Round 9 Preview
4 Apr 2019
Thursday: Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos (Live on Sky Sports, 19:45)
It was a special night at the Emerald Headingley last week as Leeds Rhinos left it until Golden Point to snatch the winning points against Castleford Tigers. The drop goal came from an unlikely source, Brad Dwyer, who coolly obliged. Rhinos have only named an 18-man squad, they are waiting for a visa for Widnes Vikings prop Wellington Albert.
Tim Sheens’ Hull KR have only won one of their last six games, and that was a 10-6 victory at the Mobile Rocket Stadium. Danny McGuire and Robbie Mulhern have made the 19-man squad after being out through injury, while there could be six former Leeds players lining up for KR; McGuire, Mulhern, Jimmy Keinhorst, Shaun Lunt, Weller Hauraki and Mitch Garbutt.
Friday: Castleford Tigers vs Wigan Warriors (Live on Sky Sports, 19:45)
Adrian Lam was without Sean O’Loughlin when they beat Catalans last week, he gave a debut to highly rated youngster Morgan Smithies. Smithies retains his place in the 19-man squad with O’Loughlin joining him, whilst Joe Greenwood replaces Liam Paisley.
Castleford Tigers are on a poor run of form having lost their past two games, it was a heart-breaking golden point loss last week and it was costly in terms that Paul McShane has been suspended for three-matches. Calum Turner, Jacques O’Neill, Tuoyo Egodo and Mitch Clark all go into the 19-man squad.
On Friday, Zak Hardaker returns to Castleford with @WiganWarriorsRL live on Sky Sports...
Some of the tries he scored and set up for the Tigers, WOW 😯 #NewBeginnings #SLCasWig pic.twitter.com/sPteuHhewt
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 3, 2019
Friday: Warrington Wolves vs London Broncos (KO: 19:45)
Blake Austin stole the show at the KCOM Stadium when Warrington Wolves beat Hull FC 63-12, he scored four tries as The Wire put in a magical display for 80 minutes. They remain two points behind Saints but with Saints travelling to Perpignan, The Wire will be looking to gain the top spot.
London Broncos have performed far better than many expected, they will have to perform even better if they are to get any points at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday night, they’re currently second from bottom having won three games but a win could take the as high as seventh. Broncos will be without Luke Yates and Elliot Kear who miss out due to concussion protocol.
Friday: Wakefield Trinity vs Huddersfield Giants (KO: 19:45)
Wakefield Trinity are currently sitting in fourth place two points behind Castleford in third, Trinity had a tough start to the season losing their opening game to London Broncos. Since then, Trinity have picked up points even without Tom Johnstone (long-term injury). Bill Tupou is not in the squad this weekend after picking up an injury against Salford.
Huddersfield Giants are moving up the Super League standings after their victory against London Broncos last week, Oliver Russell has been named in the 19-man squad along with Innes Senior while Louis Senior misses out.
Saturday: Catalans Dragons vs St Helens (Live on Sky Sports, 17:00)
St Helens were without James Roby, Zeb Taia, Mark Percival and Alex Walmsley when they beat Hull KR last week and Justin Holbrook gave minutes to four youngsters; Jack Welsby, Aaron Smith, James Bentley and Jack Ashworth, with Welsby and Smith both scoring their first Super League tries to help Saints remain unbeaten in 2019.
Saints will be facing a Catalans Dragons looking to bounce back from an embarrassing 42-0 defeat against Wigan Warriors. The Perpignan side have been inconsistent so far this season, beating Warrington Wolves but they’ve faced big losses to Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils.
Dom Peyroux with the dummy and quick ball to set up Coote 👌
Coote now has 3 tries and 3 assists in his last 4 games for @Saints1890 🙌 #NewBeginnings pic.twitter.com/sI1Z3HlGRE
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 1, 2019
Sunday: Salford Red Devils vs Hull FC (KO: 15:00)
Salford Red Devils currently sit at the top of the attacking kicks stats, and third in the metres made list and tries scored list. Red Devils led by Jackson Hastings and Robert Lui have been one of the most attacking Super League sides this year as the sit in fifth place.
Lee Radford’s Hull FC will be hoping to bounce back from there astonishing 63-12 loss to Warrington Wolves at the KCOM Stadium in Round 8. Andre Savelio made his debut against his former club after signing for FC from Brisbane Broncos.
