Super League sides Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity were in action on Boxing Day as they kicked off their respective pre-season campaigns with a tightly contested friendly at Headingley.
Brad Arthur’s side edged out the newly promoted outfit 18-16, with Jake Connor touching down for a brace on his first appearance in blue and amber. George Brown scored the decisive try for the Rhinos, while Noah Booth, Seth Nikotemo and Dom Sinfield recorded tries for the visitors.
That was the first game of what promises to be a busy few weeks for Super League teams as they prepare themselves for the season ahead. Every side with the exception of Catalans Dragons has fixtures lined up through January and the start of February with every top flight outfit due to be in Challenge Cup action over the weekend of February 8th and 9th.
Those matches will be played both at home and overseas with Hull KR and Castleford Tigers lining up contests abroad. KR will face off against York Knights in Amsterdam, while Castleford Tigers have announced a game against Valencia Huracanes.
Super League sides will be involved in seven testimonials, too, as top flight, lower league and retired players are honoured. Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e will be the main man when Sheffield Eagles host Castleford on January 10, while Warrington Wolves will be the opponents for Halifax Panther’s James Saltonstall’s big day the same weekend.
Luke Gale, Joe Westerman, Morgan Knowles, Ash Handley and Toby King will also be honoured with games over pre-season. Castleford will be the busiest side over the next few weeks with four games lined up, while Warrington Wolves have three to play.
Here’s a look at the all the pre-season games involving Super League teams announced so far.
December 26 – Leeds Rhinos 18-16 Wakefield Trinity (Headingley)
January 10 – Sheffield Eagles v Castleford Tigers – Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e’s testimonial (Millennium Stadium)
January 12 – Halifax Panthers v Warrington Wolves – James Saltonstall’s testimonial (The Shay)
January 12 – Doncaster v Hull FC reserves (Eco-Power Stadium)
January 17 – Warrington Wolves v Widnes Vikings (Halliwell Jones Stadium)
January 18 – Valencia Huracanes v Castleford Tigers
January 18 – Huddersfield Giants v Bradford Bulls (John Smith’s Stadium)
January 18 – Barrow Raiders v Salford Red Devils (Craven Park)
January 19 – Oldham v Wigan Warriors (Boundary Park)
January 24 – Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers – Luke Gale’s testimonial (Belle Vue)
January 25 – Hull KR v York Knights – Amsterdam Challenge (NRCA Stadium)
January 25 – St Helens vs Salford Red Devils – Morgan Knowles’ testimonial (Totally Wicked Stadium)
January 26 – Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors – Ash Handley’s testimonial (Headingley)
February 1 – Castleford Tigers v Hull FC – Joe Westerman’s testimonial (Wheldon Road)
February 1 – Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards – Toby King’s testimonial (Halliwell Jones Stadium)
February 2 – Featherstone Rovers v Huddersfield Giants (Millennium Stadium)
