Round 21 Preview

It’s Round 21 of the Betfred Super League, and just one week round to go until the eagerly anticipated Magic WKND!

But first, here's a breakdown of the six Super League fixtures coming your way this weekend, ahead of the upcoming Elland Road extravaganza…

Thursday 8 August

St Helens v Salford Red Devils (20.00)

Last time out at the Totally Wicked Stadium, Salford ended a 44-year winless run away against Saints. The Red Devils edged an absolute thriller in Round 4, before also going on to beat Saints on home soil in Round 15.

This time, it’s a mouthwatering 4th v 5th encounter, and both sides come into this game on the back of wins in Round 20. With Play-Off places and positions at stake, the two points on offer here could prove to be extremely significant.

Can Salford complete a treble over their opponents?

Paul Wellens has two changes to the Saints squad he declared for last Saturday’s win over Hull FC. Mark Percival is available for selection after serving a one-match penalty notice, and it's a big boost for the Red V to have Alex Walmsley also return to the 21-man squad following a knee injury which required surgery.

For the Red Devils, Cade Cust replaces Tim Lafai.

? The last time we visited the TWS...

— Salford Red Devils ? (@SalfordDevils) August 6, 2024

Friday 9 August

Huddersfield Giants v Catalans Dragons (20.00)

Huddersfield are in action at home to Catalans on Friday evening, as both teams look to return to winning ways.

With a Play-Off spot firmly out of place for the Giants, they’ll be playing for passion and pride in the shirt, while also looking to knock the higher teams from their perch.

This includes the French side, who are clinging onto their top six position.

Kieran Rush and Harvey Livett return to the Giants 21-man squad, with Matty English and Adam Clune dropping out with injuries. The Dragons, on the other hand, have named an unchanged side.

Last time out vs @DragonsOfficiel ?

Join us at the John Smith's on Friday ?? https://t.co/Er9ijd7HTS#CowbellArmy?? pic.twitter.com/YZyE7sJoKD

— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) August 5, 2024

Hull KR v Castleford Tigers (20.00)

Can Hull KR regain their position at the top? The Robins reached the summit of Super League in Round 20 but dropped back to second after Wigan’s win over Leigh on Tuesday (in their Round 2 rearranged fixture).

Willie Peters’ men will be doing everything in their power to achieve this when they host Castleford Tigers on Friday night, as they search for a fifth consecutive win.

The Robins side sees just one change as Matty Storton returns after a one-match penalty notice and Tom Opacic drops out.

All eyes on Friday ??#UpTheRobins??? pic.twitter.com/SlinhWNrsJ

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) August 7, 2024

Saturday 10 August

Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors (15.00)

Leeds and Wigan finally get to renew a rivalry on Saturday as they meet for the first time in 2024.

Expect a blockbuster encounter as the two sides meet at AMT Headingley Stadium – the hosts on a mission to make the Play-Offs, while Wigan look to maintain top spot.

Brad Arthur has made three changes to his Leeds side. Mikolaj Oledzki is ruled out with a rib injury whilst Cameron Smith is suspended for one game following the Salford match. Luis Roberts also misses out this week. As a result, winger David Fusitu'a returns to the squad after missing the last two games and hooker Corey Johnson and forward Ben Littlewood are also drafted into the squad.

The Warriors head coach Matt Peet has named an unchanged squad from Wigan’s win over Leigh Leopards on Tuesday night.

??????? ?????? | ? Wigan Warriors at AMT Headingley pic.twitter.com/SeITWK3eB7

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) August 7, 2024

Sunday 11 August

Leigh Leopards v Hull FC (15.00)

It’s going to be the second meeting between these two teams in 2024, with Leigh having heavily defeated Hull FC 4-54 in Round 5.

Fast forward to Round 21, and it could be a closer contest on Sunday, with the Black & Whites building each week, and the Leopards hunting down a Play-Off spot.

Leigh are unbeaten across their last six Super League home matches - their longest ever unbeaten run at home in the competition, while FC are currently on their longest ever losing streak away from home (14 in a row).

London Broncos v Warrington Wolves (15.00)

Sunday Super League continues with a clash in the capital between London and Warrington.

The Wolves have won both meetings in 2024, however, the Broncos did hold out to beat Catalans Dragons on home turf last weekend. Could they cause another shock against another top six opposition?

? ????? ???????…

Some of the best images from yesterday afternoon's @SuperLeague victory at the Cherry Red Records Stadium against @DragonsOfficiel!

1/2#WeAreLondon? pic.twitter.com/u5QQUcvDiB

— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) August 5, 2024

Fans can find all of the relevant information and kick-off times for these Round 21 fixtures here.

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