As the days count down to the England vs Combined Nations All-Stars clash at Warrington on Saturday, June 18, here's he first of our weekly look ahead to some cross-team battles coming up in Betfred Super League this weekend.
Friday - Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants - Sam Tomkins v Tui Lolohea
A battle of the creative full backs on Friday as Tomkins looks to get one over a potential direct opponent for the All Stars clash.
Tomkins, the England captain, has enjoyed a fine 2022 with a number of influential performances for Catalans Dragons, as well as four assists for the club as they sit second in the Super League table with 10 wins from 13.
Lolohea meanwhile has made the full back spot his own at Huddersfield after swapping Salford for West Yorkshire in the off season. The 27-year-old was also a crucial cog in the Giants' run to the Betfred Challenge Cup Final, and he recorded two assists in their defeat to Wigan last weekend.
Friday - Warrington Wolves v Leeds Rhinos - Mike Cooper v Matt Prior
Two props who will be firmly amongst the leadership groups of the respective camps, Cooper has returned to the England fold under Shaun Wane and will be hoping to impress on Friday as he stakes his claim for a place in the pack ahead of the World Cup later this year.
Prior meanwhile has been one of Leeds' best performers in a difficult campaign for the club. The 35-year-old Australian is a captaincy contender for the All Stars and he will no doubt be an important part of the side if they are successful later this month.
Saturday - Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors - Kenny Edwards v John Bateman
A clash of the firecracker back-rowers as Kenny Edwards and John Bateman get ready for battle this Saturday. Edwards has been one of the form second rowers in the competition this year, with Castleford fans clamouring to make his loan move from Huddersfield Giants a permanent switch.
Bateman meanwhile will be riding the crest of a wave much like his Wigan team mates after their Challenge Cup triumph at Tottenham last week. That was Bateman's first Cup success and the club's first since 2013 - can they back it up with a win back in league action this week?
Sunday - Hull KR v Salford Red Devils - Ryan Hall v Ken Sio
Two prolific wingers who have stood out in indifferent campaigns for their respective clubs. Ryan Hall earned an England recall for the first time since 2018 this year and has eight tries to his name in 2022, while he is Super League's fourth-top metre maker.
Ken Sio meanwhile has picked up where he left off in 2021 when he led the league's tryscoring charts. He has 14 tries to his name this year and will have his sights firmly set upon building on the two tries he scored for the All Stars in their 26-24 win over England last year.
Sunday - Wakefield Trinity v Hull FC - Reece Lyne v Carlos Tuimavave
Reece Lyne made his England debut in 2018 and has been a mainstay of Shaun Wane's selection since his appointment in 2020. The centre has been a leading light in a tough campaign for Wakefield this year but will be hoping to impress in an England shurt once again later this month.
In opposition, Carlos Tuimavave will provide a stern test as part of a Hull FC side who are fifth in the table after eight wins from 13 games. The 30-year-old New Zealand-born Samoan international could be set for his first All Stars appearance in 2022 after missing out last year.
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You can get tickets to watch England in action in their mid-season international against the Combined Nations All Stars at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday 18 June here.
