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Round 20 Preview
1 Aug 2024
We’ve hit Round 20 of what's been an unpredictable Betfred Super League so far!
And there’s just eight rounds remaining until the end of the regular season…
Round 20 is full of tasty matchups ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/oIZZTuyWzu
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 30, 2024
Thursday 1 August
Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants (20.00) – Live on Sky Sports
Fans are in for a treat on Thursday night as there are two Super League matches on show!
Both Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants will be out to return to winning ways live exclusively on Sky Sports, as Round 20 gets underway.
Results last week saw Matt Peet’s men slip to third in the Super League table, which should make them all the more determined to bounce back on home soil.
The Warriors have lost their last two matches against Hull FC and Warrington and haven’t lost three in a row since August 2021.
Their opponents on Thursday, the Giants, have only won two out of their last nine matches and will have a tough test when they travel to The Brick Community Stadium. They haven’t picked up a win there since 2019.
The hosts have made two changes to the 21-man squad as Jai Field and Sam Eseh Jr replace Brad O’Neill and Jacob Douglas.
Sam Hewitt, Andre Savelio, Thomas Deakin and Seb Ikahihifo all return for the Giants.
Getting set for @SuperLeague R20! ?
— Wigan Warriors ??? (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 30, 2024
?? https://t.co/MZLvisYW9L #WWRL #SLWIGHUD pic.twitter.com/EO3CslZufY
Castleford Tigers v Leigh Leopards (20.00) – Live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+
There’s a clash of the cats when Castleford Tigers welcome Leigh Leopards to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.
It’s two sides who have resurged in recent weeks, with the Leopards attempting a lively late charge for the Play-Offs. They will also be boosted by their stunning win against St Helens in Round 19.
Cas and Leigh's last meeting resulted in an fiery 28-28 draw, and another cracking contest is expected as both sides have won three out of their last four matches.
Liam Watts and Daniel Hindmarsh Takyi are included in the Castleford squad, while two names are stepping up from the Academy with Jenson Windley and Akim Matvejev also included in the 21.
For the Leopards, Adrian Lam makes just one change with Bailey Hodgson coming in to replace Gareth O’Brien.
? Ready to take on the Leopards
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) July 31, 2024
? https://t.co/YsHjNGkzJN#COYF • @CastlewaterB pic.twitter.com/SfGlVy3bSs
Friday 2 August
Warrington Wolves v Hull KR (20.00) - Live on Sky Sports
Friday night sees the standout tie of the round take place live on Sky Sports, with new league leaders Warrington Wolves hosting second-placed Hull KR.
Both sides enjoyed emphatic victories in Round 19, and the winner of this match could end up sitting top of the Super League table. This will be their third meeting of the campaign, with Warrington coming away victorious in both, but only by tight margins.
Sam Burgess’ men have won each of their last four Super League matches against Hull KR and are currently enjoying a five-game winning streak, including victories over Wigan and St Helens.
Similarly, Hull KR have more than proved they can perform away from home and have won their last four away matches.
As the in-form sides of the competition go head-to-head in this eagerly anticipated clash, will we witness another pulsating 80 minutes between the top two?
John Bateman is in line to make his Warrington Wolves debut this Friday night. The back-rower has been named in the Wolves' 21-man squad.
Toby King, Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Joe Philbin are also all included having been sidelined through injury in recent weeks, and Luke Yates is set for his first home appearance in primrose and blue.
There's just one change to the Hull KR squad as Matty Storton misses out due to a one-match penalty notice he picked up last week against London.
You don't want to miss this one! ?
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) July 31, 2024
A huge top-of-the-table clash awaits at The Halliwell Jones Stadium this Friday night ? pic.twitter.com/yAahxiwYeU
Saturday 3 August
Hull FC v St Helens (15.00) – Live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+
St Helens have lost their last five Super League fixtures, the longest run of defeats in their Super League history.
And they find themselves on the road again in Round 20, as they travel to West Hall to face the Black & Whites, who continue to challenge their opponents week in and week out.
Saints have won 15 of their last 16 Super League matches against Hull FC, but were defeated 34-6 in their most recent visit to the MKM Stadium.
Will this game be where they can finally turn their fortunes around?
There are significant changes to both sides - Tiaki Chan, Will Kirby, and new loanee Leon Ruan all come into Hull's squad, as Liam Sutcliffe, King Vuniyayawa and Ligi Sao drop out.
Paul Wellens has also made five changes to the Saints squad he named for the last round,, with the headline news being that vice captain Morgan Knowles and fellow senior forward Joe Batchelor are back in the 21 following injuries.
Other incoming players are hooker Jake Burns, winger Tee Ritson, and young half Will Roberts, but Saints will be without stars Jack Welsby, Mark Percival and Jonny Lomax for the time being.
One to remember last time out against the Saints on home soil ??
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) July 30, 2024
? https://t.co/wx0MZ0QTX9
?? #COYH | @ecostrad pic.twitter.com/eM0S3gbGg7
Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos (17.30) – Live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+
There's more Super League action on Saturday as Salford Red Devils take on Leeds Rhinos at the Salford Community Stadium.
Brad Arthur’s Rhinos travel to face the Red Devils knowing a win will move them within two points of Paul Rowley’s side on the league ladder, as they continue their late mission of achieving a Play-Off spot.
They haven't met since the opening round where Leeds edged a close 22-16 contest at AMT Headingley Stadium, but standing their way this time around is a Salford side fiercely looking to protect their Play-Off place.
Both come into this game on the back of a win - will the Rhinos complete the double or will the Red Devils enact their revenge?
Chris Atkin replaces Cade Cust for Salford, and Mickael Goudemand and Justin Sangare are back in the mix for Leeds.
3? days to go until we take on @SalfordDevils!
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) July 31, 2024
Will you be joining the Rhinos on the road on Saturday afternoon?
Sunday 4 August
London Broncos v Catalans Dragons (15.00) – Live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+
London Broncos and Catalans Dragons bring a close to Round 20 on Sunday, as the Dragons look to keep the pace with the top three.
It is the Dragons who have won their last six away fixtures with the capital side, whose last home victory against the Dragons came as Harlequins in 2010.
??| ???? ?? ?????? ????!!
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) July 31, 2024
We can’t wait to be back at home ? on Sunday as we welcome @DragonsOfficiel to Plough Lane.
The only place you can watch @SuperLeague rugby in the capital!!
?? https://t.co/EmaK3Q1oqU#WeAreLondon? pic.twitter.com/aRxtxYXaU9
Tuesday 6 August
Wigan Warriors v Leigh Leopards (20.00) - Live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+
The rearranged Round 2 fixture between Wigan and Leigh will take place on Tuesday night, and it's the third instalment of Battle of the Borough this year!
It's the Warriors who have won the battle twice already in 2024, and have also won their last 14 home meetings with the Leopards.
Can a lively Leigh overcome the Champions third time lucky, or will Wigan make it a clean sweep?
??????????? ????? ???? ?????????
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) July 31, 2024
The Battle of the Borough continues on Tuesday evening as Leigh Leopards take on @WiganWarriorsRL at The Brick Community Stadium.
Get your tickets from the link below ??
Fans can find all of the relevant information and kick-off times for these Round 20 fixtures here.
For information on SuperLeague+ and how to purchase your passes, click here.
