Ranking every rivalry in Super League’s Rivals Round

It’s Rivals Round which means we get to see the biggest rivalries in Super League take place.

But which are the biggest rivalries of the lot?

6. Catalans Dragons vs Warrington Wolves
This may be a top of the table battle but there isn’t a history to this rivalry like there is in others. Though Catalans did beat Warrington in the 2018 Challenge Cup Final and they endured a fiery affair in 2019 which James Child recently said “descended into chaos.” However, the distance between the two and the overall lack of history means this must rank bottom.

5. Leigh Leopards vs Salford Red Devils
A local rivalry but neither side would really say this is the biggest game of their season nor would they say their opponents are their biggest rivals. That was perhaps embodied last week as Leigh Leopards met Wigan Warriors in the Battle of the Borough.

4. Leeds Rhinos vs Huddersfield Giants
Similar to Leigh vs Salford, it is a West Yorkshire derby but both sides have bigger games in their season. It ranks higher than Leigh and Salford simply because of the drama of some of their recent encounters. In 2014 and 2015 the two teams served up some classic games especially Leeds’ dramatic League Leaders’ Shield win in 2015. The drama hasn’t dried up with Leeds producing a sensational comeback in 2020, Huddersfield edging a battle in 2021 before producing an amazing comeback of their own last year. And who could forget the drama of Leeds’ win over the Giants in Round 25 last season.

3. Wakefield Trinity vs Castleford Tigers
Two local rivals who this week have more than local pride at stake. Back in 2006, Wakefield relegated Castleford in a derby game and as they meet this week the two are again battling at the bottom of the league. They have served up some classics and the sheer proximity of the two makes them top three.

2. Hull FC vs Hull KR
It is tough to call the top two. There are arguments for most. Either way, this is a special game between two teams from the same city. It is a very unique fixture and has a special feel to it, but one game just tops it.

1. Wigan Warriors vs St Helens
The original derby and unlike the Hull derby it is a derby we have seen every season in Super League. It also has the added spice of being the battle between rugby league’s two most successful sides.