We were treated to some nail-biting action last week, as Wembley took centre stage; however attention in the UK now returns to the domestic competition. The big game is the battle at the bottom; as Wakefield Trinity face bitter local rivals Castleford Tigers, with both sides level on points. Elsewhere, Challenge Cup winners Leigh Leopards are back in action at home, and there is a whole host of NRL and NRLW games to get our teeth into this week.
Here is how you can catch all the action:
Friday 18th
New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles-9:00am Sky Sports Action
Parramatta Eels vs Sydney Roosters- 11:00am Sky Sports Action
Wakefield Trinity vs Castleford Tigers-8:00pm Sky Sports Arena
With no games on Thursday, the Rugby League weekend kicks off on Friday morning. We first head down under for two NRL games with huge implications on the race for the finals. First up, the in-form Warriors take on Manly as they look to close in on top sides Brisbane and Penrith. We then see the Eels take on the Roosters in a huge clash in the hunt for the top eight. Both teams sit just outside the finals places, and a loss for either side would all but knock them out of contention. However all the focus in the UK will be on Belle Vue on Friday evening, as bottom sides Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers are set to do battle. Not only is this a huge local derby, it will have massive implications on the relegation scrap. Both teams are on eight points, and a win for either team would provide a glimmer of hope; however the loser will be staring the real risk of relegation in the face. It promises to be a cracker on Friday night.
Saturday 19th
North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks NRLW-2:05am Sky Sports Mix
Wests Tigers vs St George Illawarra NRLW-3:50am Sky Sports Mix
Gold Coast Titans vs Sydney Roosters NRLW-6:10am Sky Sports Action
Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers-8:30am Sky Sports Arena
Leigh Leopards vs Catalans Dragons-3:00pm Sky Sports Action
Saturday morning sees the NRLW come into focus, with three massive games. The NRLW season has not failed to disappoint yet, and these games should be no different. We then see the Gold Coast Titans take on the Penrith Panthers to round off the morning’s action in Australia. The Panthers have the chance to put some more daylight between themselves and the chasing pack at the top of the NRL ladder; however the Titans will be hoping to pull off a shock if they want to keep their very slim finals hopes alive. Closer to home though, we see the newly crowned Challenge Cup champions Leigh Leopards in action, as they face table-toppers Catalans Dragons. This game will not only serve as a triumphant home coming for the Leopards, but it could have a big impact on the race for the League Leader’s Shield. A result for Adrian Lam’s men will see them move just two points behind the Dragons; but a win for the French side will put a six point buffer at the summit.
Sunday 20th August
Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos NRLW- 3:00am Sky Sports Action
Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels NRLW- 4:50am Sky Sports Mix
Sunday sees the NRLW again take centre stage, with two games in the early hours. The Broncos could enter the top four with a win, but this is a tough ask against the in-form Knights outfit. The Raiders will also be looking to carry on their good form against bottom side Parramatta.
Monday 21st August
Whitehaven vs Barrow Raiders-7:45pm Viaplay Sports 1
To round off the week’s action, the Championship returns to our screens as Whitehaven face Barrow. This is a huge game at the bottom of the Championship. A win for either side would help give some breathing room from the bottom sides, however the losers would be dragged into a dogfight at the foot of the table.
**All NRL games are available on the streaming service Watch NRL**
Information cited from Rugby League on TV
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