We’ve now reached the most exciting time of the year for Super League fans, particularly those whose teams are still involved, as we enter the play-offs.
All the questions about who would finish where were answered by Friday evening meaning Catalans Dragons went into Saturday’s game knowing that their campaign was done, barring a record-breaking 182-point victory.
It meant there was little drama to be had on Saturday but Friday had more than delivered on that front with Hull KR tying up second against a spirited Leeds, whilst Leigh completed their magnificent second-half-of-the-season turnaround to cement a place in the top six.
Amidst all that, Warrington went about another professional performance as they beat London 54-0 to register a third straight game without conceding a try.
For London, it meant they finished bottom of Super League and they’ve now been dealt a huge blow with owner David Hughes confirming he will depart. There’s certainly more fallout to come there but for now, all eyes are on the six teams remaining.
With that in mind, we take a look at some of the key talking points heading into the first round of the play-offs.
Is it finally Warrington’s year?
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They might have played Huddersfield Giants and London Broncos in their final two games of the Super League season but Warrington won those games with an aggregate scoreline of 120-0. They also won the game prior to that 16-2 against St Helens meaning it’s a whopping 267 minutes since Sam Burgess’ side last conceded a try.
The old adage of defence wins championships springs to mind and with Wire set to host St Helens once again in the first round of the play-offs, it’s hard to see how St Helens can overturn the recent result.
A victory for Warrington would see them travel to face Hull KR, who they have beaten twice already this season including at Craven Park. Wire are one of just two teams to beat Hull KR at home this year and with star full-back Matt Dufty back, they’ll certainly fancy their chances should they make it there. Could it finally be Warrington’s year?
Battle of the Super League ‘underdogs’
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The first game of the Super League play-offs will see Salford Red Devils host Leigh Leopards, two sides who many had tipped to miss out on the top six this season. In fact, Salford were completely written off by almost everyone after they lost key stars such as Brodie Croft, Andy Ackers, Ken Sio and Joe Burgess but Paul Rowley has still found a way.
As for Leigh Leopards, they were touted by Sky Sports pundits to miss the top six, something that owner Derek Beaumont hadn’t forgotten as he handed Jenna Brooks a ‘humble pie’ after Friday’s win. At the halfway stage of the season it looked improbable that they would make it but finishing the year with eleven wins in thirteen with the only losses coming against the top two has seen them make the play-offs.
It’s brilliant for Super League that one of these sides will be in the semi-finals and both coaches have already labelled themselves as the ‘underdogs’ in what is set to be a brilliant game on Friday night.
What has happened to Catalans Dragons?
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Looking down the list of who has made the top six and there is one big omission and it’s last year’s Grand Finalists Catalans Dragons. The French side only just finished seventh, a mere five points on points difference ahead of Leeds Rhinos, who have missed the play-offs for consecutive years now.
For Catalans, it’s the first time they have missed the top six since 2019 and there are now serious questions to be asked about the club from Perpignan. Owner Bernard Guasch has already made weighty threats about the poor performances this season and after failing to crack the top six, the end-of-season review will be deep and devastating.
Sam Tomkins, whose future is still unclear, explained on Sky Sports: “It’s unacceptable for a club that has the resources that we have. We should be firmly in the six. We’ve been a top-four side for the last four seasons and the goal this year was to go and get back to another Grand Final.”
If Catalans start slow in 2025 then Steve McNamara could be a man on borrowed time.
