Pre-Season Testimonial Matches Preview

The last of the pre-season friendlies are underway this weekend, with four testimonial games taking place - as we are just a fortnight away from 2024 Betfred Super League's opening round!

Next Up: Show your support for @philbss' with his Testimonial game this Saturday

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— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) January 29, 2024

Warrington Wolves are in action again and have named a strong side, as they host Leigh Leopards on Saturday in Joe Philbin's Testimonial Match. Philbin joined his hometown club just aged 15, progressing through the Academy system and making his first team debut in 2014. He has since made 191 appearances for the Wolves, with a his career highlights being lifting the League Leaders' Shield in 2016 and famously scoring the opening try in 2019's Challenge Cup victory against St Helens, as well as making numerous appearances for both England and Great Britain.

Philbin was granted a testimonial in September last year, as he targets a big year for both himself and the ambitious Warrington outfit. He also recently signed a new deal with the Wolves, keeping him at the Club until at least the end of the 2026 season.

This game will also be a chance for current Betfred Challenge Cup holders Leigh Leopards to put their pre-season preparations into practice, as they aim for another successful year.

Back at the MKM Stadium for the first time in 2024 one week today ??

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— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) January 28, 2024

Over in East Yorkshire and Scott Taylor will be honoured in his Testimonial Match, as the Black and Whites take on current Champions Wigan Warriors - one of Taylor's former sides. Following away pre-season friendlies against Bradford and Doncaster in January, Hull FC will return to the MKM Stadium for the first time in 2024, to celebrate their stalwart prop's career.

Scott Taylor, who retired from Rugby League in 2023, spent stellar eight-year spell with his hometown club Hull FC, before going on to make 54 appearances for the Warriors between 2013 and 2014, where he achieved both Grand Final and Challenge Cup success. Taylor then returned to his boyhood club in 2016 where he would famously win a further two Challenge Cup Finals, becoming one of their key players in the pack and an all-round, strong leader.

This pre-season encounter will also be a chance for fans to see Hull FC's new recruits in action on home soil, with Wigan also expected to name a stronger side in what will be their first friendly test against Super League opposition this year.

??'? ???????? for @James_Donaldson's Testimonial!

Take a look at all the latest info, opposition profile and more about the man of the moment in our match preview
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— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) January 29, 2024

James Donaldson's Testimonial Match is also taking place on Sunday when Leeds Rhinos return to action for the second time this weekend, after playing Betfred League One's Hunslet on Friday night, where the two sides will play for the Harry Jepson OBE Memorial Cup, in their annual pre-season contest. A fresh-looking Rhinos outfit will face Hull KR at AMT Headingley Stadium, in their first home run out of 2024. 

Donaldson has played five seasons in Rhinos colours, four seasons for the Robins - and 15 seasons as a professional player in total. He agreed to a one year contract extension with Leeds last year, which now sees him celebrate his testimonial in 2024.

The 32-year-old has made a total of 270 career appearances, and featured in three major finals, which includes the Rhinos' 2020 Challenge Cup victory over Salford, and most recently he was a 2022 Grand Finalist on the Super League's biggest stage.

? Less than a week to go before we welcome @Giantsrl to the Jungle!

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— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) January 31, 2024

Also in West Yorkshire, there is a local derby game between Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants on Sunday. As two teams who have enjoyed their fair share of convincing wins throughout the 2024 pre-season, who will come out on top as we countdown to the 2024 Super League season?

Paul McShane will also be honoured on home turf, as he will take to the field in his Testimonial Match, in front of the Tigers supporters. McShane has made over 340 career appearances, and linked up with the Tigers in 2015, becoming an integral part of their side ever since. His performances in a Castleford shirt have earned him international call-ups, a 2020 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Award, and veteran McShane enjoyed a taste of success with the Tigers that memorable 2017 season - when the Tigers won the League Leaders' Shield for the first time and participated in their maiden Grand Final.

Elsewhere, it will be a final pre-season clash for St Helens and Salford Red Devils, as the two sides go head-to-head at the Totally Wicked Stadium, with the opportunity to test out new pairings and combinations ahead of their respective Round 1 matches later on this month. Catalans Dragons also return to action, as they host a pre-season friendly game at the Stade Gilbert Brutus against players from the French Elite 1 Championship, where a handful of their high-profile signings will feature for the first time. And an enthusiastic London Broncos will travel to League One's Oldham this Sunday, where they will have one last friendly run-out before the 2024 season.

Information and kick-off times regarding these pre-season fixtures can be found in the Rugby League Match Centre.

Fans can find all the relevant information, dates and kick-off times for Round 1 this month, as we eagerly count down to the start of the 2024 Betfred Super League campaign.