The final round of fixtures in the Betfred Super League regular season has arrived, with the full focus beginning to turn towards the Rugby League World Cup. Here is a look at which England stars could feature in Round 27 this weekend.
Wigan Warriors will welcome Catalans Dragons to the DW Stadium on Friday evening.
Wigan lost their last match against Hull KR, however, Matt Peet did name a very young and inexperienced side.
John Bateman is one of the players who is set to start. Bateman featured during the victory against St Helens, however, he missed the trip to East Yorkshire.
Mike Cooper and Liam Marshall are among others, who will return to the side. However, Liam Farrell has not been named in the 21-man squad.
In opposition, Catalans have rested the majority of their first team players. That means Sam Tomkins, Tom Davies and Michael McIlorum all will not make the trip for Steve McNamara’s side.
The other game of the evening sees an in-form Wakefield side, who are attempting to stop Huddersfield finishing third in the Betfred Super League.
Over the past few months, Lewis Murphy has developed a reputation for causing issues to opposition defences. Murphy scored five tries in the space of his last two matches and the Knights winger will be looking to continue his rich vein of form.
Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers face off in arguably the best match of the weekend. The game which is being referred to as ‘The Decider’ is set to be a great battle. Whoever comes out on top on Saturday, they will secure their spot in the Betfred Super League play-offs.
Mikolaj Oldezki has been a very consisted performer this season and he is expected to play on Saturday. The prop has made a strong case for himself to be named in Shaun Wane’s squad come October time.
Kruise Leeming has hit the ground running since his return from injury. The influential hooker has helped to create tries and has boosted Rohan Smith’s side as they look to achieve the final play-off spot.
Leeming’s opposite number for the afternoon will be fellow England man, Paul McShane. The former Rhinos player will be looking to snatch the final play-off spot into the hands of the Tigers.
The MKM Stadium will see a Hull derby to end the season. Both teams would have hoped for higher, but neither side will want to end the season with a loss, especially to their neighbours.
Danny McGuire has named a 16-man squad for the trip from East to West Hull. One of the 16 is experienced winger, Ryan Hall. Hall has been a key player in the Robins side and his experience could lead them to derby day delight.
Salford Red Devils will be heading into the play-offs next weekend, however who they play will be unknown. They travel to Warrington on Saturday, with the Wolves unable to move from 11th place.
Paul Rowley and his Salford squad has shocked many this season, but they will be hoping they aren’t finished just yet.
Kallum Watkins has been a surprise to many, but since moving into the back row, he has played at a high consistent level. Watkins has scored regular tries considering his position and he will be looking to repeat the feat on Satuday.
Warrington will be disappointed with their 2022 campaign, but Daryl Powell will be looking to end the season on a positive.
George Williams scored a try and got four assists against Huddersfield on Monday. He will be hoping for more of the same. Meanwhile, Jake Wardle scored against his parent club. Wardle is on loan from Huddersfield, who he faced on Monday.
The final match of the weekend sees relegated Toulouse facing league leaders, St Helens.
Saints welcome back some of their rested players, however not all will return.
Jack Welsby comes back into the side. Welsby featured during their defeat to Wigan.
Meanwhile, Tommy Makinson will keep his spot. Makinson didn’t play against Wigan last week, however, did take on Wakefield on Monday evening.
Joe Batchelor made his England debut earlier in the season and has been a top performer this season. He is also set to feature for St Helens.
Betfred Super League Round 27 Fixtures
Friday:
- Huddersfield Giants v Wakefield Trinity – 7:45 PM
- Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons – 8PM – Live on Sky Sports
Saturday:
- Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers – 3PM – Live on Sky Sports
- Hull FC v Hull KR – 3PM
- Salford Red Devils v Warrington Wolves – 3PM
- St Helens v Toulouse – 3PM
