Rivals Returns Preview

Rivals will return this weekend with scores to settle and bragging rights to secure. Here is a look at what’s taking place in the Betfred Super League.

It means more against your Rivals ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/sLflCNuGIN

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 21, 2026

Thursday 23 July

Hull FC v Hull KR (20:00) - Live on Sky Sports

Thursday night will get the round underway with the cross-city derby, as West meets East in Hull.

Hull FC will be searching for their first home derby success at the MKM since 2021, but their performance at Magic WKND will give the Black and Whites optimism.

Joe Batchelor is one appearance away from 200 in his career. The second rower has made 14 appearances for Hull since joining ahead of the season.

Andy Last makes two changes to his side. Max Wood re-joins Hull on loan from Warrington, whilst Lewis Martin returns from his HIA. Yusuf Aydin is ruled out for that reason and Ben Johnston also is replaced.

The Robins could make history by becoming the first side in Hull Derby history, to win eight successive Super League matches.

Willie Peters’ side have won their last seven Super League meetings with their nearest and dearest, the last defeat came in Round 18 in 2023.

The Robins will be looking to bounce back from a poor showing at the Wolves, however, talisman Mikey Lewis will be missing after receiving a four-game suspension.

Peta Hiku is back in the squad, meanwhile, former FC man Jack Charles comes in for Noah Booth.

Friday 24 July

Wigan Warriors v St Helens (20:00) - Live on Sky Sports

The Warriors and Saints are split at one win apiece in the Super League this season.

Both matches have been closely fought, with Bill Leyland’s tries seeing the Saints snatch it in Rivals Round, meanwhile, a missed Jackson Hastings penalty saw victory for the Warriors.

Matt Peet’s Warriors have won all of their last five matches and are favourites to extend their run.

The Warriors have made four changes to the 21-player squad as Liam Marshall, Bevan French, Sam Walters and Noah Hodkinson replace Kian McDermott, Lukas Mason, Finlay Yeomans and Josh Cartwright

Zach Eckersley has had a great 2026 and his record against the Saints is impressive. The winger has scored in each of his last three appearances against their Rivals.

Just a day ahead of the clash, the Saints announced that Paul Rowley would depart the club with immediate effect, as Eamon O’Carroll would take interim charge.

The Saints have named a youthful side, however, Shane Wright, George Delaney and Lewis Murphy come back into the side. Curtis Sironen, Nene Macdonald and Chris Matagi are the three who come out the side.

Can the change of leadership change fortunes for a side who have lost two of their last five matches?

Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers (20:00) - Live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

The other game on Friday sees Trinity face the Tigers.

Two dominant displays puts Trinity as the clear favourites, however, a big victory last week for the Tigers gives them hope.

Daryl Powell’s side have gone under the radar but could move into second position in the table this weekend.

Just one change has been made, with Jordan Williams being replaced by hometown hero, Max Jowitt.

Ryan Carr’s side came from behind in a West Yorkshire Derby last week against the Rhinos.

The Tigers won the meeting last season following their Magic WKND defeat and will be hoping 2026 follows the same suit.

Saturday 25 July

York Knights v Huddersfield Giants (15:00) - Live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Super League’s newest rivalry is split at one each, who will take the spoils on Saturday?

The Giants took the Rivals Round game, before being dismantled at Magic WKND by the Knights.

Mark Applegarth’s Knights saw their impressive run come to an end last week. The Knights had won three successive games, including winning at Magic WKND, came to an end away at Toulouse last week. The North Yorkshire side are in 11^th in the Betfred Super League table.

Jim Lenihan is still searching for his first success as Giants Head Coach and will be hoping that it can come on Saturday.

Chris Patolo returns to the Giants side.

Leigh Leopards v Warrington Wolves (17.30) – live on BBC Two, Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Fourth travels to fifth as the Wolves head to the Leopards Den to face a Leigh side who have won 10 of their last 12 league games.

Both sides have enjoyed one win each in their previous two league meetings this season, with the Leopards ending comfortable winners at Magic WKND three weeks ago.

The Leopards and Wolves are in a top six tussle that sees just four points separating fourth and seventh place, making Saturday’s Rivals Returns clash extra important in the context of the season.

Jordy Crowther returns to the Wolves squad this week and replaces Max Wood, who has headed back out on loan to Hull FC, while front row pairing Joe Ofahengaue and Robbie Mulhern are back in contention for Leigh.

Toulouse Olympique v Catalans Dragons (20.00 UK) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Toulouse and Catalans head into Saturday’s Rivals Returns clash in contrasting form.

The Dragons have lost their last four league games, including a 18-60 defeat at the hands of Toulouse three weeks ago, while Toulouse are unbeaten in their last three and sit just two points behind their French counterparts.

Skipper Ben Garcia and the experienced Tommy Makinson are back on deck for Catalans as they look to get back to winning ways in the South of France.

Sunday 26 July

Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls (15.00) – live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

AMT Headingley Stadium will stage a Super League derby clash between the Rhinos and Bulls for the first time in almost 12 seasons on Sunday afternoon.

The Rhinos suffered their first defeat in eight games last weekend after shock defeat to Castleford Tigers. They will be looking to bounce back against a Bradford side who have won just one of their last six games.

Danny Levi and Chris Hankinson are both unavailable for the Leeds after sustaining injuries in R19. Youngster Ben Littlewood is set to come into the squad alongside the  returning Jarrod O’Connor, who has passed concussion protocols.

The Bulls are doing it tough at the minute, with Waqa Blake and Mitch Souter joining a long list of injured players at the club.