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Race for the playoffs: Every possible scenario

The Super League heads for the final round of the regular season this week, and there are currently two spots up for grabs, and three sides battling for them.

With places one to four already settled, attention now turns to the final two spots, currently occupied by Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos, with Castleford Tigers just outside.

Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR face each other on Friday, while Castleford Tigers welcome Warrington Wolves on Thursday night.

Here is everything that could possibly happen.

Thursday: Castleford Tigers v Warrington Wolves

Castleford need to win to stand any chance of reaching the playoffs. They face a Warrington side already assured of third place in the Super League table.

A Warrington win will end the race for the playoffs there and then, with Leeds and Hull KR not needing to worry about their game.

If Castleford win, they will go level on win percentage with Leeds Rhinos on 52.17. The only difference between the two sides would be points difference.

Leeds currently sit on 121.5 per-cent points difference, while Cas lie on 80.66.

If the Tigers do win, then there is a strong chance they will get into the playoffs. Either one of Leeds or Hull KR would drop below them with a defeat.

In the unlikely event of a draw, we could have a really unique situation. Cas would stay on 50-per-cent win percentage. If there is a loser on Friday night, then they would go to 50-per-cent as well. However, Castleford’s largely inferior points difference would mean it would need a 100-plus points swing in their favour.

Friday: Leeds v Hull KR

If Castleford win on Thursday night, then this match will face a winner takes all scenario. The winners will be in the playoffs, and the losers will have to settle for seventh place.

But, if Castleford don’t win, then this game will just be to decide who visits Wigan in the playoffs, and who will face Warrington.

Currently, Hull KR occupy fifth spot, and a win at Headingley would confirm that for the Robins. But a Leeds win would take them up to fifth as well. The losers will finish either sixth or seventh.

If this match finishes as a draw, both sides would be in the playoffs, irrespective of what happens at Castleford on Thursday.

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