The final round and its implications

It’s the final regular round of the Betfred Super League this week, but it’s still all to play for and here’s why…

In what is one of the most competitive and unpredictable Super League seasons yet, only four teams have officially confirmed their 2024 Play-Off place so far – Wigan Warriors, Hull KR, Warrington Wolves and Salford Red Devils.

But their league positions are still set to change, with nothing set in stone until the conclusion of Round 27. With tensions and stakes high, who will finish where and at the expense of who?

Every Play-Off contenders Best & Worst finish possibility ahead of Round 27 ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/ZnviNGvPef

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 18, 2024

The Warriors currently occupy top spot heading into the final round, with back-to-back League Leaders’ Shields almost wrapped up. They host the Red Devils on Thursday night in their most important 80 minutes of the season yet, where a victory would seal their fifth League Leaders’ Shield on home soil.

But Salford, who are in the race with St Helens for a home Eliminator, are certainly not to be taken lightly. If the Red Devils happen to come to town and spoil the party, then all eyes will turn to Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos on Friday night.

The second-placed Robins are only two league points behind the Warriors, with a significantly better points difference. With a Wigan loss, Willie Peters’ men would have the opportunity to etch themselves into the history books and win their first ever League Leaders’ Shield if they were to beat the Rhinos.

Either way, the winner of the Shield, whether this be Wigan or Hull KR, will be able to celebrate this triumph in front of a home crowd.

And irrespective of a Wigan win or loss, however, the two points on offer are vital for Hull KR, who have Warrington breathing down their necks for second spot.

It’s still possible for Sam Burgess’ Wolves to clinch second place after their 0-66 rout of Huddersfield Giants last weekend massively boosted their points difference. They also have London left to play in Round 27, and although the Broncos cannot be underestimated in any way, shape or form, the Wolves will be targeting their final regular home game as the perfect opportunity to apply the pressure.

Your @Betfred #SuperLeague standings heading into the final weekend of the regular season ? pic.twitter.com/OPpvFF2vNX

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 15, 2024

The four teams left fighting for a Play-Off spot are St Helens, Leigh Leopards, Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons.

Saints have near enough confirmed their place in the Play-Offs as they have a considerably favourable points difference – meaning that it’s thereabouts impossible for Leeds and Catalans to catch them, even if Saints were to lose their Round 27 fixture.

It’s going to be another nail-biter when Paul Wellens’ men will make the short trip to face Leigh on Friday night – a side who have to win to guarantee themselves a Play-Off spot, while the Rhinos also have a must-win game and will be relying on the Leopards to lose so they can break into the top six.

Eighth-placed Catalans don’t play until Saturday afternoon, which means they’ll be nervously watching on and praying that other results go their way.

Even if results were to work in the Dragons’ favour, they need to take the two points from their game against Hull FC to stand a chance. They face the Black & Whites who are currently rooted to the foot of the table and will be doing everything they can to avoid their worst finish in the Super League era.

Elsewhere, it’s the closing game of the 2024 season for Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers this week, who take on one another in a West Yorkshire derby.

What drama will unfold in Round 27?

The final round of the regular season is here ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/KzHig3Os01

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 17, 2024

The final round (Round 27) of the Betfred Super League will get underway on Thursday night with Wigan Warriors v Salford Red Devils, live on Sky Sports (K.O. 8pm).

All six games across the round will be broadcasted LIVE. Information regarding dates, venues and kick-off times can be found here.

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