The race for the sixth and final Super League play-off spot looked close to a sure thing just a week ago as two consecutive defeats for Hull FC saw Wakefield Trinity take pole position, however, the Round 25 results have shaken things up.
Heading into Round 25, Trinity were one point clear of Hull FC with a far easier final three games but one those supposedly ‘easy’ games proved to be a huge banana skin.
Wakefield travelled to face rivals Castleford, who were without a win since July and have already been beaten twice by Trinity this season, but the Tigers managed to upset the odds and land a famous derby win.
Whlilst Hull FC could not capitalise on Sunday as they lost to rivals Hull KR, it means they stay in touching distance and can leapfrog Wakefield into sixth if they better their final two results.
Wakefield now have the same task of facing Hull KR whilst Hull FC take on Warrington, with both games taking place at 5:30 pm on Saturday evening. Should the results go the way the bookmakers think, with KR and FC as favourites for the wins, then John Cartwright’s side would move into the top six.
Serious About Rugby League launch new platform ahead of Super League play-offs
Hull FC named as “favourites” to make Super League play-offs
It’s not just the bookmakers backing them but also Sky Sports’ Sam Tomkins and Jon Wilkin with former Hull KR player Wilkin labelling Hull FC as “favourites to finish sixth”.
Speaking after Hull FC’s loss to Hull KR on Sunday, the former Super League winners debated which side would finish in sixth, as both men backed the Black and Whites.
Sam Tomkins argued: “I think it’s looking likely now, I think if Hull FC can turn up in the next two weeks with the attitude that we saw today then they’re going to get the wins.
“If they can turn up, and play how they were in the first 20 minutes. What they did to Hull KR today was impressive.”
Jon Wilkin agreed as he pointed to FC’s fixtures, stating: “I think Warrington are gone and Catalans are gone and I think they’re going to win those two games.
“Willie Peters is going to send Hull KR off the bus into Wakefield and rattle into it.”
Wakefield will travel to Salford Red Devils in Round 27 where two points look very likely so Hull FC’s play-off push could end this weekend if Trinity manage to avoid defeat against Hull KR.
Since the pundit’s comments, Hull FC have also seen four players handed bans with Yusuf Aydin and Amir Bourouh missing the game against Warrington, whilst Jordan Rapana and Jack Ashworth will miss both remaining games.
The play-off chances of Hull FC were also debated on the brand new Serious About Rugby League Show, with the full episode available to watch via our YouTube.
