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Round 2 Preview

5 hrs

Round 2 Preview

Round 1 of the 2026 Betfred Super League was one to remember and enjoyed eye-catching success.

But what does Round 2 have in-store?

Friday 20 February

Bradford Bulls v Catalans Dragons (20.00) – live on Sky Sports

Bullmania and Super League return to Bartercard Odsal for the first time in 12 years – and fans can watch the Bulls’ clash with the Dragons live on Sky Sports!

Bradford will be hoping to entertain both on and off the field with a bumper home crowd expected and have already showed promising signs in Round 1 when they pushed Hull FC all the way.

The Bulls should take plenty of confidence from that game and will look to build momentum on home soil this Friday Night.

Meanwhile, Joel Tomkins’ Dragons are aiming to make it two wins on the bounce after a clinical performance in Perpignan.

For Bradford, Sam Hallas and Ethan Ryan both return to the fold and could feature if selected – replacing the injured duo Dan Russell and Jayden Okunbor.

Catalans have made just one change to their side for Round 2, with Alexis Lis replacing the suspended Ben Garcia in the squad.

Leeds Rhinos v York Knights (20.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

There’s action at AMT Headingley as Leeds Rhinos host newly promoted York Knights for the first time in Super League.

The Knights will be buzzing after their emphatic win over champions Hull KR in Round 1 but have a huge challenge ahead when they come head-to-head with the Rhinos.

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Leeds lost out to Leigh Leopards in their Round 1 fixture, so will be keen to get off the mark as soon as they possibly can.

Could the Knights really cause another upset? They certainly surprised many in their season opener!

Brad Arthur welcomes back five players from injury with two players set to make their Rhinos debut. Over a year since moving to AMT Headingley, Fijian superstar Maika Sivo will make his debut on the wing having recovered from an ACL injury suffered in pre-season in 2025.

New signing Jeremiah Mata'utia is also included having recovered from a knee injury picked up in training in January. 

It's also a massive boost as Cameron Smith returns after missing last week, whilst Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Jake Connor and forward Keenan Palasia will make their first appearances of the season on Friday.

The Rhinos are still without captain Ash Handley and Mikolaj Oledzki, however.

St Helens v Leigh Leopards (20.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Two of last year’s top six meet in Friday’s third Super League offering, and it could get tasty...

Can Saints secure their first victory of the season? They attempted a comeback against Warrington Wolves in Round 1, but the damage had already been done in the first forty.

Paul Rowley will be expecting a response from the Red V, but it’s expected to be a scintillating contest with the Leopards in town.

It’s Leigh who have won the last four meetings between the teams, and they visit the BrewDog Stadium all fired up from their opening round win against the Rhinos.

There is just one change to the Saints squad named for Round 1, following the injury suffered by Jack Welsby in the match against Warrington.

Welsby is expected to miss around four months of action due to a shoulder dislocation, which will require surgery.

It's Curtis Sironen who is back in the 21-man squad for the first time in the 2026 season, adding further options to the Red V pack.

Likewise, Leigh have also made just with change with Nathan Wilde coming in for Aaron Pene.

Did you know you can watch both of Friday's SuperLeague+ games at the same time with the multi-screen feature? Sign up if you haven't already and get ready for another unmissable weekend.

Saturday 21 February

Toulouse Olympique v Castleford Tigers (18.00 UK time, 19.00 French time) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Stade Ernest Wallon will showcase Super League for the first time since 2022 this Saturday as Toulouse welcome Castleford Tigers to their city.

Castleford have won both of their previous meetings with Toulouse (14-20 and 32-6 in 2022).

The hosts stunned Wakefield on the road last Saturday, sealing a hard-fought 16-18 victory in their first game back in Super League, but will they trouble the Tigers?

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Cas, on the other hand, gave Wigan Warriors a decent game in Round 1. Ryan Carr's outfit were great in their glimpses, but couldn't quite deal with the class of the former champions for the entire 80 minutes.

Toulouse have made a couple of changes, although Sylvain Houles' has stuck with the majority of his winning side. AJ Wallace comes into the team for Round 2.

Ryan Carr has included George Hirst and Ashton Golding named for the first time, after their signings were confirmed by the Castleford this week.

Brock Greacen is also available for selection after being forced to miss Round 1 with a knock.

Semi Valemei, Zac Cini, Louis Senior and Cain Robb remain out through injury, and Blake Taaffe drops out of the squad due to his season-ending injury suffered last week against the Warriors.

Wigan Warriors v Hull FC (20.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

A Saturday night showdown between Wigan and Hull FC awaits. It was a fixture that didn’t disappoint last year in both league and cup, with the Black & Whites producing two stunning displays at The Brick Community Stadium.

It was arguably Hull FC’s performance of the season when they last travelled to Wigan, beating the former champions 12-32.

The Warriors should not be taken lightly this time round, however.

Both teams have two points under their belt from their first outing last weekend, and are now on a mission for two more.

Matt Peet has made one change to Wigan's 21-player squad named last time out, as Taylor Kerr replaces the injured Jake Wardle.

John Cartwright has made three changes to Hull squad from Round 1, with Jed Cartwright returning to the side after completing his return-to-play protocols, while Matty Laidlaw and Logan Moy also come into the squad.

The trio replace Ligi Sao, who drops out through suspension, and Jake Arthur and Zak Hardaker who are absent through injury.

Sunday 22 February

Huddersfield Giants v Wakefield Trinity (15.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Sunday’s Super League sees Huddersfield Giants at home to Wakefield Trinity.

Both teams will be bitterly disappointed with their opening round’s performances, but who will right their wrongs in Round 2?

It was Trinity who claimed a league double over the Giants in 2025 (48-2 and 10-46)...

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Hull KR v Warrington Wolves' Round 2 fixture will be rescheduled due to the Robins taking on NRL Premiers Brisbane Broncos in the 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge on Thursday 19 February (K.O. 7.30pm). 

A full preview of the World Club Challenge can be found here.

 

Fans can find all details for the Round 2 fixtures here.

For information on SuperLeague+ and how to purchase your passes, click here.

Catch every Betfred Super League clash in 2026 and sync the fixtures to your calendar. Sign up to ECAL today.