Features

Race for eighth reaches climax

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 09/09/2009
Rugby League betting

The race for eighth place in Super League is still not over even after 26 games of the season.

Entering the final round, all eyes are on mid-table as the stakeholders from this weekend not only include Catalans, Bradford, Warrington and Harlequins, but the big boys who must choose who they will face come the play-offs.

In a revamped finals series, Super League's top-eight clubs will fight it out to secure a ticket to Old Trafford and a shot at a Grand Final triumph.

And when the play-offs hit week three, a unique twist is added to the picture which is interesting for the curiosity factor alone.

In a baffling set-up, week one sees the top-placed side take on those in fourth, while second plays third, fifth entertain eighth and sixth host seventh.

Still following? Week two sees the losers of the top-four fixtures take on the winners of the fixtures between fifth and eighth. Lost yet?

And when it comes to the semi-finals, the winners of the top four games in the first week play the winners from week three. But going by the regular season league table, the highest-placed winners from week one gets to choose who they will face.

So in theory, the top sides will be able to choose the lowest ranked sides left standing. But the brilliance of the issue is how the choices will be made.

Hypothetically, Leeds (who are expected to win the League Leaders Shield) could end up choosing between a side that finished fourth or much lower. But who would they rather pick?

If Bradford complete a remarkable comeback in the league this season against Hull at the weekend, who would fancy tackling the in-form Bulls?

The Rhinos certainly wouldn't, as they've lost at Odsal already this season. And would the side chosen have that extra bit of motivation as being seen as weak opponents? They're bound to, but only time will tell.

Sportsbook favourites Leeds and St Helens are sure to have the main say as to how the play-offs unfold. If Huddersfield, Bradford, Hull KR or any other team want to make a final appearance, the big two stand in their way.

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This weekend is pivotal and expect plenty of interest in the fixtures at the KC Stadium and Knowsley Road in particular.

The Bulls travel to Hull hoping that old foes St Helens see off the Dragons at the same time, as a win would secure a play-off berth.

If both Catalans and Bradford lose, there is a straight shoot-out for eighth spot between Warrington and Harlequins on Sunday, though the abacus will be whipped out at the Halliwell Jones Stadium as points difference will be crucial.

Momentum is often a term which is banded about in all sorts of forms in sport, particularly rugby league. But whoever wins the race for eighth weekend will get their wheel turning as they prepare to be thrown in the pick'n'mix of the play-offs.

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