We’ve reached the penultimate round of Super League fixtures and the pressure is on for so many clubs. Wigan Warriors, who beat Hull KR last time out, have the opportunity to wrap up the League Leaders’ Shield on Friday night as they take on Leeds Rhinos at the Brick Community Stadium, with the Rhinos competing for a spot in the top six.
Brad Arthur’s side are one of five clubs vying for three play-off spots and that’s where the real excitement could be this week, with Leeds competing with Catalans Dragons, St Helens, Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils.
They’ll all fancy their chances and they’ll all be pushing to do everything they can to get over the line this weekend ahead of the final showdown.
With that in mind, we take a look at some of the key talking points heading into round 26.
Hull KR mettle to be tested
Rovers fell agonisingly short last time out at Wigan as a couple of controversial sin-binnings gave the Warriors the advantage they needed to edge out their visitors and claim top spot. KR had been on a run of eight straight wins prior to that clash and they were flying high in confidence as they topped the table.
The defeat will have stung, though, and bouncing back with a result over Leigh Leopards this evening would be a real show of their character. The Leopards are on their own hot streak, having won their last five to climb into the play-offs, and they’ll more than fancy themselves to bring KR down another peg or two.
It’s all about mentality for Willie Peters’ side, then. Should they be able to pick themselves up, dust themselves down and play their game, Hull KR could sent out a real statement of strength heading into the play-offs. If the manner of last week’s loss has taken the wind out of their sails, though, it would certainly play into Leigh’s hands.
Warrington’s timely boost
Warrington won’t be winning the League Leaders’ Shield this year, but the importance of ending the season on a high is clear for all to see. Sam Burgess’ side can give themselves a week off in the play-offs by finishing the season inside the top two and they are currently just two points behind Hull KR.
The Robins are within reach then and a win over Huddersfield Giants would certainly serve to put pressure on KR going into the last round. Warrington will be delighted to be welcoming Matt Dufty and James Harrison back into the fold, with the former being their star man over the course of the campaign.
With Stefan Ratchford on the comeback trail, too, it seems Wire are in a good place heading into the post-season, with momentum building even if they miss out on the top two.
Pressure on Saints
It’s certainly fair to say eyes will be on St Helens this weekend as they look to bounce back from their poor showing at Warrington Wolves last time out. They’ve been boosted by a raft of returning talent, while Matty Lees will be involved after seeing his ban downgraded to a fine.
However, they haven’t been firing on all cylinders for some time and key players ought to have been looking at themselves in the mirror over the last few days. Paul Wellens will have been working hard to stamp out silly errors and give them more of an attacking edge this week, but the pressure is on for Saints.
It’s win or bust time for the Merseyside outfit and if they fail to beat Castleford Tigers at the Totally Wicked Stadium, they might just find themselves outside of the top six come the end of the campaign.
