The permutations in the Qualifiers
It’s official, we’ve done the sums: victory for Leigh Centurions on Saturday and they WILL be promoted to Super League. As it stands, victory this weekend against Huddersfield would move them to 10 points, and although Hull KR and the Giants could both still reach that total themselves, the fact they have to play each other in the final round of games means only one of them could catch the Centurions, meaning a top-three finish is guaranteed. The same applies to Leeds; victory tonight against Batley, and they’re back in Super League next year. Nervous yet, Leigh fans?
Can the Barrow juggernaut continue in League 1?
Toulouse have top spot sewn up in League 1, and deservedly so, having dropped just one point all year. But below them, Barrow Raiders are looking increasingly like a side who could potentially join them in the Championship next year, with the Raiders on a nine-game winning run. However, they will face a big ask to make it 10 in a row – they travel to the leaders Toulouse on Saturday evening!
Featherstone entering the last chance saloon
There could be a scenario this weekend where the bottom four in the Qualifiers – including one of the Million Pound Game spots, of course – could all finish this weekend on the same amount of points. However, that’s dependent on a number of results, most importantly Featherstone winning at Salford. Rovers are running out of opportunities to make the MPG you suspect – but victory this weekend would bring them right back into the mix.
Can Wigan stay in League Leader’s Shield contention?
Following St Helens’ heavy win on Thursday night against Castleford, Wigan know that they’ll finish the weekend in fourth should they slip up to Hull FC on Friday night. And if they lose and Warrington beat Widnes, the Warriors’ chances of finishing top would be officially over. Can they remain in the hunt with a huge win?
Will Jamie Peacock – and Terry Campese – make an impact for Hull KR?
It’s been a busy week at Hull KR, with the announcement of Tim Sheens as their new coach preceded by the announcement that Jamie Peacock would be coming out of retirement to play for the Robins. He is expected to feature at London on Sunday – and whisper it quietly, but there could be another big inclusion in the Rovers team, too – with captain Terry Campese also set to be in their 19-man squad.
