With a Rugby League World Cup coming up at the end of the year, we look ahead to Round 1 of the Betfred Super League with head-to-head match-ups between England talent at every club, as competition for places in Shaun Wane's squad hots up.
Thursday, February 10 - St Helens v Catalans Dragons - 8pm kick off on Sky Sports
- Tommy Makinson v Tom Davies
A battle between two Wigan-born wingers could catch the eye tonight. Makinson, 30, crossed for six tries in 2022 as he played a prominent role in St Helens' run to their third-successive Betfred Super League title.
The 2018 Golden Boot winner represented England in fixtures against the Combined Nations All-Stars and France - where he scored twice - last year and will be hoping to add more caps at the World Cup this year.
Davies meanwhile enjoyed a breakout season in 2021, picking up his first senior England caps on Makinson's opposite wing, running in a try in each match.
He impressed for a Catalans side who reached their first Grand Final in October, bagging 14 tries, and who would bet against him claiming a wing spot at the World Cup?
Friday, February 11 - Castleford Tigers v Salford Red Devils -
- Niall Evalds v Dan Sarginson
Two outside backs who have had a taste of England action and will have their sights set on more.
Evalds made his long-awaited England bow in late 2021, starting at full back in England's 30-10 win over France in October.
That followed a stellar year with Castleford Tigers for the Halifax-born 28-year-old which saw him named Man of the Match in the Challenge Cup final, despite his side losing out to St Helens.
And Sarginson made his last England appearance back in 2016 but has returned to favour recently, with his form at Salford earning him squad calls by Shaun Wane.
Wane took the versatile back from London to Wigan in 2014 and will no doubt keep an eye on his progress in 2022.
Friday, February 11 - Hull KR v Wigan Warriors - 8pm kick off on Sky Sports
- - Ryan Hall v Liam Marshall
Two players at different stages of their careers but both with the thought of England honours in the back of their minds.
Ryan Hall is England's greatest-ever tryscorer, scoring 36 tries in 38 appearances, but his last appearance in an England shirt came in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final.
The 34-year-old appeared at the 9s World Cup in 2019 but will be hopeful of an international return this year, especially on the back of an impressive season for Hull KR in 2021 where he ran in 16 tries in 21 appearances, including a hat-trick on debut.
Meanwhile Marshall has been involved in England camps but is yet to make his international bow. Will the 2021 World Cup be his time?
Saturday, February 12 - Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves - 12.30pm kick off on Channel 4
- Kruise Leeming v Daryl Clark
Kruise Leeming takes up the captaincy for Leeds Rhinos in 2022 and will have his sights firmly set on a place at the World Cup.
Leeming played both against England for the All-Stars and for England against France last year, coming off the bench to influence proceedings each time and, as Leeds' newly-appointed captain, he could relish the responsibility as his side go in search of silverware.
In opposition, Clark has enjoyed a storied England career, ever since he made his debut back in 2014.
But his last England Test appearance came in 2018 and his battle with Leeming could well be one to watch with interest as the race to step in for James Roby following his international retirement continues.
Saturday, February 12 - Toulouse v Huddersfield Giants - 7pm kick off [UK time] on Sky Sports
- James Cunningham v Will Pryce
Cunningham is Toulouse's sole player with an England link, having last been called up for the England Knights in 2018 while he was still a Betfred Championship player with London Broncos.
Spells with Toronto and Huddersfield have since followed for the Hull-born halfback of hooker, and his experience could be key as Toulouse attack their first season as a Betfred Super League club.
Meanwhile Will Pryce emerged last season to great acclaim, and the 19-year-old takes Huddersfield's number one shirt this year.
Pryce, son of former international Leon, featured in the halves much of last season but will be hoping to own his place as full back in 2022 at the Giants. He's been described as a 'bolter' for the World Cup by Jamie Peacock.
Sunday, February 13 - Wakefield Trinity v Hull FC - 3pm kick off
- Tom Johnstone v Luke Gale
Two players from different positions but with the same aim - getting an England recall.
Johnstone's injury concerns have been well documented, but a free run in 2022 with Wakefield could see him make the World Cup.
The acrobatic winger's only previous England appearance saw him bag an impressive hat-trick in a huge win against France in 2018. At 26, he's hitting his prime years and could still be an international asset for years to come.
In opposition, Gale won his first England recall since the last World Cup last season, starting England's loss to the All-Stars, though he didn't feature in France after a challenging end to his time at Leeds Rhinos.
Now captain at Hull FC, the 2017 Steve Prescott Man of Steel will know this could well be his last World Cup chance as he turns 34 this year, but will surely relish the opportunity ahead.
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