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Round 9 Preview

25 Apr 2024

Betfred Super League is back for Round 9, but who will continue to win and can any teams change their fortunes?

Round 9 incoming ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/t74UnpcD67
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 22, 2024

Thursday 25 April

St Helens v Huddersfield Giants (20.00) - Sky Sports

Thursday night Betfred Super League returns to our screens for Round 9, as St Helens host Huddersfield Giants at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

It's back-to-back home matches for the Saints who drubbed Hull FC last time out, as they will also aim to record back-to-back Super League wins and further lay down a marker of intent to fight for top spot.

Paul Wellens makes just one change to his 21-man squad, with Cumbrian speedster Tee Ritson coming in to replace Lewis Dodd.

Ian Watson's men will be looking to make it six straight wins in all competitions, as he also makes minimal changes to his winning side - Hugo Salabio replaces Harvey Livett.

It will also be Huddersfield's first visit to the Totally Wicked Stadium this season, ahead of their Semi-Final tie v Warrington Wolves to be played there next month.

St Helens have won each of their last eight Super League games against Huddersfield Giants by average margin of 22 points - will history repeat itself or will the Giants' fine form continue?

Can St Helens make it three home wins on the spin or will Huddersfield win again?

Friday 26 April

Hull KR v Wigan Warriors (20.00) - Sky Sports

It's also set to be a thriller on Friday evening when Hull KR take on Wigan Warriors - a taste of what's to come in their Challenge Cup Semi-Final clash in three weeks' time.

The Robins have won eight of their last nine Super League games at Sewell Group Craven Park, highlighting how they have turned their home patch into a real fortress - which could turn out to be a tough test for the current Champions.

Their 21-man squad sees two changes for this week - Ben Reynolds drops out and Yusuf Aydin joins Hull FC on loan, but Sauaso Sue makes his return and new signing Jack Broadbent, who will be determined to make his mark, could also be in line to make his debut.

Broadbent, from Castleford Tigers, was part of a swap deal during the week which saw him join Hull KR with immediate effect, whilst Corey Hall and Louis Senior went the other way.

Similarly, Matt Peet makes little change, except Ethan Harvard returns from long-term injury to replace Jacob Douglas.

New colours, new surroundings @JackBroadbent13 ???#UpTheRobins ??? pic.twitter.com/Zrh4Dr65nD
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) April 25, 2024

Castleford Tigers v London Broncos (20.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

All eyes will be on the action unfolding at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle as Castleford Tigers welcome London Broncos - two of Super League's strugglers in 2024.

While the Tigers have managed to secure one win so far this season, the Broncos still find themselves without any points on the board, but Round 9 could be the perfect opportunity.

The Tigers will be doing everything possible to prevent this however, as they realise a win would further distance themselves from the dreaded bottom spot.

There are three fresh faces in Craig Lingard's squad for Round 9. Playmaker Tex Hoy, who joined from Hull FC, could feature on Friday - as could Corey Hall and Sam Eseh, who join on loan from Hull KR and Wigan Warriors respectively.

Castleford are also boosted by the returns of the experienced Joe Westerman and Paul McShane.

The Broncos came close last Saturday, losing 4-12 to Salford on home soil. This proves that Mike Eccles' men can compete on their day, and therefore he names an unchanged 21-man squad, bar the inclusion of Ethan Natoli - as both Castleford and London hope to record a much-needed win.

? New faces at Captain's Run!#COYF ? @CastlewaterB pic.twitter.com/XY1vkshCLB
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) April 25, 2024

Leigh Leopards v Catalans Dragons (20.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Friday night will also see a clash between Leigh Leopards and Catalans Dragons, as top of the table Catalans will look to cement their place at the summit of Super League.

The Leopards sit in ninth place, having won just once this season, and can ill-afford to drop more competition points if they wish to emulate last year's top six antics.

Leigh have arguably been unlucky with recent results, as they were pipped at Warrington in Round 8, whereas Catalans returned to winning ways with a resounding win over Hull KR.

It's the Dragons who have won the previous six meetings with Leigh, although they will be without leaders Micky McIlorum and Mike McMeeken, who miss out through suspension.

The Leopards, on the other hand, now have former Hull man Darnell McIntosh at their disposal, who was part of a swap deal which saw Tom Briscoe head the other way.

Darnell's first run out with the lads. pic.twitter.com/tDCSFQNf9A
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) April 25, 2024

Saturday 27 April

Salford Red Devils v Warrington Wolves (15.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Two of the league's chief entertainers will go head-to-head, as Salford Red Devils face an in-form Warrington Wolves.

It is the Wolves who have won their last three away games in 2024, but should not underestimate Paul Rowley's Red Devils, who have the chance to become level on points with Sam Burgess' men, should they win on Saturday.

For Salford, Sam Stone missed out on the trip to London last week and returns to the 21-man squad for Round 9. The availability of Ben Hellewell is another big boost for the Red Devils, with David Nofoaluma also back in contention.

The Wolves have named a similar side, as they look to continue their winning ways.

See you Saturday, Reds! ?
— Salford Red Devils ? (@SalfordDevils) April 23, 2024

Sunday 28 April

Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos (15.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Hull FC are at home to Leeds Rhinos on Sunday, with both teams looking to turn their fortunes around heading into Round 9.

The Black and Whites have secured the permanent signing of Tom Briscoe ahead of this fixture, as well as the loan signing of Ed Chamberlain from Leigh Leopards. This deal sees Darnell McIntosh in-turn join Leigh.

Yusuf Aydin has also joins the club on an initial two-week loan from their bitter rivals Hull KR, in what has been a busy week off-field for FC.

All three could be set to make their first appearances for the club, in what would also be Briscoe's second debut, having already played for the Black and Whites between 2008-2013.

Leeds are still searching for their first win since Rivals Round (Round 6) after suffering back-to-back losses against Warrington and Huddersfield, so will be looking to add to Hull's woes on Sunday.

They currently sit 8th in the league table and will have to produce a win from somewhere, should they want to continue mixing with the teams above them.

With both sides desperately in need of the two points on offer, we can expect a brutal battle over in West Hull.