The pre-season period is an exciting time for Super League teams as they gear up for the challenges of the upcoming season. It offers an opportunity for teams to test new strategies, integrate new signings, and provide game time for both seasoned players and emerging talent. This year, several high-profile Super League clubs, including Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, and Wigan Warriors, have confirmed a series of friendlies to fine-tune their preparations. Here’s a closer look at the games confirmed for these teams and what fans can expect.
Leeds Rhinos began their pre-season campaign on Boxing Day with a tightly contested match against Wakefield Trinity at Headingley. The game served as an early test of fitness and cohesion for the team under the guidance of head coach Rohan Smith. Leeds narrowly edged out Wakefield 18-16 in a match that saw Jake Connor shine on his debut, scoring two tries for the Rhinos. George Brown delivered the decisive score, ensuring a morale-boosting victory for the home side. For Wakefield, who were recently promoted back to the Super League, the match was an equally valuable experience, with Noah Booth, Seth Nikotemo, and Dom Sinfield finding the try line. This thrilling encounter has set the tone for what promises to be a competitive and engaging pre-season.
Hull FC also have an extensive pre-season schedule lined up. Under new head coach Tony Smith, the team is looking to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season and show marked improvement. Hull’s pre-season fixtures will focus on building team chemistry and testing tactical approaches, especially with several new faces in their squad. Fans will have the chance to see their team in action against strong opposition, providing a glimpse of what the upcoming season might hold. The games are expected to feature a mix of experienced players and promising academy graduates, with Smith emphasizing development and consistency as key objectives.
Wigan Warriors, fresh from their quadruple-winning campaign in 2024, are preparing for another rigorous season, aiming to defend their Super League title. Head coach Matt Peet has emphasized the importance of using pre-season fixtures to maintain the high standards set by the team last year. The Warriors have scheduled a number of friendly matches to ensure their squad is match-ready and well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Wigan’s pre-season games will likely serve as an opportunity to experiment with line-ups and assess the readiness of younger players, ensuring depth across the squad. With Wigan’s reputation for blending seasoned stars and homegrown talent, these matches are sure to offer fans exciting glimpses of the club’s future.
In addition to these high-profile clubs, the Super League pre-season as a whole is shaping up to be action-packed. Most teams have confirmed friendlies throughout January and early February, using these fixtures to build momentum ahead of the season’s start. Apart from Catalans Dragons, every Super League club is participating in pre-season matches, which underscores the importance placed on these preparatory games. The friendlies not only serve as physical and tactical preparation but also allow teams to engage with their fans in a more relaxed and accessible setting before the intensity of the competitive season begins.
Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, and Wigan Warriors all have their sights set on strong starts to the 2025 Super League campaign, and their pre-season schedules reflect their ambitions. The friendly matches provide a platform to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and set the foundation for success in the months ahead. For the players, it is a chance to stake their claim for a spot in the starting line-up, while for coaches, it is an invaluable period to assess their squad’s progress and implement their philosophies. For fans, the pre-season games offer a first look at new signings, tactical tweaks, and the overall readiness of their favorite teams.
With the Challenge Cup fixtures scheduled for February 8-9, the pre-season games will be pivotal in ensuring that teams are firing on all cylinders when competitive action begins. Leeds, Hull, and Wigan, in particular, will be looking to use these fixtures to make a statement and set the tone for what promises to be another thrilling Super League season. As the countdown to the 2025 campaign continues, fans can look forward to a series of captivating friendlies showcasing the best of rugby league.
