Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, Salford Red Devils and Huddersfield Giants are all vying for the final two play-off spots whilst above them Wigan Warriors and St Helens are chasing league leaders Catalans Dragons with Leigh Leopards in behind.
All the play-off places are up in the air and the complexion of the race to Old Trafford could drastically change in the coming weeks especially in this week’s games with some huge games in the contest of the race for the League Leaders’ Shield, home semi-finals and the play-off places in general especially with three clubs joint fifth on 24 points.
One game that will have repercussions on both the title race and the race for the playoffs is Friday night’s clash at Craven Park with Hull Kingston Rovers welcoming Catalans Dragons.
And unsurprisingly, with it being such a big game and prices at retro lows for retro round Hull KR have already confirmed that 8,000 tickets have been sold.
The sides enter the match off the back of very conflicting results with Rovers having hammered Leigh Leopards 52-10, whereas the Dragons were humiliated at home by Wigan Warriors in a 34-0 defeat.
That victory for Wigan sparked fire into the race for the League Leaders Shield, whereas Rovers win saw them pull onto 24 points level with both Warrington and Salford, Willie Peters side outside the playoffs by virtue of a tie breaking rule as both they and the Red Devils have the same points difference.
The Robins have twice lost to Catalans this season but this is the first time they’ve hosted Steve McNamara’s side and they do so with a strong squad.
George King left the field in their victory over Leigh after requiring stiches following a bloodied and busted nose but he didn’t fail a HIA and therefore should be fine to play which is a major boost.
Ryan Hall has been firing once again following earlier injury issues in the season but the Robins still have long term absentees in Sam Wood, Jordan Abdull and Jesse Sue although Willie Peters has teased the latter could appear at some point again this season.
But as their absences continue, the Robins have named an unchanged squad.
As for Catalans Tom Johnstone left the field against Wigan and failed a HIA which means the winger will play no part against Rovers, a massive blow for the French outfit.
Sam Tomkins escaped a ban for his use of a knee in the tackle but only copped a fine whilst every other player came through with a clean rap sheet.
Steve McNamara has now named his 21 man squad.
Matthieu Laguerre and Jordan Dezaria replace Siua Taukeiaho and Tom Johnstone.
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