Round 13
Superleague Preview

Four Friday night games get us started in Round 13 of Superleague this weekend.

Trent Barrett's 2007 club Wigan Warriors host the Castleford Tigers in the televised game, a clash that both teams will see as a good opportunity to fight for a win. Wigan came back to earth last week with a thud against Hull after recording a first-up win for new coach Brian Noble, and Castleford made a second half fight-back to beat the more-fancied Salford side. This is a match that could go either way.

Salford Reds host Wakefield Wildcats who will be boosted by their mid-week signings of prop and Tongan international Adam Watene and centre Ryan Atkins from Bradford. Salford will be looking to show their home fans that their early season form was no fluke, and that they will be fixtures in the top six all season long.

Leeds Rhinos host Harlequins RL at Headingley, the London side having won their share of games so far this season, and sitting one place out of the top six. Their signing of Henry Paul couldn't have been better timed, and Harlequins will be hoping he can add some spark in the absence this week of NZ international halfback Thomas Leuluai. Forward Chris Feather returns to the Leeds top squad after injury, and Leeds will be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes after going down in a big way at the hands of Warrington last week.

The final Friday night clash sees two form teams come together as Bradford Bulls travel to meet up with Hull FC. Hull showed probably their best form this season last week in racing to a 42-0 half-time lead against Wigan, before finally winning 54-12, while Bradford gave a similarly impressive display last start beating Les Catalans by 54-6. A win for either team will see them entrench their position in the top six.

Onto Saturday, where the Catalans Dragons host an in-form Warrington at Perpignan. The French side continue to draw impressive crowds despite having fallen to second last on the ladder. A good performance here would boost confidence, but a full strength Warrington is not an easy obstacle to overcome.

And in the televised Saturday game, Huddersfield Giants host undefeated leaders St Helens. Huddersfield have left one squad space open this week, pending a potential player transfer. But on current form they'll need more than that to become the first side to make St Helens taste defeat this season.

Game on!