#1 Warrington Wolves (+1)
It would have been so easy for Warrington’s season to collapse after the Million Pound Game. However, they have responded with three victories in four Super 8s games, a run that culminated in a superb victory over their Challenge Cup enemies Hull FC to extract revenge and win the League Leaders’ Shield. The Wolves are in a strong position to go on and with the Grand Final.
#2 St Helens (+3)
Although finishing fourth, Saints extended their incredible run of form with an impressive victory over Widnes. Saints ultimately missed out on the League Leaders’ Shield by three points, but with form behind them, they should definitely be considered as a legitimate threat to the rest of the top four going into the play-offs.
#3 Leeds Rhinos (+3)
It hasn’t been the greatest year for Leeds, but they ended it on a high with a victory over Leigh that meant they finished the Qualifiers in top spot. They will in no uncertain terms allow a bottom four finish to repeat itself in 2017, instead, they’ll be looking to reclaim their place at the top of the league.
#4 Leigh Centurions (-3)
The Centurions drop three places after a defeat to the Rhinos. However, it was pretty insignificant for Neil Jukes’ side, who had already achieved what they had set out to do at the start of the season, earn promotion to Super League. With the announcement of Glenn Stewart’s arrival already getting fans excited ahead of next season, it promises to be a special time for the club.
#5 Wigan Warriors (+1)
A very strong performance in victory over Catalans was a huge confidence-booster for the Warriors, who showed how good they can be without Sam Tomkins and Sean O’Loughlin. The key duo are all but certain to miss the play-off campaign, but on this evidence, they can still go the distance without them.
#6 Hull FC (-2)
The treble dream is over. Although Hull FC defeated Wakefield the week before, Lee Radford’s side just haven’t been the same since that Challenge Cup triumph, meaning there are big questions hanging above them going into the play-off clash with Wigan.
#7 Bradford Bulls (+1)
While nobody ever envisaged Bradford missing out on the top four, they have gone through their Championship Shield campaign relatively unscathed. Victory over Dewsbury put them in the Shield final, where they are strong favourites to pick up the title, having defeated opponents Sheffield 80-0 earlier this month.
#8 London Broncos (+1)
Yes, London didn’t make the Million Pound Game, but they have earned a large number of admirers for their efforts this year. While Batley didn’t do them a favour, eventually losing to Salford, the Broncos emphatically ensured the Red Devils would need to win to take the final Million Pound Game spot by hammering Featherstone 46-6. If Andrew Henderson can strengthen his side for next year, they could be viable Super League contenders.
#9 Huddersfield Giants (NEW)
It’s been a torrid year for the Giants, but their victory over Hull KR earns them their first appearance in the Power Rankings. The odds were stacked against them ahead of the game, but they put that to one side to defeat Rovers and secure safety. Rick Stone has ultimately done what was asked of him since arriving, and he’ll be hoping to steer clear of a similar situation moving forward.
#10 Toulouse Olympique (=)
The French side maintain their place in the top ten thanks to a victory over York that keeps their Championship ambitions intact. They are now one win away from promotion, with victory over Barrow on Saturday ensuring they move up to the second-tier.
