Round 5 Preview

It's week five and that means we're just one round away from the highly-anticipated Rivals Round... 

But before this we have an action-packed Round 5 to look forward to and don't forget that fans can watch ALL six games LIVE!

Which Round 5 fixture stands out to you? ?

Don't miss any of the action on @SkySportsRL & SuperLeague+ ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/Fl2xSR4dq9
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 12, 2024

Thursday 7 March

Salford Red Devils v Wigan Warriors (20.00) - Sky Sports

Fans witnessed Salford pull off a sensational victory against St Helens last week - their first away win there in 44 years. Can they perform the same against the current Champions this Thursday?

Wigan have won their last nine meetings against the Red Devils and remain unbeaten in 2024. Away again this week, Matt Peet has made just two changes to his 21-man squad for Round 5, as Liam Byrne and Liam Marshall replace Jacob Douglas and Jack Farrimond after sitting out the Broncos fixture.

Although a memorable win last Friday, it could have come at a cost as Cade Cust misses out of Paul Rowley's 21-man squad due to concussion protocols. Brad Singleton and Chris Hankinson also drop-out after picking up knocks - but new recruit David Nofoaluma could be in line to make his debut, as Salford look to end another team's winning streak.

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Get yourself in the mood for tonight's game with this thriller vs @WiganWarriorsRL in 2020! ?
— Salford Red Devils ? (@SalfordDevils) March 14, 2024

Friday 8 March

Leeds Rhinos v St Helens (20.00) - Sky Sports

The rampant Rhinos will look to make it four on the bounce and will come into this game full of confidence following a comeback win against Leigh Leopards last week. Friday night will also see the club pay an emotional tribute to the late Rugby League and Leeds legend Lewis Jones, who sadly passed away last week.

St Helens will be determined to bounce straight back with a win after Salford overturned a 20-6 deficit to defeat the Saints on their home turf.

It will be back-to-back trips to West Yorkshire for Paul Wellens' men after they have been drawn against the Rhinos for the Sixth Round of the Challenge Cup, so it will be interesting to see how the two sides go in Round 5 first.

There are also three career milestones that could be met on Friday, as if selected, Saints stalwarts Jonny Lomax could make his 300th career appearance and Alex Walmsley his 250th. Captain Cam Smith for the Rhinos is also one away from a total of 150 career appearances.

Leeds have been boosted by the return of James Bentley and James Donaldson, who return from their suspensions. The Rhinos will be without some key names in Sam Lisone, David Fusitu'a and Morgan Gannon however, but will hope they can continue their fine home form - they are currently unbeaten at AMT Headingley Stadium this year. 

As both sides mean business in 2024, it's set to be an unmissable clash!

Saturday 9 March

Huddersfield Giants v Hull KR (15.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

There's a trio of games taking place on Saturday, and the Giants have named a strong squad to face Hull KR - they will be hyped and raring to go after their dominant display against Castleford last Friday.

Unsurprisingly, Ian Watson has kept his 21-man squad the same bar one change - Adam Milner returns to the side and Chris Hill and Jake Connor could make their 300th and 200th career appearances respectively - as they look to build on their emphatic Round 4 win. 

Hull KR's Willie Peters has also named his strongest squad as they prepare to travel to the John Smith's Stadium. The Robins have had a mix of a results in first four rounds and will be hoping to bounce back after a narrow defeat to Warrington.

Looking ahead to the Robins ?#CowbellArmy?? pic.twitter.com/IcAE2av5NR
— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) March 13, 2024

Hull FC v Leigh Leopards (15.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Over in Hull, the Black and Whites will play hosts to Leigh Leopards, as Adrian Lam's men make the trip still seeking their first win of the new Super League campaign.

It looked as though the Leopards were going to register their first two points last Friday, but a remarkable second-half performance from Leeds Rhinos meant Leigh were left wondering what could have been.

Likewise, Hull FC returned from Perpignan empty-handed in Round 5 despite a promising performance and will hope they can turn their fortunes around in front of a home crowd this Saturday and produce back-to-back home wins at the MKM Stadium.

Liam Sutcliffe, Franklin Pele and Jack Brown all return to Tony Smith's 21-man squad, and new signing Liam Tindall is also in contention to make his club debut. For Leigh, Lachlan Lam is included in the 21-man squad, which will be a massive relief for both Lam and Leopards fans - following an injury scare in Round 4.

It could also be a significant day in West Hull, as club captain and veteran Danny Houghton could reach a staggering 400th career and club appearance for the Black and Whites - and what would be a better way to do it than in front of his home fans?

History shows that Leigh have won their previous two away meetings with Hull FC, and with both sides in need of a win this weekend, who will come out on top?

Our new #?2? is named in the squad for the first time in 2024 ???

???? #COYH pic.twitter.com/ZQAmQwzlRR
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) March 14, 2024

Catalans Dragons v Castleford Tigers (17.30) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

The winless Tigers face a tough test when they travel to the south of France to play on Saturday evening, as the Dragons remain undefeated at Stade Gibert Brutus in 2024. 

Castleford suffered a disappointing defeat to Huddersfield Giants at the Jungle in Round 4, so will be aiming to bounce back from this immediately as they go searching for their first win.

There is also a shake up in Steve McNamara's side following their home win against Hull FC last weekend. Micky McIlorum misses out through suspension, and Alrix Da Costa and Chris Satae are also out for Round 5 due to concussion protocols. Arthur Romano and Jayden Nikorima drop out through injury, but the Dragons have quality squad depth in Bayley Sironen and Cesar Rouge, who come back into the team.

Catalans have won their last five home meetings with Castleford, will they make it six, or can the Tigers come up with a winning performance?

? Pre-Flight captain's run...#COYF ? @CastlewaterB pic.twitter.com/G7Wh0uYyJ4
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) March 14, 2024

Sunday 10 March

London Broncos v Warrington Wolves (15.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

The cameras are in the capital once again for Round 5, as London welcome an in-form Warrington Wolves to the Cherry Red Records Stadium, before the Broncos travel to face them in the Challenge Cup the following week.

London are yet to secure a Super League win in 2024, but have shown signs of competing in their previous fixtures, so should not be underestimated.

Sam Burgess' Wolves are enjoying a current winning streak following emphatic wins over Hull FC and Castleford at home, before beating Hull KR on the road last Thursday. Can they make it four from four or will the Broncos cause an upset?

? ???????? ???????!!

Back at it ahead of the visit of @WarringtonRLFC this weekend for Round 5 of @SuperLeague.

?? https://t.co/NFLPZitElU#WeAreLondon? pic.twitter.com/pYpIQw3uVZ
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) March 12, 2024

Fans can find all the relevant information and kick-off times for these Round 5 fixtures here.

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