Every rugby league match you can watch live on TV this week

Another fantastic weekend of rugby league awaits as the wheels keep turning at the start of the 2022 campaign.

Once more, a banquette of rugby league actions live on TV awaits with Sky, BBC, Premier Sports and others serve up a platter of Super League, Challenge Cup and Australian action.

So, here’s a day-by-day guide of all the live rugby you can watch on TV this week.

Thursday

Leeds Rhinos v Catalans Dragons – Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Arena 19:30
The week gets off to a start with a seismic clash between Leeds and Catalans. Neither side has particularly set the world on fire in the opening rounds despite being seen as two of the main challengers to St Helens’ crown. Leeds come into the game on the back of a humbling defeat to Wigan whilst Catalans return to the UK after an unconvincing win over Wakefield at home. As both look to generate momentum, this game is massive.

Friday

Manly Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders – Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Mix 07:30
As both teams prepare for the 2022 NRL season with the trials down under enter their second week, Manly will want to build on their win over Wests last week. Meanwhile, after missing out on the play-offs last year, Canberra will have a point to prove against the Eagles who finished in the top four last term.

Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers – Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Mix 09:30
Finishing just beneath the Eagles last year were the Sydney Roosters who, after a couple of years of upheaval and change, will be hoping to recement themselves as the premier force in the NRL again in 2022. They could send out an early warning to league with a win over Wests on Friday who of course lost 28-4 last week to Manly.

Hull KR v Castleford Tigers – Sky Sports Arena 19:30
Like Leeds and Catalans, Hull KR and Castleford – who engaged in a massive battle for a place in the play-offs last year – have had uninspiring starts to 2022. Neither without a win despite huge optimism going into 2022, it may only be Round Three but if these sides want to be a serious force this year, a win here will be vital.

Saturday

South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George Illawarra Dragons – Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Mix 08:30
You can look forward to a breakfast buffet of Australian action on Saturday morning beginning with Souths taking on St George. For the Bunnies, 2022 is a landmark year in their history as they begin life after Adam Reynolds and a win here would be key to showing that they can achieve similar success in his absence. As for the Dragons, they’ll want to show they can compete for the play-offs this term.

North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos – Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Mix 10:30
Immediately after is a Queensland derby between two bitter rivals. Since they met in the 2015 Grand Final, things haven’t been too rosy for either of these sides and both finished behind baby brother Gold Coast in 2021. Determined to be the best of the state and return to their glory days, this will shed some light on who can look forward to a fruitful season.

Sunday

Melbourne Storm v Newcastle Knights – Sky Sports Arena 07:15
Remarkably after an almost all-conquering regular campaign, Melbourne missed out on the Grand Final last year. That gives them a wrong to right in 2022 and they’ll be hoping to prepare for an assault on the NRL trophy again this year. As they prepare, they’ll take on a Newcastle side adjusting to life after Mitchell Pearce hoping that they can remain a play-off side in 2022.

The Royal Navy v Batley Bulldogs – BBC iplayer 13:00
Sunday then sees some exciting Challenge Cup action hit our screens. The Royal Navy make their Fourth Round debut in the competition against Championship Batley. It should be a fantastic occasion and after some shocks throughout the tournament, who knows maybe we could see the Navy in the Fifth Round.

York City Knights v Newcastle Thunder – Sportsman 15:00
Straight after that, if you switch to the Sportsman you’ll see two ambitious Championship clubs battle for a place in the Fifth Round of the Challenge Cup. York come into the game on the back of a disappointing defeat to Leigh whilst Newcastle will take huge confidence from their 40-24 win over Whitehaven.

Monday

Cronulla Sharks v Canterbury Bulldogs – Sky Sports Arena 08:30
The live rugby action keeps coming on Monday when Cronulla battle Canterbury. Two teams who finished outside of the top eight last year with ambitions of play-off rugby this term, this fixture will shed some light on which side is closer to returning to the top.

Leigh Centurions v Widnes Vikings – Premier Sports 19:15
In some ways this could be the game of the weekend. In the Challenge Cup, the oldest competition in the sport, Leigh and Widnes do battle with some interesting storylines in the background. Widnes will go into the fixture surprisingly top of the Championship table with a 100% record. To show that they’re truly pushing for promotion in 2022, they could do with beating the Centurions who are considered one of the two overwhelming favourites along with Featherstone. Yes, it’s not a league fixture but, as we enjoy cup action, we may learn more about the league.