Celebrating its 30th year, Super League will kick off with the newly promoted York Knights hosting the treble-winning champions Hull KR at the LNER Community Stadium on Thursday night. Mark Applegarth makes his coaching return to Super League with the Knights in their first crack at the top flight, while Willie Peters’ men will begin their title defence on the road.

This is followed by Warrington Wolves versus St Helens on the Friday – with both sides having had a number of exciting encounters in recent seasons. The Wolves will be hoping for a much-improved year, while Paul Rowley looks to work his magic as he takes the reigns at the Red V.

The Friday night feast then continues as two of last year’s top six Leigh Leopards and Leeds Rhinos face off under the lights of Leigh Sports Village. Both teams enjoyed stellar campaigns in 2025 and have been gradually building towards something special. Having established themselves as genuine contenders, will either side get a taste of silverware in 2026? Also on Friday, Huddersfield Giants are the first team to make the trip to Perpignan and will face Catalans Dragons in their opening match.

Saturday promises to be a memorable one when Bradford Bulls mark their return to the top with an away day at Hull FC. ‘Bullmania’ is back in the big time following an absence of over a decade, with Kurt Haggerty preparing to lead a revamped side ready for Super League. Meanwhile, Wakefield Trinity meet Toulouse Olympique on home soil for the first time since the 2024 Betfred Championship Grand Final, in a Saturday night showdown with the third new club in 2026.

Castleford Tigers’ clash with Wigan Warriors sees out the opening round on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers are fresh-looking under new head coach Ryan Carr, but former champions Wigan will undoubtedly be a dominant force once more.

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