The Play-Off race ahead of the penultimate round

Five teams are still in the run-in to make the Play-Offs, as the 2024 Betfred Super League heads into its penultimate round.

Only three teams have confirmed their 2024 Play-Off place so far – Wigan Warriors, Hull KR and Warrington Wolves currently make up the Top 3.

The Warriors already have one hand on the League Leaders’ Shield (LLS), but this could all be set to change with two rounds remaining. Matt Peet’s men face a tough test against Leeds Rhinos on Friday – a team they have already lost to once in 2024.

The Robins won’t want to give up on the chance to achieve their first LLS in history, as they take on Leigh Leopards and Leeds in their final two matches. A defeat to Wigan last Friday sees them two points from top spot, but this could quickly change depending on the results from other matches.

Similarly, Sam Burgess’ Wolves could still break into the top two if some results swing in their favour. They have two teams in the lower end of the table left to play (Huddersfield Giants and London Broncos) – and these are sides that Warrington have already beaten comfortably this year. This is an opportunity they will absolutely hope to capitalise on.

The five teams remaining are Salford Red Devils, Leigh Leopards, St Helens, Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons, who are all intensely battling it out for the remaining three spots.

With just three more Play-Offs places available, here is a look at the last of the fixtures and the possible implications…

Just two rounds remain ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/ZWJixMzug8

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 9, 2024

Salford Red Devils

Form: L L W L W

Current league position: 4th

Remaining fixtures: Hull FC (A), Warriors (A)

A victory on Saturday for Salford would confirm their Play-Off place for 2024. But this is only providing that either St Helens or Leeds lose or draw.

Or, if they both win their games but Leigh lose to Hull KR, then they also qualify for the Play-Offs with one round left to play.

The fourth-placed Red Devils are well on the way to securing a home Eliminator but find themselves on the road to Hull FC and Wigan in the final two weeks.

They are heavy favourites against a struggling Black & Whites this week, but face a high-flying Wigan at The Brick Community Stadium in the final round…

Leigh Leopards

Form: W W W W W

Current league position: 5th

Remaining fixtures: Robins (H), Saints (H)

The Leopards are on a roll heading into the penultimate round and have won their last five matches.

A side oozing with confidence, it’s hard to see the Leopards coming up short in the closing stages, and they will be further boosted knowing they have two home games left to enjoy.

They will welcome Hull KR and St Helens to the Leigh Sports Village – two teams also in the top six.

A home Eliminator is well in sight for the Leopards, as they look to keep up with their rivals Salford…

St Helens

Form: W L L W L

Current league position: 6th

Remaining fixtures: Tigers (H), Leopards (A)

Inconsistency has cost St Helens at the back end of the year, but somehow, they sit fifth and it is theirs to lose heading into the final few rounds.

They host Castleford Tigers this Friday, but cannot afford to underestimate Craig Lingard’s side, for they suffered a shock beating against them last time out.

Saints then travel to Leigh’s fortress in Round 27 – a place where the Leopards haven’t tasted defeat since April.

Their Play-Off place is yet to be secured, with Leeds now level on points and Catalans just two behind.

Leeds Rhinos

Form: W L W W W

Current league position: 7th

Remaining fixtures: Warriors (A), Robins (A)

A win on Friday could see the Rhinos break into the top six for the first time this season, but they have two tough away fixtures against the top two left to play.

Without wins against Wigan and Hull KR, the Rhinos can say goodbye to their Play-Off chances in 2024.

But Brad Arthur’s men have already come this far. They are aiming for a fourth straight win and showing no signs of giving up, despite the odds being stacked against them.

We should certainly expect to see the best of the Rhinos in Rounds 26 and 27.

Catalans Dragons

Form: W L L L L

Current league position: 8th

Remaining fixtures: Broncos (H), Hull FC (A)

The Dragons have dropped off at the worst possible time as the race for the Play-Offs reaches its heights.

Their last four defeats have been against Hull KR, Leeds, Wigan and Salford – four teams in the mix for the top six.

These results have seen last year’s Grand Finalists slip to eighth place, and poses the question of whether or not the Dragons deserve to be in the Play-Offs come the end of the regular season.

With London and Hull FC left to play, the pressure is mounting, but Catalans have the perfect opportunity to perform well and could still squeeze into the top six…

The Play-Offs explained:

The teams finishing in the top six after Round 27 progress to the Play-Offs and have a chance to make it through to the biggest night in Rugby League at Old Trafford on Saturday 12 October.

Each week throughout the Play-Offs the six teams will be whittled down until just two remain to battle it out in the Betfred Super League Grand Final.

WEEK 1 - ELIMINATORS

Eliminator 1 - 3rd vs 6th

Eliminator 2 - 4th vs 5th

WEEK 2 - SEMI-FINALS

Semi-Final 1 - 1st vs lowest ranked winner from Eliminators

Semi-Final 2 - 2nd vs highest ranked winner from Eliminators

The penultimate round (Round 26) of the Betfred Super League will get underway on Friday night with Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos, live on Sky Sports (K.O. 8pm).

All six games across the round will be broadcasted LIVE. Information regarding dates, venues and kick-off times can be found here.

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