Although most of the issues in Super League have been finalised ahead of the Super 8s, the Championship is set to offer up a thrilling conclusion to its own regular season this weekend.
The race for the top four and a place in the Qualifiers will come down to the final round of games – with four teams vying for just two remaining places in the four. Here’s what can and can’t happen this weekend for Batley, Bradford, Featherstone and Halifax.
Batley
- Batley know that they are almost there – and victory against Swinton this weekend will guarantee them their place in the top four.
- Even a draw would be sufficient for the Bulldogs, as it means no two teams could overhaul them – although it would likely mean a drop down to fourth.
- Defeat for Batley at the Lions would allow the winners of Bradford v Featherstone to move above them, with that opening the door for Halifax to snatch fourth if they beat London, owing to their superior points difference.
- If Halifax slip up against the Broncos, the only way Batley would miss out on the four is if Bradford and Featherstone draw.
Bradford
- Like Batley, Bradford know their destiny is in their own hands this weekend. Beat Featherstone, and they are guaranteed a place in the Qualifiers.
- However, lose to Featherstone and their chances of making the top four are over.
- A draw, however, should be enough to get the Bulls in with their huge points difference.
Featherstone
- Featherstone cannot afford to lose this weekend. If they do slip up against Bradford, they are in the Championship Shield.
- Win however, and they know they’re definitely in the top four – and they could finish as high as third if Batley fail to beat Swinton.
- Their points difference is comfortably better than Halifax and Batley’s too, so a draw may well be enough to get them in if Batley lose.
Halifax
- Halifax are the only side who do not have their destiny in their own hands this weekend.
- They know a win at home to London will not be enough if Batley beat Swinton. That is the only game that matters for them.
- With one or both of Bradford and Featherstone guaranteed points, Fax’s only hope of the top four is if they beat the Broncos and Batley lose to Swinton. They would then move into the four at the expense of the Bulldogs.
- Should Bradford and Featherstone draw and Batley lose, Halifax’s only slim hope of the four would then be winning by a huge margin against London to overhaul someone on points difference.
