As the days count down to the England vs Combined Nations All-Stars clash at Warrington on Saturday, June 18, here's he latest in of our look ahead to some cross-team battles coming up in Betfred Super League this week.
Thursday - Peter Mata'utia (Warrington Wolves) v Mark Percival (St Helens)
A battle of the centres on Sky Sports tonight, both players have also shown their versatility in recent weeks, which could come in useful for both the All Stars and England camps this year. Mata'utia has featured in the halves, while Percival has appeared on the wing and both will be keen to get one over a potential opponent next month.
Friday - Rhyse Martin (Leeds Rhinos) v Reece Lyne (Wakefield Trinity)
Rhyse Martin has been one of Leeds' leading performers in what has proven to be something of an underwhelming 2022. The goalkicking second rower has also filled in at centre in a challenging season and will be looking for an eye-catching performance in what will be Head Coach Rohan Smith's first home game in charge.
Lyne meanwhile has been a mainstay of the Wakefield side this year. The centre has been one of the club's leading metre-makers in 2022 and will know a strong showing on Friday could help him secure the centre spot he achieved for England in 2022.
Friday - Ken Sio (Salford Red Devils) v Paul McShane (Castleford Tigers)
Ken Sio is Super League's top tryscorer and will likely be one of the first names of Ellery Hanley's team sheet next month. The prolific winger claimed the league's top tryscorer prize in 2021 and will be one of the favourites to do the same this year.
Paul McShane has captained Castleford to some strong recent form after an inconsistent start to 2022. The hooker, who made his England debut last year, has been one of the league's most consistent performers and will be key once again if they are to rack up a fifth win in a row tomorrow.
Saturday - Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Hull KR) v Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons)
Two iconic outside backs with New Zealand links, Kenny-Dowall's impressive NRL career was paired with 21 caps for the Kiwis, while Tomkins spent two seasons with the Warriors between spells with Wigan.
Kenny-Dowall could be a captain contender for the All-Stars - he's led Rovers in 2022 - and will be hoping to get one over Tomkins, who captained Shaun Wane's England side against the All Stars last season.
Saturday - Manu Ma'u (Hull FC) v John Bateman (Wigan Warriors)
Second rower Ma'u, who has represented both Tonga and New Zealand in the past, could make his first All Stars appearance this year after a strong start to his season with Hull FC. John Bateman meanwhile has found top form again this year after a challenging 2021 and he will be hoping to help Wigan bounce back after defeat at Huddersfield last time out, and with the prospect of the Betfred Challenge Cup coming up on May 28.
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