Photo credit: www.skysports.com
When the top teams in a league face off, stakes are always high, but when those matches occur during one of the fiercest rivalries in sports, the excitement intensifies. The dates are memorized long before the season calendar is released, especially for fans of Hull FC, Hull KR, Wigan Warriors, and St Helens, who eagerly anticipate the Easter weekend.
Conversations in the stands or among friends often boil down to one sentiment: “As long as we beat them on Good Friday, I’ll be happy.” This rivalry brings families to a standstill, as they pledge allegiance to their team for that single day, silencing any communication with supporters of the opposing side until the final whistle blows.
The matches are steeped in tradition, with a rich history of rivalry that unfolds dramatically over the course of 80 intense minutes. As the excitement builds towards 2025, fans can look forward to their teams continuing to carve out their legacies in the sport.
A city divided: Hull FC vs Hull KR
Friday, April 18, 12 PM, Sky Sports Main Event and Action
In a unique rivalry characterized by the fact that both teams hail from the same city, the clash between Hull FC and Hull KR encapsulates fierce competition and an intense desire to claim the title of the city’s best. The outcome of the 2025 Good Friday derby could see either team surge to the top of the league table, with Hull KR aiming to extend their lead, and Hull FC hoping to depend on other results in their favor.
Winning this match carries the weight of local pride, as Hull KR currently leads the year’s derby count after a recent victory in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals. To even the score, Hull FC must deliver one of their standout performances this season. Known for their resilience, John Cartwright’s team will look to demonstrate their fighting spirit.
On the other side, Willie Peters’ Hull KR has proven to be one of the top contenders in 2025. They aim to showcase their skills and solidify their position as challengers for the championship title.
The ‘official’ derby separated by a lump: Wigan Warriors vs St Helens
Friday, April 18, 2:45 PM, Sky Sports Main Event and Action
The term ‘derby’ for this rivalry was allegedly coined by the 19th Earl of Derby, who recognized the significance of two events—the horse race at Epsom and the clash between Wigan Warriors and St Helens. This historic rivalry, which began in 1895, has seen two towns just 10 miles apart foster one of Rugby League’s most storied competitions.
Both clubs have faced each other in 20 major finals, establishing themselves as two of the sport’s most successful teams, with academies that consistently produce top talent. This fierce competitive spirit, fueled by local pride, leads to electrifying encounters on Good Friday, where players who once cheered for their teams now find themselves battling on the field.
While Wigan claims the current champion title, St Helens, under the leadership of Paul Wellens, aims to disrupt that narrative and secure consecutive Good Friday wins against their rivals. Fans can expect a gripping contest reflective of a rivalry that has come to embody the essence of the Super League.
Round 8 – RIVALS ROUND – every match live on Sky Sports
Thursday, April 17: Wakefield vs Castleford – 8 PM
Friday, April 18: Hull FC vs Hull KR – 12:30 PM – exclusively live on Sky Sports
Friday, April 18: Wigan vs St Helens – 3 PM – exclusively live on Sky Sports
Friday, April 18: Leeds vs Huddersfield – 5:30 PM
Saturday, April 19: Leigh vs Warrington – 1:30 PM
Saturday, April 19: Catalans vs Salford – 6 PM
Sky Sports will provide live coverage of every Super League match this season, including two exclusive fixtures in each round, with remaining matches available on Sky Sports+ via the red button.
Source
www.skysports.com