Phil Clarke claims struggling Super League sides were expecting to make the Grand Final

Phil Clarke has claimed that two clubs who look unlikely to play in a major final in 2023 were expecting to do so.

And perhaps with good reason. Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos both played in major finals in 2022 but both sit outside the play-offs.

“I think both sides thought they would be playing finals this year but both are out of the Challenge Cup and have a limited chance of making the Grand Final,” Clarke said on Sky Sports.

“There’s 16 weeks to go so unless there is a dramatic improvement in performances, it is going to be a disaster for both these teams.

“They are running out of time to turn things around.

“Leeds did last year.

“Leeds are in the same position they were in last year. They will say to themselves if they can win nine of their remaining games they can make the play-offs.

“I think Huddersfield have been the most unlucky team in Super League.

“In five games they have lost six points or less. A friend of mine said to me that you need a good coach and a lucky coach really and unlucky the ball hasn’t bounced for Ian Watson and them.”