Round 18 Preview

There are just ten rounds of the regular Betfred Super League season remaining – and the League Leaders’ Shield and Play-Off races have been blown wide open!

It’s hotting up and it’s expected to get even hotter throughout The Summer of League, especially with the sunny temperatures forecast this weekend.

As the teams prepare to charge on, there are some very important clashes about to take place, but what action awaits us in Round 18?

Which tie are you most excited for in Round 18 of the @Betfred #SuperLeague? ? pic.twitter.com/kd8Aoj1NMF

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 8, 2025

Thursday 10 July

Hull FC v Wakefield Trinity (20.00) – live on Sky Sports

6th hosts 7th on Thursday night, as Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity go head-to-head.

Both teams have arguably exceeded expectations in 2025 and now find themselves right in the Play-Off mix with ten rounds left.

But who will take that sixth spot after this weekend?

They last met in Round 5 where Hull FC fought their way back into the game to clinch a 12-16 victory. Now, the Black & Whites will be looking to complete a league double over Trinity, and in doing so, would end their wretched losing run on home soil.

It’s been almost a year since John Cartwright’s men tasted victory at the MKM Stadium. Will it be home at last for Hull FC? Or will Trinity seal back-to-back wins?

The hosts have made just one change to the squad that was named ahead of last weekend’s clash with St Helens, with Will Hutchinson coming into the squad in place of Will Gardiner.

The visitors have brought back Ellis Lingard into the 21-man squad ahead of Thursday’s game. Oli Pratt and Jack Croft come out of the team this week.

Battles against Trin in HU3 ??

? https://t.co/UbCsCJEEF7

???? #COYH | @ecostrad pic.twitter.com/dup9bcQxXP

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) July 8, 2025

Friday 11 July

Leeds Rhinos v St Helens (20.00) – live on Sky Sports

There’s a standout tie of two Super League heavyweights collide in Round 18. It’s going to be their third meeting of 2025 (in all competitions), and it’s 2-1 in Saints’ favour.

A win for the visitors would see them go level with the Rhinos on league points, but a win for Leeds means that Brad Arthur’s men would continue to apply pressure to the top two, Hull KR and Wigan Warriors.

The two sides met just a few weeks ago with Saints running out 18-4 victors. Leeds cannot afford to be as complacent this time around – with St Helens now aiming to make it five wins on the spin.

That said, the Rhinos have proved they can be genuine contenders in 2025, after beating league leaders Hull KR in Round 17.

Don’t miss this 3rd versus 5th showdown!

For Leeds, Jack Sinfield and Tom Holroyd drop out, so Ethan Clark-Wood and Ben Littlewood come into the squad to replace those two. 

Saints have just one change to their side, with Deon Cross unavailable due to a foot ligament injury which is expected to keep him out for around three to four weeks. Instead, Mark Percival is named for the first time since a procedure on a bone spur injury in his foot.

Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants (20.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Wigan return to The Brick Community Stadium in Round 18 and will take on Huddersfield Giants.

This fixture will be a celebration of rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston, in tribute to his recently awarded knighthood. The game will also pay tribute to the armed forces with many serving members and veterans in attendance. More information can be found here.

The champions will be wanting to respond on home soil after a defeat to bitter rivals Leigh Leopards in Round 17.

Huddersfield, on the other hand, will be seeking their revenge for Round 14, where Wigan snatched a win on the hooter through Jack Farrimond.

The Warriors have won their last seven home meetings with the Giants and Super League's current top try scorer Jai Field has scored a try in each of the Warriors' last three meetings with them...

Stalwart and loyal Leroy Cudjoe is set to make hsi 400th appearance for the club.

Ahead of the Round 18 clash, Warriors head coach Matt Peet has made one change to his squad with Jacob Douglas replacing Jack Farrimond.

For the Giants, Oliver Wilson misses out with a reoccurrence of an injury that has seen him miss some games recently, with Sam Hewitt coming back into the squad.

Working towards a return home. ?#WWRL #SLWIGHUD pic.twitter.com/JfhAzwnuvw

— Wigan Warriors ??? (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 8, 2025

Saturday 12 July

Leigh Leopards v Hull KR (15.00) – live on BBC iPlayer, Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

There’s yet another blockbuster encounter when 1st and 4th clash at the Leigh Sports Village.

Leigh come into this way boosted by their scintillating win over Wigan, while Hull KR are hoping to bounce back after losing to Leeds.

Their last meeting saw a 30-0 scoreline in the Robins' favour, although it is expected to be a completely different encounter this time around.

Who's ready for this one?

Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves (18.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

8th and 9th are not down and out yet and are still fighting for a Play-Off spot! This makes Saturday night’s game in the south of France extra important.

Warrington will want to continue their momentum and make it three wins on the bounce, while Joel Tomkins will be expecting an immediate response from his Catalans side that was hammered at Wakefield in the previous round.

Arguably, these aren’t the seasons both sides anticipated, but a win on Saturday would keep Wire firmly in the Play-Off hunt – and a result for the Dragons could be make or break.

Wolves captain George Williams is gearing up to make his 250th Super League appearance – will he be the difference on Saturday?

Matthieu Laguerre is back in the squad for Catalans, while Zack Gardner replaces Rodrick Tai in Warrington's side.

Nouvel objectif ? ?????????? pic.twitter.com/NUSXIbQ6VD

— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) July 8, 2025

Sunday 13 July

Salford Red Devils v Castleford Tigers (15.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Super League Sunday action concludes at the Salford Community Stadium and Salford will meet Castleford for the third time in 2025.

It was a tight encounter in Round 4 with Cas only just coming away with a 22-14 victory. Then, in Round 11, the Tigers enjoyed a comfortable 48-16 win against their Red Devils opponents.

Salford were competitive against Warrington in the previous weekend and will be looking to take full advantage of a Cas side that lost heavily to Huddersfield in their last outing.

It was also announced in the week that Tigers head coach Danny McGuire had left the club, with Chris Chester coming in on an interim basis.

It's the Red Devils who have won their last four home meetings with the Tigers…

Oliver Russell has joined Salford on a two-week loan and is set to feature in their halves.

Fans can find all 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.