Two-time Albert Goldthorpe medal winner Danny Brough has moved within two points of leader Travis Burns in the 2014 standings thanks to a commanding display against Wakefield on Sunday.
The Huddersfield Giants half-back was awarded two points for his display, while Burns, who has led for much of the season, failed to register a point in Hull KR’s defeat to Widnes Vikings.
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Leon Pryce, who is also in the hunt, failed to make up any ground and is a further two points back.
After the Challenge Cup break, Burns’ Rovers face Wigan, while Brough and the Giants host Widnes. Meanwhile, Pryce and the Dragons are at home to Salford.
On current form, you have to fancy Brough to close that gap even more next week. However, with Warrington and St Helens to play in Huddersfield’s last four fixtures, it’s fair to say Australian Burns is still the man to beat.
Current Albert Goldthorpe standings
1 Travis Burns (Hull KR) 26
2 Danny Brough (Huddersfield Giants) 24
3 Leon Pryce (Catalan Dragons) 22
T4 Daryl Clark (Castleford Tigers) 21; Kevin Brown (Widnes Vikings) 21
T6 Morgan Escare (Catalan Dragons) 18; Marc Sneyd (Castleford Tigers) 18
T8 Rangi Chase (Salford Red Devils) 17; Matty Smith (Wigan Warriors) 17
10 Alex Walmsley (St Helens) 16