Both the NRL and Super League seasons are drawing to a close and the fight for play-off rugby is heating up. Sky are set to bring us a number of exciting high-stakes clashes this week and just when you thought things couldn’t get any more intense, this week it’s Rivals Round which promises to be one of the biggest and best Super League rounds of the season.
Thursday:
19:00 Sky Sports Arena – Warrington Wolves v Catalans Dragons
Our rugby league feast begins with a tussle between third and first as two teams tipped for Grand Final glory do battle. Adding more story to this anticipated clash is the fact it stands to be George Williams home debut for the Wolves after a disappointing defeat away to Wakefield last time out. He and the Wolves will want to set the record straight with a third win against the table topping Dragons.
Friday:
9:00 Sky Sports Arena – Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles
After a up and down season, Canberra Raiders still have concrete play-off hopes. However, a win here would still be a welcome boost as they go for a place in the eight. But to claim a victory this weekend, they’ll have to topple one of the competition’s form teams in Manly. Many are tipping them to force their way into the top four whilst some even believe they’re Grand Finalists in waiting.
10:55 Sky Sports Arena – Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs
As the season edges towards its conclusion in Australia, the Panthers and the Rabbitohs do battle knowing that victory could virtually secure second place in the table for either side. Penrith were the front-runners for most of the season and now have Nathan Cleary back in the team. Many believe his return could rekindle their title hopes. Meanwhile, Souths have been a mainstay in the top four all season but have received little recognition. They could put the rest of the league on notice with a win against the Panthers.
19:30 Sky Sports Arena Wigan Warriors v St Helens
Does it get bigger than this? A Grand Final rematch, the last two teams to be crowned Super League Champions and to top it all off there’s local pride at stake. Both sides interestingly come into the clash on the back of defeat and both need a win. The Saints will be looking to keep the pressure up on Catalans at the top of the table whilst the Warriors will want to cement their play-off place as soon as possible.
Saturday:
10:35 Sky Sports Arena – Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys
Serious question marks have been thrown the way of Parramatta in recent weeks and conceding 50 points at the hands of Manly did little to alleviate the pressure placed on them. Once upon a time, a contender for the Premiership, now they look set to miss out on the top four. They need to stop the rot but will find it difficult against the Cowboys who need a win themselves as they attempt to give a negative season a positive end.
14:30 Sky Sports Action – Hull FC v Hull KR
Wrapping up the week of rugby is the biggest Hull derby in years. Both Hull clubs are enjoying superb campaigns and are well in the mix where the play-offs are concerned. The result of this huge clash will have a massive bearing on the race to make top six adding an extra layer to an already mouth-watering contest. Can Hull KR continue to build on the hype their attacking style has led to, or will Hull FC stop them in their tracks and force their way back into the top six?
