Men
Round 12 Preview
23 May 2024
Betfred Super League is back with a bang for Round 12 this weekend, following its short pause for the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Betfred #SuperLeague is back! ?
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 20, 2024
Who's ready for Round 12? ? pic.twitter.com/OeRDDxwJCp
Friday 24 May
St Helens v Leeds Rhinos (20.00) - Sky Sports
On Friday there’s a feast of Super League action - it’s a double-header at the Totally Wicked Stadium with St Helens v Leeds Rhinos Men’s and Women’s teams going head-to-head.
In Super League, the Saints will be eyeing up top spot, as they currently sit level on 16 points with four other teams.
St Helens have won 14 of their last 15 Super League matches against Leeds, including the two earlier meetings this season, in both the league and cup competitions.
The Rhinos will look to return to winning ways following a Round 11 nilling from Catalans Dragons. Joining them could be Brodie Croft and Harry Newman, who have both been named in the 21-man squad as they return from their respective injuries. Matty Russell could also be set to make his debut after joining on loan, with Rohan Smith expecting a response from his Rhinos side.
For Saints, Paul Wellens makes little change to a team that scored 60 points against Castleford Tigers in their last outing - Tee Ritson and Agnatius Paasi come into their 21-man squad.
Castleford Tigers v Hull FC (20.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+
There’s a battle near the bottom between Castleford Tigers and Hull FC, as both teams look to pick up the points when and where they can. They've each had a week out for the Challenge Cup semis to take place and should therefore be ready and raring to go in Round 12.
Last time out at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle saw the Tigers emerge 29-12 victors – will history repeat itself?
The Tigers have announced numerous re-signings for 2025 in the build-up to this week’s fixture, which includes the retention of their young talent in the likes of George Hill, Jason Qareqare, Sam Hall, Cain Robb, and Alex Mellor – so the club will certainly be boosted by this as they attempt to crack on in 2024.
Cas will also be lifted by the returns of Sylvester Namo, Nixon Putt, Samy Kibula, and Jason Qareqare to their 21-man squad, although will be without Jacob Miller and Louis Senior for this one.
Hull have made four changes to the side that was named to face London in Round 11. There will be no Franklin Pele, Joe Cator, Davy Litten, or Matty Laidlaw, but there could be a first appearance on the cards for Brad Fash this year, and a potential debut for Ben Reynolds.
The Black & Whites also revealed their new head coach in John Cartwright from 2025 during the week, and already have plans in place for a rebuild. But can they maintain a focus on their current season and this upcoming clash?
???? ?
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) May 21, 2024
???? #COYH | @ecostrad pic.twitter.com/ilWnVuDxMo
Huddersfield Giants v Leigh Leopards (20.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+
Meanwhile, Huddersfield Giants continue their run of home games and will be aiming to bounce back after a bitterly disappointing Challenge Cup exit last Sunday.
The Giants will play hosts to Leigh Leopards - a side who have had a resurgence in recent rounds and are currently undefeated in their last three games. Ian Watson’s men will have to dust themselves down quickly, as it’s going to be a tough ask when the Leopards come to town this time around.
Their last meeting came in the opening round where Huddersfield won a tight contest at the Leigh Sports Village - winning 8-16.
The hosts’ 21-man squad is bolstered by the inclusion of Sam Halsall, Chris Hill, and Thomas Deakin, who all make their long-awaited returns to the side this week. There will be no prolific try-scorer in Adam Swift however, as the Giants winger drops out with a minor injury.
Leigh will want to keep their momentum in full swing heading into Round 12, so have made little adjustments to their side who emphatically beat Salford Red Devils in the previous round. Gareth O'Brien is also back in the team for their trip to West Yorkshire.
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— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) May 20, 2024
Getting ready to face the Giants. pic.twitter.com/gPxgNraQPb
Saturday 25 May
Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves (17.30 UK) - Sky Sports
Saturday night Super League will then see Catalans Dragons entertain Warrington Wolves in Perpignan – two sides who are also level on points at the top.
This will be the third meeting between the teams this year, with the Wolves yet to record a win over the Dragons in 2024. Their recent meetings have been two incredibly close contests – will we see a third?
Steve McNamara’s men have their unbeaten home run in Super League to maintain, whereas Warrington, who booked their place in the Challenge Cup Final last Sunday, will revert their focus back to the league competition.
It's set to be an umissable showdown in the south of France, but who will take the spoils?
— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) May 21, 2024
Sunday 26 May
Salford Red Devils v Wigan Warriors (15.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+
There are two games to enjoy on Sunday and the action starts with Salford Red Devils hosting Wigan Warriors.
It will be a second trip to the Salford Stadium for Matt Peet’s men this year who dramatically snatched a Round 5 win in the closing stages.
The Warriors will be jubilant having booked their place at Wembley in the Challenge Cup Final last Saturday, although they cannot take their eye off the ball in Super League if they are to retain their Champions status come the end of the year...
It's ???? ????! ?
— Salford Red Devils ? (@SalfordDevils) May 20, 2024
London Broncos v Hull KR (15.00) - Sky Sports and SuperLeague+
Round 12 will then conclude with a clash in the capital between London Broncos and Hull KR. It's back-to-back home fixtures for the Broncos, who will also be searching for back-to-back wins after they recorded an incredible victory over Hull FC.
With a Super League win finally under their belt, Mike Eccles' men will be feeling confident and they could look to capitalise on a demoralised Robins who suffered a heartbreaking Challenge Cup semi-final loss.
Hull KR convincingly beat the Broncos 50-10 on home soil just a few weeks ago, but how will they perform away from home?
Will it be the Robins bouncing back or can London see off both Hull teams in quick succession?
Last time out against London ?
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) May 20, 2024
Who's ready for another battle against the Broncos this Sunday?! ?#UpTheRobins??? pic.twitter.com/lGf0dteWYB
Fans can find all of the relevant information and kick-off times for these Round 12 fixtures here.
For information on SuperLeague+ and how to purchase your passes, click here.
