So, it’s official. For the first time under the Super 8s concept, a club will lose their Super League status and suffer relegation to the Kingstone Press Championship.
As Huddersfield Giants, Hull Kingston Rovers and Salford Red Devils prepare for their final two Qualifiers outings, all three sides know their careers and livelihoods rest on the action that unfolds in the next three weeks.
We’ve profiled all three clubs, and we want you to tell us who will go down. Cast your vote in the poll below.
Huddersfield Giants
Remaining fixtures:
Leeds Rhinos (H)
Hull Kingston Rovers (A)
The Giants entered last week’s Qualifiers clash in a strong position, having won their last three matches. However, defeat to Neil Jukes’ side not only dragged them back into the relegation dogfight but also moved them into a Million Pound Game spot.
With two Super League opponents to come, including the in-form Leeds Rhinos, the Giants will have to do it the hard way to avoid the dreaded do-or-die Million Pound Game.
Consistency has been the big problem this year, and if they were to find themselves in the Million Pound Game, one more disappointing performance could be disastrous.
Hull Kingston Rovers
Remaining fixtures:
Featherstone Rovers (A)
Huddersfield Giants (H)
When Albert Kelly was suspended, and Leigh subsequently defeated Rovers, many thought it was curtains for James Webster’s side.
However, good news comes in threes, and in the space of one week their fortunes look a lot more promising. Jamie Peacock’s decision to come out of retirement and Terry Campese’s shock return from injury culminated in a morale-boosting victory over London Broncos.
As a result, Rovers are currently third in the Qualifiers, and if they can retain that position for the next two weeks, they’ll survive.
To do that, they must defeat Featherstone and Huddersfield, something that they will be quietly confident of doing.
Salford Red Devils
Remaining fixtures:
London Broncos (H)
Batley Bulldogs (A)
After thrashing Featherstone last week, Salford’s position doesn’t look quite as precarious as it had.
However, there is still plenty of work for them to do if they are going to preserve their Super League status, starting with Championship fixtures against London and Batley.
Trailing Hull KR and Huddersfield on the ladder by two points, they aren’t in an ideal position. But with Championship opposition remaining, they could sneak into the top three if results go their way.
Who will get relegated? Cast your vote below!
