Total RL Power Rankings – September 5th

#1 Leigh Centurions (+2)
Leigh reach the top of the power rankings for the first time after picking up a massive victory over Hull KR that puts them on the cusp of Super League glory. Their destiny is in their own hands, and they could well be a Super League side by the end of the week if they beat Huddersfield and other results go their way.

#2 Warrington Wolves (+5)
Storming up the rankings are Warrington, who responded to their Challenge Cup heartache with an awesome victory at Catalans. As a result, they moved to the top of Super League following defeats for Hull FC and Wigan, putting them in prime position for the League Leaders’ Shield with three round remaining.

#3 Leeds Rhinos (-1)
Despite victory over Salford, the Rhinos drop down one place due to the superb efforts of the Centurions and the Wolves. But it was another good week for Brian McDermott’s side, who are looking like the team of old. Their Super League status is now all but secure, and their recent performances make you wonder what they could have done had they managed to make the top eight.

McDermott 3

#4 Hull FC (-3)
After partying hard following their Challenge Cup heroics, something you can’t really begrudge them, they were brought back down to earth with a bang as they went down to St Helens. They subsequently lost their spot at the top of Super League, damaging their treble hopes.

#5 St Helens (+1)
The Saints were back on the march last week as they defeated Lee Radford’s side resulting in a rise up the rankings. They now sit just two points behind Wigan as their ascent up the table gets back on track.

McCarthy Scarsbrook Saints St Helens

#6 Toulouse Olympique (-2)
In a rare occurrence, the French side were actually tested in League One this week, narrowly defeating Hunslet. They still won, obviously, but it was quite a shock. But they are still the massive favourites to get promoted and look set to be in the Championship next year.

#7 Bradford Bulls (+1)
It’s been a disappointing year for the Bulls,  but they’re ending it on a high with a successful Championship Shield campaign. Two victories last week over Dewsbury and Swinton see them climb up the rankings once again.

O'Brien Bradford

#8 Wigan Warriors (-3)
Not Wigan’s finest week.  A disappointing defeat to Widnes saw them miss the chance to move within a point of Super League’s summit, which culminated in Shaun Wane cutting a frustrating figure in his post-match press conference. A missed opportunity for the Warriors.

#9 Huddersfield Giants (NEW)

They’ve gone about their business quietly in recent weeks, but the Giants have surged up the table with three consecutive victories in the Qualifiers. They have a tough run-in, with Leigh, Leeds and Hull KR left to play, but they’ve given themselves a good chance of survival.

#10 Widnes Vikings (NEW)
Another new entry, the Vikings enter the rankings after a heroic victory over Wigan. Widnes rubbished anyone suggesting that they have nothing to play for, and they look like a team with a very promising future.