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Round 11 Preview

9 May 2024

Round 11 Preview

It’s Round 11 of the Betfred Super League, which means teams will start to meet each other again for a second time this season, as SIX sides enter this round level on points at the top of the table!

What will the eleventh week have in store?

Thursday 9 May

Warrington Wolves v Hull KR (20.00) - Sky Sports

Thursday night should see an entertaining encounter unfold at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, as two equally as ambitious sides face off live on Sky Sports.

Both teams are on a clear mission this year it would seem, as Warrington Wolves and Hull KR both sit on 14 points and joint top of the Betfred Super League table, with the winner of this game going above the loser in the league standings.

They have surprised and impressed in 2024 to say the least – most notably Hull KR in recent weeks – a side who have overturned the current Champions and former Champions back-to-back in emphatic fashions. But can take on a strong Warrington away from home?

Sam Burgess has also worked wonders with his winning Warrington side, who have only lost once on home soil this year and are playing with the utmost confidence. The Wolves are also boosted by the returns of Matty Ashton, James Harrison and Jordy Crowther for this week’s clash.

Willie Peters’ travelling squad sees just one change, as Oliver Gildart is the only omission.

The sides last met at Sewell Group Craven Park in March, where the Wolves thrillingly pipped a close 20-22 victory.

Will the Robins enact revenge and prove they can perform away from home, or will the Wolves make it back-to-back home wins?

Friday 10 May

Castleford Tigers v St Helens (20.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

It’s back-to-back trips to Yorkshire for the Saints in the space of two weeks, as Paul Wellens’ men travel to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Friday to take on a recently energetic Castleford Tigers.

The two sides are yet to meet in 2024 but will be both be determined to record a win in Round 11 for different reasons.

St Helens were knocked off top spot following their disappointing loss to Hull KR last weekend, so require the two points if they are to reclaim this. The Tigers, on the other hand, have shown more of a fighting spirit in recent weeks following some mid-season player movement.

The likes of Tex Hoy, Louis Senior, and Corey Hall have bolstered the Tigers’ outside backs and their attacking display, as they continue to distance themselves from the bottom two – registering a win and a draw in their last two matches.

Saints have won the last four meetings against Castleford, although the hosts have proved they can compete with the former Champions in recent years, having beaten their opponents 30-10 in 2022 at home, and 10-20 away in 2021.

Tommy Makinson returns to St Helens’ 21-man squad after a case of chicken pox ruled him out in Round 10, and Sam Eseh and Fletcher Rooney replace Sam Hall and Samy Kibula for Castleford.

It’s set to be a tough game for the two teams, but who will come out on top?

Leigh Leopards v Salford Red Devils (20.00) - BBC Three, Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Friday’s fixture marks 100 days to go until Leigh and Salford will meet again in this year’s eagerly-anticipated Magic Weekend. But first, they will face each other in Round 11 in a local derby, shown live on BBC Three.

A recently lively Leigh will entertain Salford – a side who are aiming to make it four wins on the spin.

Their last meeting came in Rivals Round, where the Red Devils were 32-22 victors. This time, Paul Rowley’s men visit the Leigh Sports Village sitting joint top of the table and have some big changes to their squad from last week’s win over Huddersfield.

Joe Mellor and Joe Shorrocks are the significant absences, with the pair forced to leave the field with injuries in Round 10. Shane Wright, Gil Dudson, and Andrew Dixon are also still not fully fit, so are unavailable to play this week.

Adrian Lam makes limited changes to his side who deservedly drew against Castleford last Saturday, but the Leopards are boosted by the return of captain John Asiata.

Will we see another scintillating showdown?

Saturday 11 May

Huddersfield Giants v Wigan Warriors (15.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Huddersfield’s run of home games continues with a compelling clash against the current Champions.

Wigan returned to winning ways against Catalans last week and will be aiming to complete the double over the Giants, having already beaten them 30-16 in March.

The Warriors currently occupy top spot in the table but with five teams sitting on the same amount of points, there is no time for complacency, and Matt Peet’s men will be well aware that every two points are going to matter in 2024.

Similarly, Huddersfield have shown they can be real contenders this season and currently have 10 points – four points adrift from the six teams. The two points on offer will be crucial for the Giants if they are to be in with a chance of mixing at the top and for the already intense race to the Play-Offs.

Ian Watson’s can also produce a fightback as seen in Round 10, but they’ll have to ensure they get off on the front foot against a clinical and fearsome Warriors outfit.

Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos (17.30 UK) - Sky Sports

The Dragons are back in Perpignan live on Sky Sports, and at a place where we know they can perform. 

Catalans have lost just once on home soil this year; however, their two recent performances have been extremely poor, having conceded 30+ points on the road to both Leigh and Wigan.

They are part of the six with 14 points but can’t afford to let this slip away, so it is a must-win game for Steve McNamara’s men. 

Rohan Smith’s men sit outside the top six by just two points and will be looking to capitalise on the Dragons’ recent misfortunes, as every game matters in 2024.

It is Leeds who won the reverse fixture at AMT Headingley in Round 3, but their last outing in the south of France saw them drubbed 61-0 in 2023.

The Rhinos will be without Harry Newman, Riley Lumb and Brodie Croft for their trip to France, as they join the club’s ever-growing injury list. Instead, Corey Johnson returns to the 21-man squad after impressing their Reserves last weekend, whilst youngster Jack Smith also earns his first call up. 

The Dragons however, will welcome back leader Micky McIlorum and Matt Ikuvalu to the squad.

Sunday 12 May

London Broncos v Hull FC (15.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

There’s a crucial clash in the capital between the bottom two on Sunday, as the Broncos play hosts to the Black and Whites.

Hull FC are undefeated in their last 12 meetings with London, which includes six in the capital itself. They will also welcome Tiaki Chan and Ben Reynolds to the club, who join on their respective loans.

London were unfortunate last time out against FC losing in devastating circumstances, as Simon Grix’s men snatched a last-gasp 22-24 victory.

Could we see similar drama unfold this Sunday?

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Fans can find all of the relevant information and kick-off times for these Round 11 fixtures here.

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