The Super League is approaching a dramatic conclusion and with two rounds of fixtures remaining, there’s plenty to play for.
Wigan Warriors are in pole position for the League Leaders’ Shield and could even have that wrapped up this weekend should they win and Hull KR fall to defeat at Leigh Leopards. It’s the battle for the play-offs that seems to intrigue most, though, with five teams vying for just three remaining places.
Salford Red Devils, Leigh Leopards, St Helens, Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons are all involved in the top six race and they will all fancy their chances of securing the spot they so desperately crave.
Ahead of the penultimate round of Super League fixtures, we take a look at how the land lies and the potential permutations in the play-off race.
Salford Red Devils
Current position: 4th (30 points)
Recent form: LLWLW
Remaining fixtures: Hull FC (a), Wigan (a).
Salford are the front runners in the top six race and with 30 points amassed they have a slight lead over the chasing pack. As such, they know that the likelihood is one more win will probably be enough to secure their spot in the first round of play-offs.
With all due respect to Hull FC, that win is expected to come on Saturday night at the MKM Stadium and depending on results elsewhere, it could leave them mathematically secure. Their points difference stands at just 13 though, and that could them vulnerable on the final day should they slip up in East Yorkshire, particularly with a trip to Wigan Warriors on the schedule.
Leigh Leopards
Current position: 5th (29 points)
Recent form: WWWWW
Remaining fixtures: Hull KR (h), St Helens (h)
Leigh would have hoped for an easier run in, but they have every right to fancy their chances on current form. They’ve won nine of their last 10 games in Super League and with both of their remaining fixtures coming on home soil, they will be feeling confident.
The visit of Hull KR is far from straightforward, particularly as the Robins look to bounce back from their setback at Wigan last time out. The final fixture is tasty, too, with Saints just a point further back and needing the win themselves. One win from their last two would put them on 31 points and judging by the patchy form of those below them, it could just be enough.
St Helens
Current position: 6th (28 points)
Recent form: WLLWL
Remaining fixtures: Castleford (h), Leigh (a)
St Helens are in real danger of missing out on the Super League play-offs for the very first time. The Saints are perched precariously on the edge of the top six and while Paul Wellens welcomed five players back into the 21-man squad, it remains to be seen how fit a number of his star men are.
With Castleford struggling for any sort of traction, it’s fair to say St Helens really should be beating them and Wellens will fancy his side’s chances of coming good when the chips are down at the Leigh Sports Village. Depending on results elsewhere, though, Saints know they could extend their season without having to win both games.
Leeds Rhinos
Current position: 7th (28 points)
Recent form: WLWWW
Remaining fixtures: Wigan (a), Hull KR (a)
Leeds are level on points with St Helens and in much better form, but their remaining fixtures ensure they might just be considered outsiders. Leeds beat Wigan in their last meeting, but a trip to the Brick Community Stadium to face the number one club in the competition is a different proposition. Second placed Hull KR will be Leeds’ hosts on the final day, too, with any points gathered at all being a real bonus.
The Rhinos will need favours from elsewhere in order to qualify on the back of one win, but two wins, against the odds, would put them in a very strong position.
Catalans Dragons
Current position: 8th (26 points)
Recent form: WLLLL
Remaining fixtures: London (h), Hull FC (a)
Catalans have lost form at the worst time possible, it’s fair to say. Having lost their last four, they are firmly on the outside looking in. One positive is that they really should be picking up maximum points from hereon, with fixtures to play against the bottom two who have won just six games between them all season.
However, even if they do meet expectations on that front, their current points difference (23) ensures they would only qualify for the play-offs if a series of results elsewhere go their way, with at least one team above them having to lose twice between now and the end of the season. The odds are firmly stacked against them.
