Wednesday 27 July 2016 12:44, UK
Sky Sports has announced its first set of games for the 2016 Super League Super 8s and Qualifiers as the battle to be crowned First Utility Super League champions continues.
Six-time winners St Helens kick-off the Super 8s phase of the First Utility Super League on Sky Sports when they face perennial title challengers Warrington Wolves on Thursday 4 August.
The opening fixture from The Qualifiers pits reigning Super League winners Leeds at Featherstone Rovers as the Rhinos fight to ensure they remain in next year's top flight. Elsewhere on the opening weekend, league leaders Hull FC entertain Castleford Tigers and Catalans Dragons take on Widnes Vikings.
Other marquee matches include a repeat of the 2014 Grand Final as Wigan Warriors host local rivals St Helens on 18 August and Leeds' trip to the capital to face London Broncos on August 20th.
Sky Sports Head of Rugby League Neville Smith, said: "The 2016 First Utility Super League season has already sprung a host of surprises and this could be a year when a new name lifts the trophy.
"With Leeds and last year's semi-finalists Huddersfield Giants competing in The Qualifiers, both divisions are incredibly strong and should make for some fantastic viewing."
In the Super League Super 8s, the top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals with the winners advancing to Old Trafford on 8 October for the biggest night in Super League, the Grand Final. The Qualifiers will see the top three teams play in next season's top flight with those finishing in fourth and fifth competing in the 'Million Pound Game'.
Thursday 4 August
Warrington Wolves v St Helens
Friday 5 August
Hull FC v Castleford Tigers
Saturday 6 August
Featherstone Rovers v Leeds Rhinos
Catalans Dragons v Widnes Vikings
Thursday 11 August
Widnes Vikings v Hull FC
Friday 12 August
St Helens v Catalans Dragons
Saturday 13 August
Leigh Centurions v Salford Red Devils
Thursday 18 August
Hull FC v Catalans Dragons
Friday 19 August
Wigan Warriors v St Helens
Saturday 20 August
London Broncos v Leeds Rhinos
Thursday 1 September
St Helens v Hull FC *
Friday 2 September
Wigan Warriors v Widnes Vikings *
Saturday 3 September
Hull KR v Leigh Centurions
Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves
*Matches subject to change depending on Ladbrokes Challenge Cup results.