Betfred Super League action returns on Friday night as Leeds Rhinos and St Helens clash at the Totally Wicked Stadium for the second time in 2023 in one of highlight clashes of the season so far.

Before both teams take to the field, here are a handful of talking points ahead of the game…

Drop goal drama

Fans of both club's have been treated to two of the best matches of the season so far when the Rhinos and Saints have met.

Leeds needed the boot of Blake Austin so grasp a first win of the season in round three as Leeds upset the newly crowned World Club Champions' party, but Lewis Dodd got his revenge at Headingley in golden point extra time.

It was the half back's second extra time drop goal of his season, having kicked Saints to the win against Penrith to claim the World title, and this week's game promises to be no different, so don't be surprised if drop goals start flying again!

Saints back line vs Rhinos forward pack

Despite missing a couple of their star forwards for this week's game, Saints' back line is still a major threat. All five of the club's top try scorers, led by Tommy Makinson, are named including Konrad Hurrell and Mark Percival who can hit major career milestones with tries against the Rhinos. Percvial returns from a HIA to replace Jon Bennison in Wellens' 21-man squad, plus Tee Ritson provides plenty of speed if given the right space.

The spine of Jonny Lomax, Jack Welsby and Lewis Dodd has been unshifted for the season so far, and the addition of NRL Grand Finalist Moses Mbye as either a hooker of half back is a strong addition too.

Leeds' forwards have been a key area this season, led by Cameron Smith and Jarrod O'Connor's tackle counts. James McDonnell and James Bentley have chimed in too in recent weeks, whilst Sam Lisone and Justin Sangare's impact off the bench has also been key.

Both teams buckled in for top six dash

Saints' dominance around the top of the league table since 2018 took a hit at the start of this season when they lost five of ten matches after lifting the World Club Challenge against Penrith. The Red Vee have responded since then, only losing three games, but even with a game in hand they still sit closer to sixth place than they would like. No game is easy looking at how close the competition has been in 2023, but Wellens will hope that with a couple of wins, the club can put itself in strong position to return to Old Trafford.

The Rhinos on the other hand are four points behind Wellens' side and two points off sixth spot. Currently sat eighth, Smith's side has shown signs of a revival with the same characteristics as last season, thanks to three consecutive wins against Huddersfield, Warrington and Salford before the Cup break. But with remaining fixtures against sides all vying for a play off spot too, fans can expect the season to go right down to the last game of the season against Castleford at Headingley.

More Information

Tickets and travel for our away Betfred Super League game against St Helens will be available to purchase online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk, over the phone on 0371 423 1315 and from Leeds Rhinos Club Shop (Opening Hours) are on sale now.  

Prices start at £24 for adults, £17 for concessions and £10 for juniors, plus travel is >span class="TextRun SCXW10208002 BCX4">£18 per person. For more information, click here.