next chapter awaits this Friday night pic.twitter.com/2DPj8sDkSf
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) April 9, 2023

Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors (20.00) - Sky Sports Arena

The Wolves are buoyed by the return of Daryl Clark in Round 9 - Clark has missed Warrington's last two games with a knee injury.

Gil Dudson (5 matches) and Joe Philbin (2 matches) will both begin their respective suspensions after receiving bans following last weekend's win in France.

Mike Cooper drops out of Wigan's 21-man squad after sustaining a season-ending knee injury in last weeks win against St Helens. Morgan Smithies also drops out of the squad through suspension.

Willie Isa returns following the completion of his one-match ban, with Harvie Hill returning from a short loan spell with Toulouse to take up the remaining spot. 

Sunday 16 April 

Wakefield Trinity v Leigh Leopards (15.00) - Be Well Support Stadium

Trinity will be able to continue to call on the services of Huddersfield trio Innes Senior, Nathan Mason and Sam Hewitt thanks to short term loan deals with the players.

Ava Seumanufagai could miss out for the Leopards if they fail to overturn his one-match suspension.