It’s one of the biggest weekends in any rugby calendar as State of Origin begins down under. Queensland and New South Wales will do battle in game one of the series this week. However, that’s just where this rugby begins this week as we are again treated to a feast of our great game.
Wednesday:
10:00 Sky Sports Main Event – Queensland v New South Wales
What a clash this should be, after all it always is. New South Wales will go into it as favourites given the quality of their squad. But that was true of last year too and the Maroons found a way to win the series. Their experience could very well lead them to victory once again. Either way, it should be a brilliant watch.
Thursday:
19:00 Sky Sports Action, YouTube – Castleford Tigers v Hull FC
Two teams who had contrasting success in the Challenge Cup semi-finals last week do battle on Thursday night. Castleford will be looking to back-up their brilliant semi-final victory in order to re-establish their play-off hopes after a couple of weeks of struggle in the league. As for Hull, they need to get back on the horse. They’ve struggled for results in recent games but have performed admirably. A win is vital for the Black and Whites.
Friday:
19:30 Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Arena – Leeds Rhinos v St Helens
This one is always a massive game. Two old rivals and Super League’s two most successful sides go toe-to-toe at Headingley this weekend. St Helens will be overwhelming favourites but the Rhinos will be hoping to exploit a cup hangover after St Helens’ big win over Hull last week. The Rhinos will be quietly confident having put 60 points on Castleford last time out. Having run the Champions close earlier this season, they may feel that they can cause the upset. However, because of Covid this game may very well not go ahead.
Saturday:
8:30 Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Arena – South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights
Saturday gifts us an NRL double as sides look to manage without their Origin stars. Last time out, Souths got their season back on track with victory over Paramatta. It’s vital that they back that up with victory over play-off chasing Newcastle. They’re one of five teams on 10 points chasing 8th spot which is currently occupied by St George on 12.
10:30 Sky Sports Arena – Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos
Another team desperately chasing St George in eighth, Canberra Raiders have been undone by internal struggles in recent weeks. But they still have plenty of quality and are capable of turning things around. As for Brisbane, their season looks dead and buried. A once great club, it’s now all about the future for the Queensland side. A win may very well be useful for their young players and their development.