Super League fixtures: Leeds start defence against Hull KR

Kevin Sinfield captained Leeds Rhinos to victory in the 2011 Grand Final

Leeds Rhinos will begin the defence of their Super League title with a home game against Hull KR on 3 February.

Newcomers Widnes Vikings start with a home match against Wakefield on the same night.

The Rugby Football League has also confirmed that the Magic Weekend will take place at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on the weekend of 26-27 May.

The schedule for the weekend will be confirmed in the new year.

Salford City Reds begin life at their new City of Salford Stadium with a visit from Castleford on 4 February, while St Helens, who play their first competitive match at their new Langtree Park home when Salford visit in round two, travel to London Broncos in their opener.

Hull FC, under new coach Peter Gentle, entertain Warrington on 5 February, with Wigan hosting Huddersfield and Catalan Dragons visiting Bradford on the same day.

Widnes, back in the elite division after a seven-year absence, host the Wildcats on their new artificial surface at the Stobart Stadium.

The fixtures for the Magic Weekend will again be related to local rivalries, with the traditional pairings of Leeds and Bradford, Wigan and St Helens and the two Hull clubs facing off, as well as Wakefield and Castleford and Widnes v Warrington.

Salford will play Huddersfield at the Etihad, while London Broncos will face Catalans, with the days of the matches awaiting confirmation.

Super League clubs have a free weekend on 16-17 June to facilitate a mid-season England international.

The Super League XVII season ends with the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 6 October, six weeks after the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on 25 August.

A full list of fixtures can be found at the official Super League website.

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