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Featured Sport News

Thrilling end to Super League

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 25/06/2009

St Helens and Leeds Rhinos look set to battle it out yet again at the top of Super League as the season builds towards a thrilling climax.

But with eight play-off places up for grabs, the race to gatecrash the end-of-season shootout is hotting up.

The reigning champion Rhinos and perennial challengers Saints are currently dominating online betting markets to lift the engage Super League trophy at Old Trafford in October.

Will Leeds Rhinos win the Super League again this season - Latest Rugby League Betting

But with Warrington, Bradford and Wigan lingering lower down the league ladder, there may be a late charge from one of Super League's big guns as the business end of the season draws closer.

It is almost a cliche to say that Super League gets better and more unpredictable every season, but this year's table is truly remarkable.

Hull Kingston Rovers, Huddersfield Giants and Harlequins are currently battling it out to break the monopoly of Leeds and Saints, while the Bulls and Warriors face an uphill task to break into the play-off places.

It is certainly unfamiliar territory for all sides involved. The big ask for the likes of Rovers, the Giants and Quins now is whether they can keep up with the big boys, who traditionally pick up the pace heading into the end of season play-off knockouts.

Warrington Wolves may be the team who are discovering form at just the right possible time.

New coach Tony Smith has instilled a new ethos at the Halliwell Jones stadium, turning their star-studded side into winners rather than under-achievers.

With a Challenge Cup semi-final in wait, the Wire are surging up the table following a disastrous start to the season.

Currently lying in seventh spot, they have ten games to complete a magnificent climb up the table and give themselves a stronger chance in a new play-off system.

It is impossible to write off Wigan. Despite off-field distractions with the future of coach Brian Noble in doubt, the playing staff at the JJB Stadium have what it takes to turn over any team on their day.

A comprehensive win over St Helens already this season make them dangerous play-off opponents for anyone should they end the season strongly and force their way into the top eight.

Similarly, Bradford are the classic Jekyll & Hyde team of 2009. Despite beating both St Helens and Leeds in the league, they have struggled to notch up any sort of run of wins.

The task for Bulls coach Steve McNamara is almost identical to Noble's at the JJB Stadium, to force their way into the top eight and launch an assault on Old Trafford.

Hull KR could be the best value underdog to reach Old Trafford with an array of impressive attacking talent at their disposal.

But expect Warrington to trouble any side as they find momentum ahead of their quest to win an unlikely trophy double.

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