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Round 27 Preview

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It’s the final regular round of the 2024 Betfred Super League season where the results from these Round 27 fixtures could have HUGE implications.

With plenty riding on whatever happens in the remaining round, it promises to an exciting week of action! Who will finish where and who will end up making the top six?

The final round of the regular season is here ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/KzHig3Os01
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 17, 2024

Thursday 19 September

Wigan Warriors v Salford Red Devils – live on Sky Sports

Wigan have the chance to secure back-to-back League Leaders’ Shields with a victory over Salford on Thursday. The Warriors are on a confident five-game winning streak but know the next 80 minutes are their most crucial yet.

They shouldn’t underestimate the Red Devils, but Wigan look strong favourites having won their last 11 meetings against them.

Can the Red Devils cause an upset? Or will the Warriors be able to lift the Shield in front of their home crowd?

The Warriors head coach Matt Peet has named an unchanged side for this tie, whereas Salford have made significant changes to their side, with their Play-Off Eliminator already confirmed.

Preparing for Salford. ?

?? https://t.co/MZLvisYokd #WWRL #SLWIGSAL pic.twitter.com/ao75LcZJI2
— Wigan Warriors ??? (@WiganWarriorsRL) September 17, 2024

Huddersfield Giants v Castleford Tigers – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Huddersfield and Castleford’s seasons will conclude with a West Yorkshire derby on Thursday evening. Both sides will be hoping to end their season on a high, as they next return to action in 2025.

It’s one a-piece in the league this year, but who will claim a second win over their opponents in 2024?

Harry Rushton, Ashton Golding, Chris Hill and Adam Milner all return for the Giants' final home game after recovering from their respective injuries. Leroy Cudjoe is also included in the squad after being named as 18th Man last week.

The Tigers have made just one change as Sylvester Namo replaces Alfie Howell in the 21-man squad.

Join us for the final game of 2024 as we look to finish on winning ways ?https://t.co/0uowAGu2T5 ??#CowbellArmy?? pic.twitter.com/y6BA70CMzi
— Huddersfield Giants ?? (@Giantsrl) September 17, 2024

Friday 20 September

Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Hull KR will be hoping for a Salford victory on Thursday, which would keep their chances of winning their first ever League Leaders’ Shield alive.

But even if a Wigan win was to occur on Friday, Hull KR cannot afford to let this affect them, as they will want to ensure they secure a top two finish and a home tie in the Play-Off semi-finals.

The Robins will host Leeds in Round 27, which is also a must-win game for Brad Arthur's Rhinos as they look to break into the top six at the very last minute.

There's three changes to KR's squad, with Jai Whitbread coming back into contention after serving a one-match penalty notice and Leo Tennison and Harvey Horne will also come into the squad.

Elliot Minchella will miss out due to receiving a two-match penalty notice in last week's win over Leigh. Niall Evalds will miss this week due to HIA protocols and Kelepi Tanginoa won't feature due to a minor hamstring injury.

The Rhinos need to win to keep their Play-Off hopes alive but are still without Lachlan Miller and Ash Handley through injury. Luis Roberts returns to the 21 man squad in place of Mickael Goudemand.

The Bread is back in contention for Friday night! ??#UpTheRobins ??? pic.twitter.com/PlqaG7pgRP
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) September 18, 2024

Leigh Leopards v St Helens – live on Sky Sports

It's fifth versus sixth as Leigh Leopards look to leapfrog Saints in the table. Neither team’s Play-Off place is confirmed just yet, with both Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons just one and two points behind them.

Saints have a significantly better points difference than the latter, but will still be aiming for a victory on Friday, as they are currently in the race with Salford for a home Eliminator.

On the contrary, Leigh know a win will secure their Play-Off spot for 2024, but a loss combined with either a Leeds or Catalans win could scupper the Leopards' hard work and top six chances.

Saints' last trip to the Leigh Sports Village is one they will want to forget, where Leigh hammered them 46-4 in an eight try rout. The visitors will be hoping to right their wrongs this time around.

The Leopards have named a unchanged 21-man, while Paul Wellens makes just one change to the Saints squad that got a big home win over Castleford, with Moses Mbye back available for selection after serving a one-match penalty notice.

Tee Ritson is the Saint who steps out from our previous squad selection.

Warrington Wolves v London Broncos – live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

Sam Burgess’ Wolves enter this final regular round game with a significantly boosted points difference after last weekend.

It’s all to play for, as Warrington still have a chance to make the top two if Hull KR lose in their game.

London, who finally moved off the bottom of the Super League table in the penultimate round, will not be taken lightly, as they aim to stay above Hull FC.

For the Wolves, star man Matt Dufty is set to feature having recovered from a knee injury. Stefan Ratchford is also back after over two months out with Rodrick Tai sidelined with a minor ankle injury. Paul Vaughan serves the final match of his suspension, and Lachlan Fitzgibbon has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

There is just one change to the London squad as Sam Davis drops out with a calf injury and is replaced by Dan Hoyes.

Getting those last few sessions in before Friday night’s final @SuperLeague fixture of the season.#WeAreLondon? pic.twitter.com/2oD8yj9oJM
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) September 18, 2024

Saturday 21 September

Hull FC v Catalans Dragons – BBC Sport, Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

It’s a huge game for the Dragons and their shot at a Play-Off spot. Although their destiny is no longer in their own hands and they will be relying on other results, they will still be giving it their best shot.

Similarly, Hull, will be desperate not to finish bottom of the table for the first time in their history, so they will be doing everything they can to give their home supporters a positive final home game.

Simon Grix has made four changes to his Hull squad, with Danny Houghton and Carlos Tuimavave both named ahead of what will be their final appearance in Black & White.

Houghton comes into the squad, alongside Ligi Sao and U18s half-back Callum Kemp, while Jed Cartwright returns from suspension. The quartet replace Brad Fash, Davy Litten Jack Charles and Ed Chamberlain.

Meanwhile, Tom Johnstone and Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet are back in the squad for the Dragons, replacing Jordan Abdull and suspended Arthur Romano.