After a brief hiatus on account of the Challenge Cup, Super League is back tonight and serving up three intriguing games each with their own little sub-plots.
The team news is now in for those three matches and a number of key calls have been made by each head coach, particularly regarding Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC.
Rohan Smith’s Rhinos travel to St Helens who they play for a third time this season after already meeting them in the Challenge Cup and you can likely expect a feisty affair given the recent track record in this fixture.
Two of the three fixtures in 2023 saw men sent off whilst Daryl Clark was sent to the sin bin earlier this season meaning there could well be fireworks.
Huddersfield Giants are looking to bounce back from defeat against Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup but they face a Leigh Leopards side who are starting to find some momentum with two wins and a draw in their last three.
That game at the John Smiths Stadium is a repeat of the Round One fixtures that saw Ian Watson’s side win 16-8 with Esan Marsters kicking off his incredible season with a try in that victory.
Castleford Tigers host Hull FC in a must-win game for both sides at The Jungle with both teams reeling after their losses in Round Eleven. Cas were hammered at home 60-4 against St Helens whilst FC lost to winless London Broncos 32-18.
Team news for all three matches has now been confirmed.
Super League Team News: Connor dropped and debutants galore
Credit: Imago Images
The big news coming out of the St Helens and Leeds Rhinos game was actually hinted at earlier by Leeds Rhinos with confirmation that Jack Sinfield had left the club to join Halifax Panthers on dual registration. His departure along with Leon Ruan, Ned McCormack and Corey Johnson hinted that it would be Matt Frawley pairing the returning Brodie Croft in the halves.
That was indeed the case with Leeds featuring a few new faces, particularly new loanee Matty Russell on the wing opposite Ash Handley. Russell forms part of a rapid backline with Harry Newman also returning.
For St Helens, they’ll have Tommy Makinson vying for his 200th try wearing the Red Vee whilst Waqa Blake also retains his spot on the opposite wing. Agnatius Paasi misses out on a return with Paul Wellens opting to give the forward more recovery time.
Credit: Imago Images
Heading over the The Jungle and there’s a confirmed debut for Ben Reynolds who lines up alongside Jake Trueman with young half-back Jack Charles named by Francis Cummins for the reserves this weekend. Newly-contracted Logan Moy starts at full-back with Jack Walker missing out in a side that has seen a whopping five changes.
Jack Walker, Lewis Martin, Jack Charles, Joe Cator and Franklin Pele are replaced with Moy, Harvey Barron, Brad Fash, Jack Ashworth and the aforementioned Reynolds taking their places in the squad.
For Castleford, Jason Qareqare returns in place of the injured Louis Senior. Rowan Milnes is joined by Paul McShane in the halves meaning Liam Horne is set for 80 minutes at hooker and the newly-contracted youngsters Sam Hall and George Hill also feature.
Credit: Imago Images
In the third clash of the night, Ian Watson has made a major decision to drop Jake Connor who was once again the centre of attention for the wrong reasons against Warrington Wolves. Connor was shown a yellow card after being involved in two scuffles with Josh Thewlis and he now drops out with Tui Lolohead dropping into full-back.
That means a return for Olly Russell whilst Sam Halsall replaces the injured Adam Swift on the wing. Thomas Deakin also replaces Adam Milner and there’s a return for veteran forward Chris Hill.
Their hosts, Leigh Leopards, see Matt Moylan return to the halves in a move that sees Zak Hardaker shift to full-back. The recently-recalled Ed Chamberlain pairs Ricky Leutele in the centres whilst reported NRL departees Tom Amone and Kai O’Donnell both start.
Can @GiantsRL bounce back from @TheChallengeCup disappointment or will @LeighLeopardsRL extend their unbeaten run? 🤔
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— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 24, 2024
