Another week of rugby has been and gone and we’re that much closer to the end of the season. It’s certainly been a brilliant week of Super League action and even included arguably the game of the season so far. We’ve learnt even more about the play-off race and who’s likely to feature at Old Trafford in October. So, with that in mind, here’s the five major talking points from this weekend’s Super League action.
1. Where to now for Wigan?
Well, I suppose the obvious answer to this question is back to the DW Stadium for a huge game against Leeds in terms of the play-off race. Their place in the top six has been severely threatened in the last two weeks thanks to their defeat away at Hull KR prior to their humbling at the hands of St Helens. They’ve struggled for points all season and that needs to change if they want to secure their place in the play-offs.
2. Optimism for Wakefield
Many wondered whether or not Wakefield’s win over Warrington last week was a fluke. However, their performance against Castleford would suggest otherwise. Yes, they ended up on the wrong side of the score line but pushed the Tigers all the way. This is a Cas side who beat the Champions last week and are in real good form. Thus, it’s safe to say Wakefield are looking much better now and could produce a strong finish to the season.
3. Game of the season contender
Boy, the Hull derby was breathless wasn’t it? To quote Barrie McDermott, it had ‘skills, thrills and spills’ in an end-to-end contest full of drama and superb rugby. Both Hull clubs look like could be genuine dark horses for Old Trafford on the back of that performance and the quality of yesterday’s game will serve them well as they gear up towards the end of the season.
4. Leeds to make the top six?
If they do find themselves in the play-offs, the Rhinos will have produced a herculean effort. Yes, they’re well in the mix right now but the number of long term injuries in their squad is likely to derail their play-off hopes in the next few weeks. Nonetheless, the young Rhinos side who defeated Huddersfield on Thursday showed great character, if they can replicate that again and again as the season draws to a close then they’ve got as good a chance as anyone at making the top six.
5. Richardson Resurgence
Perhaps at this moment in time, as the Tigers build momentum and welcome back their first choice squad, Castleford are a more likely play-off candidate than the Rhinos. They’ll need to maintain their current good form but the way they’re playing you’d expect them to do so. At the heart of their recent success, Danny Richardson has shown. After a difficult start to the season and being left out of the Cup Final, Richardson has found another level impressing in the derby win over Wakefield. If he can maintain his recent form until the end of the season, Cas could sneak into the top six.
Leigh Leopards
Leigh Leopards and their problem position
