Sky Sports man’s bold Super League play-off prediction as he labels one side a ‘shambles’

The showpiece event in the Super League calendar is now behind us with Magic Weekend done and dusted meaning just five rounds of action remain and one of the competition’s iconic voices has assessed the current state of play.

Commentator Mark Wilson has been a fresh addition to the Sky Sports commentary team for 2024 after shining previously on Channel 4 and TalkSport. He’s struck up a brilliant connection with Kyle Amor with the duo being a fan favourite for their gamecalling.

Wilson worked both the Wigan Warriors and St Helens clash as well as the final game of Magic Weekend that saw Huddersfield beat Castleford, however, he’s cast an eye upon all six matches and offered up an assessment of Super League.

Within that, he’s named the team of Magic Weekend, labelled one side as a “shambles” and also declared that one team currently outside the playoffs will “make the six”.

Who will make the Super League playoffs?

Wilson put his thoughts out there via his social media and explained that whilst Saturday was “excellent in terms of atmosphere”, Sunday fell flat barring league leaders Hull KR’s performance.

That was perhaps a result of Sunday breaking the record as the lowest-ever day two attendance at Magic Weekend in its 17-year history, a damning stat reflecting the poor scheduling and fan disinterest in Elland Road.

Wilson went game by game but the highlights of his insights came early on as he assessed the opening game between Hull FC and London, with victory for the Broncos seeing them draw level on points with the Black and Whites.

“For Hull, the end of the season can’t come soon enough,” Wilson explained, adding: “They’re a shambles at the moment.”

Hull 4-29 London

London have been decent in recent weeks but produced a superb 2nd half to thrash a sorry Hull side. Josh Rourke is some talent. Mike Eccles side crank up the pressure on IMG. For Hull the end of the season can’t come some enough. They’re a shambles at the moment

— Mark Wilson (@MarkWilsonRadio) August 19, 2024

He also cast doubt on the playoff hopes of St Helens and Leeds Rhinos who both lost on day one, however, he’s boldly claimed that Leigh Leopards will make the playoffs following their 26-0 win over Salford.

Leigh sit three points shy of the trio of Saints, Catalans and Salford with Adrian Lam’s side still to face the Saints on the final day of the season, by which point they could already be without hope.

That’s not what the Sky Sports man thinks though as he explained: “Leigh have in effect being playing knock out football for a while. But this as must win and they won well. They make the 6 for me.”

Leigh 26-0 Salford

Leigh have in effect being playing knock out football for a while. But this as must win and they won well. They make the 6 for me.

Salford are struggling but still have the advantage in the play off race. They have to find a couple of wins to guarantee p/o’s

— Mark Wilson (@MarkWilsonRadio) August 19, 2024

It’s no surprise that Hull KR were declared “top performer of Magic” with their eight-try display against Catalans being dominant, but it led Wilson to advocate that Bernard Guasch keep the faith in Steve McNamara.

He said: “I hope the Dragons don’t make any rash calls coaching wise. Steve McNamara has had a rebuild job this year and with what they have lined up for 2025 there are exciting times ahead for them. They could still be a threat in the 6.”

That comes after recent comments from Guasch after their loss to London in which he threatened major changes, prompting fear that McNamara’s job could be on the line.

I hope the Dragons don’t make any rash calls coaching wise. Steve McNamara has had a rebuild job this year and with what they have lined up for 2025 there are exciting times ahead for them. They could still be a threat in the 6

— Mark Wilson (@MarkWilsonRadio) August 19, 2024

One man who could yet earn a job is Luke Robinson who Wilson noted has got the Giants players performing again, although he stopped shy of calling for him to be hired.

Wilson will be back on Sky Sports this week as another six games go ahead including St Helens vs Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos vs Catalans Dragons, both games with huge repercussions.