After a weekend of superb Challenge Cup action, we switch back to a captivating league season as its story only just begins to unfurl setting us up for another fantastic week of live rugby.
Not only is Super League coming back to our screens, but we’ll be treated to more brilliant NRL action as the season down under hots up. It’s not set to be your regular weekend of NRL action either as the clubs take part in the Magic Round and Sky is broadcasting every game from the event in Brisbane.
Of course, adding to this week of rugby is the brilliant return of supporters meaning it should be quite the week for rugby league fans.
Friday:
8:55 Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Main Event – Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights
The weekend of rugby kicks of with an intriguing Australian clash as Wests and Newcastle open the Magic Round in Brisbane. Wests have had a difficult start to the season and sit 15th in the table. They’re desperate for wins and an up turn in form after they failed to capitalise on victory against St George. They’ll face the 10th placed Knights who are well in the hunt for the top eight but need a win to stay level on points with those in the play-off spots.
11:00 Sky Sports Mix – Manly Sea Eagles v Brisbane Broncos
Like Wests, Brisbane and Manly both got off to bad starts this season. However, the Sea Eagles now sit ninth in the table and are in the play-off race. Meanwhile, the Broncos sit on four points in 14th. Two of the top teams 10 years ago both need to find a way to return to the top table of Australian rugby.
19:30 Sky Sports Arena, YouTube – Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity
These two sides met in the opening round of Super League in a cracking end to end contest. Six weeks later and Leeds’ win in that encounter is the only victory either side have to their name in 2021 as both sides struggle at the wrong end of the table upping the stakes of this West Yorkshire derby. It has become a must win basement battle between two sides hoping for better seasons. This game can be watched for free on YouTube and is the only fixture not moved back to Monday to allow the return of fans.
Saturday:
6:00 Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Mix – Canterbury Bulldogs v Canberra Raiders
For the early risers amongst you, a morning treat awaits from Australia as the Bulldogs take on the Raiders in a match dripping with English talent as Luke Thompson does battle against the likes of Elliott Whitehead. Canterbury currently dwell bottom of the NRL whilst Canberra have hit a slump in recent weeks. Both sides need a win.
8:25 Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Main Event – Cronulla Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs
After last week’s thrashing at the hands of Melbourne, the Bunnies will be hurting and need to get back to winning ways to get their premiership bid back on track especially as no side has ever won the NRL having conceded 50 points in a regular season game. On the other hand, this might be the perfect opportunity for the Sharks to get their season up and running after a slow start.
10:40 Sky Sports Arena – Sydney Roosters v North Queensland Cowboys
This is an interesting one. On paper it might not seem very exciting but the 11th placed Cowboys are now on 8 points and in touching distance of the top eight. Meanwhile, Sydney desperately need to find some rhythm after their stop-start campaign hit another road block last week. The need to win could bring the best out of both teams.
Sunday:
4:45 Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Main Event – New Zealand Warriors v Parramatta Eels
Not much is being said about the Eels at the moment which is strange as they appear to be the most obvious threat to rivals Penrith at the top of the league. They’ll need to beat the Warriors if they are to stay in touch at the top.
7:00 Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Main Event – Melbourne Storm v St George Illawarra Dragons
This one could be tasty. Reigning Premiers Melbourne are going under the radar a bit this season and are coping well without Cameron Smith. However, last week’s demolition of Souths made everyone take notice reminding the other 15 teams what they can do. They need to back that up against this year’s surprise package. The Dragons will take some beating.
9:20 Sky Sports Arena – Gold Coast Titans v Penrith Panthers
The final game of the Magic Round sees seventh placed Gold Coast face the unenviable task of trying to stop the unbeaten Panthers. Penrith are on a mission to win the NRL this year and create history whilst they’re doing it. However, the Titans will definitely put up a fight.
Monday:
19:00 Sky Sports Arena – Warrington Wolves v Huddersfield Giants
Monday is the day we’ve all been waiting for. The return of fans to Super League. It’s been a long 14 months without them but it should be an amazing night around the league. Warrington get the added privilege of welcoming Sky to the Halliwell Jones on Monday night for what should be a classic encounter against Huddersfield. The Giants looked good against the Champions last week whilst Warrington have picked up the pace recently after a slow start to the season. It should be an entertaining clash between two teams with play-off ambitions.
Season ticket holders unable to attend their team’s game can watch live on the OurLeague App.
Warrington Wolves
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Huddersfield Giants
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