Play-off run-in: Who the five contenders have to play

James Gordon 16 Aug 2022 10:04 AM

With four rounds of Super League to go, there are five clubs battling for the final two play-off positions.

Catalans and Huddersfield are all but mathematically certain of top six spots, behind top two St Helens and Wigan.

Castleford and Leeds currently hold the other two berths, but in-form Salford are breathing down their necks, while the season isn’t over yet for the two Hull clubs.

Looking at the play-off run-in

There are still plenty of meetings between the sides involved in the chase.

And if it goes to the final day, then it could be decided by the meetings between Castleford and Leeds or even the Hull derby.

Before then, Salford have to play both Hull and Castleford and their final game is against Warrington, who will have nothing to play for.

The balance of home games may be a factor too – Leeds look well placed with three home games to come against Warrington, Huddersfield and Castleford.

Hull also have three home games left – Wakefield, Toulouse and Hull KR – but have shipped 168 points in their last three outings at the MKM Stadium.

Hull KR are running out of players and have the toughest run-in of the five, with a trip to St Helens this weekend and a home game against Wigan to come. But they’ll see away games at Wakefield and rivals Hull FC as chances to get wins.

Even though there are four rounds left, it looks like it will all be decided in the final two rounds – when Castleford play Salford (home) and Leeds (away).

This weekend

Both Hull clubs have at least three points to make up to reach the top six, and if they lose this weekend, then it may become too tall of an order.

A win looks a near-impossible task for Hull KR, who are down to the bare bones, and travel to champions St Helens after they put 60 on Hull FC last week.

Leeds welcome Warrington to Headingley, a week on from the Wolves easing their relegation fears with a win over Toulouse which ultimately leaves them with very little to play for. It remains to be seen whether that relaxes Daryl Powell’s side, who were hammered 40-4 by the Rhinos at home in June and may well go out with a point to prove.

Salford travel to Catalans with confidence off the back of a fine win over Huddersfield. They beat the Dragons 32-6 at home last month, and Steve McNamara’s side have lost four of their last five matches.

The Red Devils know that if they can remain within two points of Castleford, they still have to play the Tigers and boast a superior points difference.

Hull FC could breathe life in to their campaign by beating Wakefield at home this Friday. Brett Hodgson will be desperate for a home win after recent toil and with Salford away to follow plus two home games it’s not completely out of their hands, as long as they can beat Trinity.

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