Round 20 of the Betfred Super League gets underway on Thursday evening. Here is a look at which England stars are set to feature across Super League this weekend.
Thursday
Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors – Live on Sky Sports – 8:00PM
Wigan travel to Headingley off the back of an impressive 60-0 home success over Hull FC. Despite not being on the scoresheet last week, Liam Farrell has been prolific this season with 11 Super League tries.
Fellow England star, Mike Cooper could be on show for Wigan when they travel to Leeds. Cooper was set to join Wigan from Warrington ahead of the 2023 season; however, it was announced during the week he will move to the DW immediately. He was named in Matt Peet's 21-man squad and could make his Wigan debut on Thursday evening.
Friday
Hull FC v Castleford – Live on Sky Sports – 8:00PM
Former Hull FC boss Lee Radford will be taking his Castleford side to the KCOM Stadium in front of the Sky cameras on Friday evening.
Paul McShane played a pivotal role in Castleford’s last fixture against Warrington. The hooker was instrumental in setting up tries and was voted as the Our League Player of the match last Saturday.
Warrington Wolves v Hull KR – 8:00PM
Warrington will be looking to bounce back when they host Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday evening.
Stefan Ratchford could be operating in either the half-back or full-back role due to injuries. Ratchford, who celebrated his birthday this week, has predominately played at full-back in his career, however, has feature in the halves a considerable amount this season.
If Ratchford does feature in the halves, he will be alongside fellow England star George Williams.
Meanwhile on the edges, Joe Wardle and Matty Ashton are both expected to start for Daryl Powell’s side.
For Hull KR, winger Ryan Hall is expected to feature. The prolific try scorer returned to the Hull KR side last weekend during their victory over Wakefield.
Saturday
Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants – 6:00PM
Steve McNamara will still be without some of his first-choice options. Hooker, Michael McIlorum, will miss the match on Saturday due to suspension. He will be available for selection next weekend after serving his three-game ban.
Mike McMeeken also missed last weekend and his participation is in doubt due to injury.
However, full-back Sam Tomkins was named in the squad last weekend and is expected to start for the visit of the Giants.
Toulouse Olympique v Salford Red Devils – 7:00 PM
Paul Rowley’s Salford side will be looking to get two wins in the space of seven days against French sides.
Kallum Watkins could feature in the second row on Saturday. Watkins has been an underrated element to the Salford attack and he has contributed when it has mattered for Salford.
Sunday
Wakefield Trinity v St Helens – 3:00PM
Wakefield will have a tough test when they host league leaders St Helens on Sunday afternoon.
St Helens produced arguably their most impressive performance last weekend. The Saints were reduced to 12 men after only 17 minutes and played the final eight minutes with only 11 players, despite this they kept Huddersfield scoreless.
Jack Welsby is available for selection after he was charged by the Match Review Panel, however he did not suffer a suspension. He did score during the 25-0 victory against Huddersfield.
Another Saints player who is in good try scoring form is second rower, Joe Batchelor. He is also expected to start on Sunday.
Forwards Alex Walmsley and Matty Lees played big roles against Huddersfield and are expected to start in the St Helens forward pack.
