At the weekend, Leeds Rhinos saw their play off hopes end as Hull KR secured their spot in the top six. Meanwhile Warrington Wolves have found themselves still wrapped up in a battle with Salford Red Devils for the final play off spot.
This came as they came up short against St Helens which was a game that highlighted why rugby league’s rules are smarter than rugby union.
As we have seen with the rugby union world cup, head clashes even accidental ones lead to red cards.
On Friday we saw Lewis Dodd suffer a head knock after three heads collided accidentally.
This would have been a red card in rugby union but was described as a “rugby incident” by Jon Wilkin.
It was a clash between two of the top six and two sides dreaming of Old Trafford with the Super League and World Champions St Helens hoping to complete a trio of wins over their rivals Warrington Wolves who were desperate to win to all but secure their play off spot.
It was also an emotional night as the club also said farewell to the likes of Daryl Clark who skippered the side on the night.
The emotions could have been added motivation for Warrington but if it was it was quickly sucked out of the game by St Helens’ utterly dominant defence penning the Wolves deep.
The Saints continued to turn the screw and eventually the Saints got the opening try of the game.
After a lose Warrington Wolves offload, the Saints had another attacking set at the Warrington Wolves line and the Super League and World Champions took advantage.
The returning Curtis Sironen found some space and carved through to score.
Mark Percival kicked the goal and the Saints took an early 6-0 lead. He would score the Saints’ next try cutting a lovely line after a sweeping move.
The Saints led 12-0 but eventually had to deal with a purple patch from the Wolves but this period was highlighted by a sensational tackle from Jack Welsby to deny Matty Russell in the corner.
He came up with another on the other side of the field but straight after a future St Helens star burrowed under to score in the shape of Daryl Clark.
Warrington looked set to level matters when they broke down the right but the pass went to ground because Jon Bennison pulled back Matty Nicholson receiving a yellow card.
Saints saw out the defensive set despite being down a man and then Moses Mbye burrowed over to make it 18-6.