Super League Rivals Round 2023: Wigan face St Helens, Hull derby and Castleford play Wakefield

You can watch all the Rivals Round fixtures live on Sky Sports Arena, which continues on Friday April 7; Hull FC vs Hull Kingston Rovers kicks off at 12.30pm followed by Wigan Warriors vs St Helens at 3pm

By Megan Wellens, Digital Sports Journalist @MegWellensX

Image: You can watch every match of Super League Rivals Round on Sky Sports as the biggest rivalries take centre stage

In rugby league there is one weekend every year where battle lines are drawn and the fiercest of rivalries take centre stage - welcome to rivals round.

The Easter weekend has long marked the time at which Super League takes centre stage and once you dive into the rivalries on show, it is clear to see why.

There are old foes, new enemies, and with no love lost but a lot of respect, they are clashes not to be missed.

So, welcome to Super League Rivals Round 2023....

Wigan Warriors vs St Helens

Why it matters: The Good Friday meeting between local rivals Wigan and St Helens is one of only two sporting events in the country to have the official tile of a 'derby' alongside the horserace at Epsom.

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Separated by just nine miles, these two traditional rugby league towns are the oldest of foes and when they clash, you can expect fireworks.

As two of Super League's most successful clubs, they know what it takes to win silverware but for fans of these towns, victory against the old enemy can matter just as much.

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Wigan Warriors have hometown boy Matt Peet at the helm, with St Helens now led by club legend Paul Wellens so the importance of this tie is not lost to those at the top.

Highlights of the Super League match between St Helens ad Wigan Warriors

The story in 2023: After St Helens' World Club Challenge victory, they had a bumpy start to the season as they lost two out of three of their opening matches. However, they have bounced back to beat Hull FC, Huddersfield Giants, and Wakefield Trinity in recent week to have four wins from their opening six.

It is a similar story for the Warriors who have five wins from seven, scoring a huge victory against their other close foes the Leigh Leopards last time out.

What to remember in this clash is though, that no matter what, a win is compulsory for those in each town.

What they said:

Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet: "I think it's exciting for everyone involved.

"Both sets of fans are excited, there's two quality teams. I definitely feel like last year it was a great experience and I felt like I became a better coach for it.

"I do feel like I've got a bit of experience there now. It's the perfect week for anyone who wants an insight into our game.

"There's a lot to get excited about, you're crazy if you're not coming."

St Helens head coach Paul Wellens: "Absolutely yes I'm looking forward to it. As a player, you never had to find the extra motivation, especially being a St Helens boy, and now as a coach it's the same.

"In terms of the occasion, it's an outstanding occasion to be part of. I've done it as a supporter, as a player and now as a coach.

"I still feel like that five or six-year-old kid getting excited for the Saints-Wigan game. There's a big challenge around big games that you don't get over emotional."

Live Betfred Super League

Hull FC vs Hull KR

Highlights of the Super League match between Hull KR and Hull FC

Why it matters: When the Hull derby rolls around, you are certainly met with a city divided.

Neighbours and friends will, for a day, become foes as over 20,000 fans are expected to descend on the MKM Stadium for what promises to be a huge clash.

It is one of the fiercest rivalries in the sport and with the teams only separated by the River Hull, it is clear to see why there is only one thing on everyone's minds in the city come Good Friday.

Both teams will be out to make a huge statement against one another and with an electric crowd roaring them on, it will be another sight to behold on Super League's big weekend.

The story in 2023: It has been a dismal start to 2023 for Hull FC who have won just two out of their opening seven matches with former Robins head coach Tony Smith in charge.

For Hull KR, it is a better picture as they sit fifth in the table having won four out of their opening seven games.

However, anything can happen in a derby and with form out the window, the black and whites will be wanting to cause quite the upset.

Live Betfred Super League

Elsewhere in Rivals Round

There are three more big match-ups coming your way this weekend, all live on Sky Sports. The Leigh Leopards welcome the Salford Red Devils at 2.30pm on Saturday April 8, followed by the Catalans Dragons up against the table-topping Warrington Wolves at 5pm. Both games will be live on Sky Sports Arena

Sunday April 9 then sees the Leeds Rhinos clash with the Huddersfield Giants at 6pm, live on Sky Sports Action.

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