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Super League seasons on the line

Author: Rose Young
Date: 15/08/2009

Super League resumes this weekend with every side having just four games left to establish their play-off credentials.

With the exception of lowly Celtic Crusaders and Salford City Reds, every team still harbours realistic ambitions of forcing their way into the top eight.

After Friday's games at Wigan and Leeds, the focus of the play-off race switches to the south of France.

Catalans Dragons take their home game with Hull FC on the road to Beziers, but achieving two points will be more important to Kevin Walters than winning new fans.

Catalans and Hull lie in 10th and 11th respectively and a loss for the away side would almost certainly end their season.

A win for Catalans could lift them as high as sixth, if other results go their way, making the match crucial.

Also on Saturday, Harlequins will hope to keep their fading season alive with a win at home to Salford City Reds.

Brian McDermott's side enjoyed a terrific start to 2009, but have collapsed over the last two months.

A late revival would secure a play-off place, but their form has left a lot to be desired.

Salford have enjoyed some upsets away from home already this season but are ambling towards the finish line in their return to the top-flight.

Challenge Cup finalists Huddersfield Giants play host to Bradford Bulls on Sunday. Will the high-flying Giants suffer from a Cup semi-final hangover?

Bradford scored an impressive away victory at Harlequins last weekend but have been extremely inconsistent throughout the season.

It's a must-win match for the away side, or 2009 will be written off at Odsal.

Hull Kingston Rovers welcome St Helens to Craven Park on Sunday evening. The Saints suffered their first Challenge Cup defeat since 2005 at the hands of the Giants last weekend, so Mick Potter will be desperate for Super League glory.

The sportsbook Grand Final favourites will look to return to winning ways immediately, to strengthen their grip on top spot. But a double over the league leaders beckons for the Robins.

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Celtic Crusaders travel to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats to complete the round for the weekend.

Any win the Welsh franchise can notch this year will be considered an upset, such is their struggle to adapt to Super League this year.

Wakefield are sure to be hitting the ground running, as they chase Wigan who lie in fifth place on points difference.

This weekend could end the seasons of a number of clubs, so there could be a sense of cup rugby among Super League this weekend.

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