TotalRL’s weekly ranking of the 10 clubs we feel have the edge on the rest – taking into account form, league position and forthcoming fixtures.
#1 St Helens
Following a seventh successive victory, St Helens retain their spot at the top of the list as they went a long way to securing a top four spot. A convincing 39-16 victory over Catalans moved them four points clear of the Dragons ahead of ‘The Rematch’ against fierce rivals Wigan on Friday. If Keiron Cunningham’s side extend their winning run they will go above the Warriors in the table, and you’d be a fool to bet against them the way they are playing.
#2 Hull FC
Staying at number two are Lee Radford’s league leaders, who maintained their spot at the top with a 38-0 hammering of an injury-plagued Widnes side. It was a fine response to their previous defeat to Castleford and strengthens their hopes for the treble. With Catalans up next, they will be confident of retaining their status as league leaders ahead of the Challenge Cup Final
#3 Leeds Rhinos
The Rhinos remain third in the rankings after a seventh win in eight games. The victory makes them strong favourites to retain their Super League status ahead of Saturday’s clash with London Broncos. They weren’t at their best against Hull KR on Friday, but they still got the win.
#4 Leigh Centurions
It isn’t a surprise to see Leigh surge up the list, after a fantastic victory over Salford. Neil Jukes’ side move up five places in the rankings following a victory that many believe all but secures them a place in the Million Pound Game. That thought process goes by the logic that the Centurions will defeat Batley and this weekend’s opponents, Featherstone. If they defeat Rovers and make it three wins from three, could they earn automatic promotion?
#5 Castleford Tigers
Up two places are the Tigers after a superb victory over Wigan. It was Cas’ fourth game with the Warriors this year, and having lost the three previous matches, it was evident that they were in no mood to extend that losing streak. Cas have now defeated Hull FC and the Warriors in the last two weeks, so they head into Saturday’s game with Warrington fully confident that they can make it a clean sweep of the top three.
#6 Toulouse Olympique
Another strong performance by the French side, coupled with Rochdale’s defeat at the hands of York, has seen them move four points clear at the top of Kingstone Press League One with a game in hand. It’s hard to see any of their rivals stopping them earning promotion this season.
#7 London Broncos
Who saw that coming? A staggering 76-16 victory over Batley makes London the highest new entry on the chart. A stunning performance saw them put the Bulldogs in the sword and make all of their Qualifiers rivals take notice. Amid all the talk surrounding Leigh, has the Rugby League world been too hasty in writing off the Broncos?
#8 Warrington Wolves
Moving into eighth spot are Warrington, after they returned to winning ways with victory over Wakefield. A 38-10 triumph saw them move back into second-place in the Super League table ahead of their tough clash with in-form Castleford. But with a Challenge Cup final on the horizon and the treble still a possibility at this stage of the season, things can’t be all too bad at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
#9 Sheffield Eagles
Victory over Whitehaven means Sheffield climb one place in the rankings, as they close in on stuttering Halifax. The Eagles are in great form right now and have the ability to continue their streak a little longer.
#10 Wigan Warriors
Defeat to Castleford coupled with Dom Manfredi’s injury has made it a pretty miserable week for Wigan, and they have subsequently moved down six spots in the rankings. They need to respond against Saints on Friday, or they will not only drop out of these rankings, but down the Super League table too.
