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Rivals Round Preview

79 mins

Rivals Round Preview

Rivals Round Hits Different.

Rivals Round has arrived, with seven blockbuster clashes in store!

The games mean more, hit harder and have the ability to divide towns and families. And with Betfred Super League already hotting up, it is expected to get even hotter this Easter Weekend (Round 7). 

The most intense and historic rivalries will go head-to-head with huge crowds anticipated, emotions running high and everyone expected to bring their A game.

Who is ready for a remarkable feast of rugby league? As always, fans can watch ALL seven games LIVE, and trust us, you won't want to miss this scintillating round of Super League action…

Good Friday (3 April)

Hull KR v Hull FC (12.30) – live on Sky Sports

This year’s Hull Derby has attracted a capacity crowd at Sewell Group Craven Park and will kick off 2026 Rivals Round.

It’s gearing up to be a cracker between the two cross-city rivals, with Hull FC seeking redemption after a string of losses against the Robins in recent seasons.

The Black & Whites haven’t had bragging rights since 2023, but is that all set to change on Good Friday?

The city is divided once more and we should certainly expect fireworks, with both sides set to raise the bar even higher in a game that marks a special milestone of being the 250th Hull Derby in history.

Both sides enter this game with momentum following their respective victories in Round 6, but who will be leaving East Hull with the keys to the city this Easter?

Robins' head coach Willie Peters has named his 21-man squad for Good Friday.

The only two changes to last week's extended squad is Karl Lawton and Harvey Horne will come in for Jordan Dezaria and Bill Leyland who have both signed for St Helens on a short term loan.

Meanwhile, Hull FC boss John Cartwright has made four changes to this week’s squad, with youngsters Will Kirby, Ben Johnson and Lennon Clark missing out. Brad Fash will also miss the trip to East Hull.

Coming back into the side for the Black & Whites is Cade Cust, who has served his one-match suspension.

Key playmaker and skipper Aidan Sezer has also made good progress recovering from a pectoral injury and he’ll be given every chance to feature, alongside Joe Batchelor, who has overcome a calf injury.

Local lad Ryan Westerman is the other player to come into this week’s 21-man squad.

St Helens v Wigan Warriors (15.00) – live on Sky Sports

We’re in for a huge treat as St Helens host arch nemesis’ Wigan Warriors at the sold-out BrewDog Stadium in their annual Good Friday fixture.

This Easter tradition is everything for these two heavyweights and tells a historic and storied rivalry, whilst creating some of the most memorable moments in the Super League era.

This year, it’s the Warriors who will make the short trip over Billinge Hill to face the Saints and are seeking a fifth straight win over their opponents.

Paul Rowley’s men are sitting just two league points behind Matt Peet’s side and have the chance to move level with a victory in Rivals Round.

With both of these dominant forces aiming for a season of silverware and success, we should have a true classic on our hands!

Buckle up – it’s going to get heated!

For the Red V, Mark Percival, George Delaney and Cole Marsh step out of selection. The Saints bring into the 21-man squad two loan players from Hull KR, with prop forward Jordan Dezaria and hooker Bill Leyland. The third player stepping into the side is young Academy Saint Chris Matagi.

For the Warriors, one notable name back in the squad in time for Rivals Round, is the electric Jai Field. Will he feature against the Saints?

Bradford Bulls v Leeds Rhinos (20.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

It’s the one you’ve all been waiting for!

The Rivals Round clash between Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls is one of the standout fixtures of the Easter weekend, reigniting a historic West Yorkshire Derby under the lights at Bartercard Odsal.

It’s their first meeting since the 2019 Betfred Challenge Cup early rounds where the Bulls edged a 24-22 thriller at Odsal, causing the hugest of cup upsets.

Prior to this, they haven’t met since Bradford’s last outing in Super League, back in 2014.

In Super League history, Bradford have won 29 of their meetings, whilst Leeds have won 26. There have been three draws.

Just one more point and Jake Connor reaches 1000 career points…

The hosts have made three changes to their side with Elliot Peposhi, Joe Keyes and Zac Fulton returning for the Derby. 

Brandon Douglas and Luke Hooley drop out.

Meanwhile, the visitors have named an unchanged squad following their win over Warrington Wolves in Birthday Round.

Easter Saturday (4 April)

Huddersfield Giants v York Knights (15.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

There’s a new fixture for Rivals Round in 2026 as Huddersfield Giants take on York Knights on home soil.

It’s going to be their first meeting since the 2007 Challenge Cup competition.

The Giants will be elated from their pulsating Round 6 win against Wigan Warriors on the road last Saturday, but can they back it up this Saturday coming?

Adam Swift returns to the Huddersfield squad, and he could possibly feature if selected. Other than that there are no changes to last week's winning side.

There are two changes to the York squad with Will Roberts replacing Toa Mata'afa and Sam Wood, who drop out due to injury. Will Dagger and David Nofoaluma remain on loan from Newcastle Thunder and Denive Balmforth on a season long loan from Hull FC.

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The Knights are no pushovers. They’ve been competitive in every game so far this season and will be eyeing up the chance to showcase themselves on the Easter Weekend stage.

Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards (15.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

There’s never any love lost when Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards go head-to-head.

It was a clean sweep of Super League victories for the Leopards against the Wolves last year, beating them on three occasions (12-34, 20-16 and 18-14).

There have been a number of tight encounters between the two over the last two campaigns, meaning we’re likely to be in for another thriller this weekend.

The Wolves will aim to bounce back from their Birthday Round defeat to the Rhinos, whilst the Leopards will be determined to kick on and go back-to-back for the first time this season.

They’ve met a total of 13 times, with Wire winning seven and Leigh six.

There's a big blow for Warrington with Kelepi Tanginoa ruled out after picking up an injury in the defeat to Leeds last weekend. 

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Catalans Dragons v Toulouse Olympique (19.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

There’s a French Derby to enjoy on Saturday Night! Catalans Dragons take on Toulouse Olympique in a south of France showdown, in what will be just their third meeting in Super League history.

The Dragons have won both previous encounters, but who will come away with the spoils in Rivals Round?

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Easter Sunday (5 April)

Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity (15.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Castleford Tigers will entertain their nearest and dearest Wakefield Trinity on Easter Sunday in their traditional fixture.

Who will lap up some Derby Day delight?

Last time out at the OneBore Stadium saw the Tigers pull off an emphatic 26-22 victory in Rivals Round Returns.

Revenge will be sweet for Trinity, but they’ve only managed to win once away at the Tigers' fortress in ten years.

They did, however, beat the Tigers twice in 2025 – in Rivals Round and emphatically Magic Weekend.

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Are you ready for Rivals Round? Round 7 of the Betfred Super League gets underway with a blockbuster triple-header on Good Friday (live across Sky Sports and SuperLeague+).

Fans can find all details for the Rivals Round fixtures here.

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

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