Round 18 Preview

There's just ten rounds of the regular Betfred Super League season remaining and ONE MONTH TO GO until Magic WKND...

What action will we see unfold in Round 18?

Friday 19 July

St Helens v Warrington Wolves (20.00) – Sky Sports

Expect a blockbuster encounter when St Helens welcome Warrington on Friday, live exclusively on Sky Sports.

There’s only a two-point difference in the table between these two sides, with Warrington occupying second spot and Saints sitting in fourth.

As the race to the end of the regular season is hotter than ever, all eyes will be focusing on obtaining second place and that all-important home tie in the Play-Offs.

Their last meeting came in the form of a Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter-Final, where Warrington dominated their rivals 8-31. This was before returning to the Totally Wicked Stadium five weeks later to beat Huddersfield in their semi-final match.

With the Totally Wicked Stadium a familiar place for the Wolves in 2024 – can they go there and win a third time this year?

Where Super League is concerned, Saints have won the last seven matches against Warrington, but come into this game on the back of three straight defeats.

The Wolves, however, seem to have gotten over their Challenge Cup woes and are looking to make it four wins on the spin.

Paul Wellens makes two changes to his Saints side for Friday - Moses Mbye is available for selection after serving his one-match penalty notice, and Saints Academy player Owen Dagnall is called up for the first time into the senior 21-man squad.

For Warrington, new recruit Luke Yates is in line to make his club debut, having taken part in his first training sessions with the Wolves since his mid-season switch from Huddersfield Giants.

Straight to work for our new recruit, welcome Luke! ?? pic.twitter.com/eadsjYRtIS

— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) July 16, 2024

Huddersfield Giants v Salford Red Devils (20.00) – Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

It’s a battle between two sides looking to return to winning ways on Friday night.

Huddersfield came close against Leigh in Round 17, while Salford were embarrassed 20-0 in the south of France.

The two points on offer are crucial either side, as the Red Devils look to further cement themselves in sixth spot, whereas the Giants will be desperate to climb the league ladder.

The sides competed in a tight 18-16 contest back in Round 10 with Salford emerging as the victors – will they complete a 2024 double over Huddersfield, or will Luke Robinson’s men hit back?

Giants' Thomas Deakin and Seb Ikahihifo miss out with concussion issues that also ruled them out of last week's defeat to Leigh, with Kevin Naiqama and Leroy Cudjoe back in the squad after their respective injuries.

Salford's loan signing Joe Bullock is thrown straight into the mix for Round 18, and Paul Rowley's side are also boosted by the return of half-back Cade Cust, who returns from injury.

? Cust is back
? Bullock is in

The squad for Friday's game with @Giantsrl is locked-in! ???

— Salford Red Devils ? (@SalfordDevils) July 17, 2024

Leigh Leopards v London Broncos (20.00) – Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Chances of a Play-Off place look slim for the Leigh Leopards with just ten regular rounds to go, but that won’t stop Adrian Lam’s men from pushing on and trying!

This will be just the third ever Super League match between Leigh Leopards and London Broncos and the first since May 2005.

As the two teams meet for the first time in 2024, will it be the Leopards or the Broncos who triumph?

Leigh are boosted by the return of winger Josh Charnley, but will be without Edwin Ipape who faces a one match ban.

There's just one change to London's squad and that sees Hakim Miloudi return to the squad, replacing Alex Walker.

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

LEIGH LEOPARDS vs @LondonBroncosRL

Don't miss out! ??
TAP BELOW | 01942 487888 | LSV Ticket Office

— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) July 17, 2024

Hull FC v Wigan Warriors (14.00) – Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

The current league leaders are away at Hull FC in Round 18 and with look to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the Super League table.

It's also a first meeting of the year for these two clubs, having last met in Round 22 last season.

The formidable Warriors have won their last eight Super League matches – will they inflict defeat on the Black & Whites and continue their dominance?

New recruits Ed Chamberlain and King Vuniyayawa come into the team for Hull FC, while Brad O'Neill replaces Bevan French for the Warriors.

? Running into @SuperLeague R18!

?? https://t.co/MZLvisYW9L#WWRL #SLHULWIG pic.twitter.com/ZyqBiNAxHw

— Wigan Warriors ??? (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 18, 2024

Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR (15.00) – Sky Sports

Leeds return home to AMT Headingley Stadium, in what will be Brad Arthur’s first game in charge. Four points separate the Rhinos and sixth place, as they begin their mission to challenge for the final Play-Off place.

They will face Hull KR on Saturday, who are joint-second and will be raring to go after their empathic derby win last weekend.

The Rhinos are boosted by the returns of Harry Newman, James Bentley and James Donaldson, whereas the Robins are without Niall Evalds for this one. 

Zach Fishwick also drops out for KR, with Sam Luckley and Connor Barley named in the 21-man squad.

First week for the new boss ? pic.twitter.com/bqnpjYEPqD

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) July 17, 2024

Castleford Tigers v Catalans Dragons (15.00) – Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Can Castleford make it three wins on the bounce? They have a tough test on their hands when they welcome Catalans to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Sunday but have shown they are more than capable in recent weeks.

The Tigers historically overturned Saints away from home in Round 16, before travelling down to London and securing another strong win in Round 17.

Catalans, who have struggled with consistency, have picked up three consecutive wins after a mid-season blip, and will be looking to carry on this momentum in Round 18.

But so will the Tigers, who shouldn't be underestimated, which means it's set to be a blood and thunder battle!

? Linners getting the lads straight back to work!

?? https://t.co/YsHjNGl7zl#COYF pic.twitter.com/TakabBU0d2

— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) July 18, 2024

Fans can find all of the relevant information and kick-off times for these Round 18 fixtures here.

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