Key Highlights
- Hull KR begins title defense against newly promoted York Knights in the opening game of the 2026 Super League season.
- Treble winners Hull KR will defend their Super League title with a visit to York’s LNER Community Stadium on Thursday, February 12 at 8:00 PM GMT.
- York Knights are one of three new clubs in Super League for the 2026 season alongside Toulouse Olympique and Bradford Bulls, replacing Salford Red Devils.
- The first home game for both Bradford and Toulouse will be on Saturday, February 14 as they face Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity respectively.
New Season in Super League
The 2026 season of the Super League marks a new chapter with three newly promoted teams joining the league. This expansion brings an exciting mix of familiar faces and fresh competition to the sport’s premier competition.
Treble Winners Start Title Defense
Hull Kingston Rovers (Hull KR) will begin their title defense on Thursday, February 12 when they travel to York’s LNER Community Stadium for a match that promises to set the tone for the season. Last year’s treble winners, Hull KR clinched the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and Grand Final by defeating Wigan Warriors in the Grand Final.
The match is set for 8:00 PM GMT, marking an important milestone for both teams as they face off on the opening day of the season. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter between these historic clubs with Hull KR aiming to extend their dominance into the new campaign.
New Teams Joining Super League
Three new clubs will join the Super League in 2026, bringing fresh talent and excitement to the league. York Knights, selected by an independent panel alongside Toulouse Olympique and Bradford Bulls, represent a significant boost for the competition.
The Knights will make their debut in Super League while Toulouse return after their one-season stint in 2022. Meanwhile, Bradford completes the trio of new teams, replacing Salford Red Devils who faced financial difficulties. These changes promise to add dynamism and unpredictability to the upcoming season as the competition expands to a 14-team format.
Opening Games Schedule
The opening round fixtures for the 2026 Super League are packed with anticipation, featuring several key matches:
- Hull KR v York Knights (Thursday, February 12 at 8:00 PM GMT)
- Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants (Friday, February 13 at 6:00 PM GMT)
- Leigh Leopards v Leeds Rhinos (Friday, February 13 at 8:00 PM GMT)
- Warrington Wolves v St Helens (Friday, February 13 at 8:00 PM GMT)
- Hull FC v Bradford Bulls (Saturday, February 14 at 5:30 PM GMT)
- Wakefield Trinity v Toulouse (Saturday, February 14 at 8:00 PM GMT)
The opening round fixtures are crucial as teams aim to establish their positions early in the season. These matches will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year of rugby league.
Future of Super League
The 2026 season marks a pivotal moment for Super League with the introduction of new teams and the expansion of the competition. The addition of York Knights, Toulouse Olympique, and Bradford Bulls signals a fresh chapter in the sport’s history, offering fans an array of new rivalries to look forward to.
With Hull KR starting their title defense against York Knights on February 12, the stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable season. As the competition evolves, it will be fascinating to see how these new teams perform and whether they can challenge the established giants of Super League.
The expansion of the league offers a wealth of opportunities for both teams and fans alike. This year’s opening round matches are just the beginning, with more thrilling encounters on the horizon as the 2026 season unfolds.
