Super 8s – The teams
Castleford Tigers (40 Pts)
Castleford have been completely unstoppable in the Super League this year, they are a team who have grown and grown over the last few seasons and they are a real threat both at home and away. They look comfortable to take the league leaders shield in a few weeks’ time, and look like a good bet to reach the Grand Final in October. If they manage it, it will be Castleford’s first ever title in the Super League era.
Leeds Rhinos (30 Pts)
Leeds have had a rejuvenated season after last year’s dip in success. They have had some good results through the season and would look good to register some strong victories in the 8s. Now out of the Challenge Cup, Leeds will be determined to get the results to take them to Old Trafford, if there’s one bit of silverware left to win, Leeds will want to be there to try and win it.
Hull FC (27 Pts)
Hull have definitely got the legs to win the league this time around. They made history last year with a win at Wembley, and look to do the same by getting to the Grand Final for the first time in 11 years.
This Hull side have fast become a side that are feared, they are quick in attack and not too shabby in defence either. Lee Radford has built up a fantastic squad, who are more than capable to winning a double this year if they step up their game. A Challenge Cup and a Super League Trophy? They’ll certainly give it a shot.
Salford Red Devils (26 Pts)
Salford are undoubtedly a surprise package. Just a year ago they were shedding blood, sweat and tears in order to stay in the Super League. It all came down to a vital drop goal, this year they’ve had far less troubles in their way.
They have been more consistent and have coped well defensively and on the attack, however, in recent weeks their form has started to hit a bit of a rocky patch. The team they have available are in good shape, but with certain safety now confirmed, there is a feeling that the urgency to win games isn’t as huge. Will they make the final? I’m not so sure.
Wakefield Trinity (26 Pts)
Wakefield Trinity are silent assassins in the Super League this year. Another side who had their troubles last year have definitely upped their game to find a suitable league position this time around. The strength of the Wakefield squad might struggle to get the results they need though, particularly against those sides desperate to make the final. There will be a lot of tough competition from the other Yorkshire sides too.
St Helens (25 Pts)
St Helens are another side who have a hit-and-miss kind of season. 15 points separate them from the top of the table, which shows a side of the tale for the Saints.
Their pack is well balanced and they aren’t pushovers, but they have fallen foul to some impressive attacking displays this year. They have some influential play makers in the team who can change games for St Helens, and their wingers are pretty impressive too. They definitely have a shout of making it to Old Trafford in two months time, but they’ll have to stick to the basics and try and use their decent kicking game to their advantage.
Wigan Warriors (23 Pts)
Wigan have had a lengthy season of ups and downs. Back at the start of the season they were crowned World Champions for a record fourth time, but this followed by the loss of a number of players and a string of bad results. They’ve recently got back to a better run of form, including a win confirming them a spot at Wembley on August 26th, if they can continue their current form then you would fancy them to get to the Grand Final and possibly lift the trophy as they have done many times before. Any defensive errors though, and they could fall short.
Huddersfield Giants (21 Pts)
The Giants are most certainly the outsiders in the Super 8s. They narrowly avoided slipping into The Qualifiers after a mixed bag of results across the year, they do offer plenty in attack but their confidence may be low with being the lowest ranked team in the 8s.
Huddersfield are quite a top heavy side, they aren’t the easiest side to break down but narrow margins have cost them in the past and that could be their downfall at this stage of the competition.
