Super League pre-season friendlies as Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC games lined up

Super League clubs are starting to get their pre-season campaigns underway as preparations begin for the 2025 season. Hull FC and Catalans Dragons have both started this week, while some Wigan Warriors players have returned as part of a staggered return for the quadruple winners.

However, it won’t be long until all 12 top flight clubs are in training and looking ahead to their first friendly games of the campaign. Of course, most games haven’t been announced just yet at this early stage of the off-season, but some have with testimonials and even a trip abroad being organised.

Hull KR and York Knights will be the two sides boarding a plane, with the clubs playing a friendly out in Amsterdam, while Ash Handley, Luke Gale, Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e and Joe Westerman have all seen testimonial games announced.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the pre-season games that have been announced so far.

December 26 – Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity

Leeds Rhinos will play out their traditional Boxing Day friendly against Wakefield Trinity once more this year.

It will be well-attended no doubt, with Ryan Hall and Jake Connor among those who could be involved, but it remains to be seen if fans will get a glimpse of Maika Sivo and Keenan Palasia, who have both been on international duty.

January 10 – Sheffield Eagles v Castleford Tigers

The Eagles will take on Castleford at Featherstone Rovers’ Millennium Stadium at the start of January. The clash is Quentin Laulu-Togagea’e’s testimonial fixture and will provide Castleford fans with a first glimpse of Danny McGuire’s side in 2025.

January 17 – Warrington Wolves v Widnes Vikings 

January 24 – Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers

Castleford will be involved in yet another Testimonial on January 24 when they travel to Wakefield Trinity for a game in Luke Gale’s honour. The retiring half-back announced the contest on his Twitter page back in July and doubled down on that in a recent interview.

January 25 – Hull KR v York Knights

This one was announced in May as Rovers and York head across the North Sea to the Netherlands to face off at the NCRA Stadium in Amsterdam. The game clashes with the second round of the Challenge Cup but Serious About RL understands a contingency plan is in place, which will likely see York play their Cup tie either a week before or a week after their clash on the continent.

January 25 – St Helens vs Salford Red Devils 

January 26 – Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors

Another testimonial match. This time, it’s Ash Handley’s game, with the winger being granted a 12-month testimonial by the RFL. Wigan Warriors will be the opponents in a contest that will see Brad Arthur gauge his outfit against Super League’s best.

February 1 – Castleford Tigers v Hull FC

Castleford will be involved in a third testimonial this winter when they host Hull FC on Joe Westerman’s big day. Westerman has had two spells at both clubs, so the Black and Whites were the obvious choice for this one.

TBC – Oldham v Wigan Warriors

Oldham announced that Wigan had agreed to a pre-season friendly as part of the deal that took George Hirst from Boundary Park to the Brick Community Stadium. Details and a date are yet to be revealed though.

TBC – Toby King testimonial

The Warrington Wolves man will be having a testimonial fixture in pre-season, but details have not been confirmed.