Hull Kingston Rovers will face Wigan Warriors on Friday night in a crucial match with significant implications for the top of the Super League table. Both teams are vying for the League Leaders’ Shield, but securing a top-two finish is also highly important, as it guarantees a home play-off semi-final.
Currently, Hull KR and Wigan Warriors are tied at the top of the table with 38 points each from 24 games (both with 19 wins and five losses). They are followed by Warrington Wolves, who have 34 points from 24 games (17 wins and seven losses). Hull KR are already assured of finishing no lower than third place. In terms of points difference, Hull KR leads with 363, followed by Wigan with 279 (84 points behind Hull KR) and Warrington with 287 (76 points behind Hull KR).
Hull KR’s remaining regular-season games include Wigan away (currently 2nd), Leigh Leopards away (6th), and Leeds Rhinos at home (8th). Wigan will play all their remaining games at home against Hull KR (1st), Leeds (8th), and Salford Red Devils (5th). Warrington’s remaining fixtures include St Helens at home (4th), Huddersfield Giants away (9th), and London Broncos at home (12th).
Here are some possible outcomes after this weekend’s matches between Wigan vs. Hull KR and Warrington vs. St Helens:
Rovers win, Warrington win – Hull KR 40, Wigan 38, Warrington 36, If Hull KR wins, they are almost certain to secure a top-two finish, even if Warrington wins. The only scenario in which they could drop out of the top two is if they lose their final two games, Warrington wins their last two, and there is a significant swing in points difference.
Rovers win, Warrington lose – Hull KR 40, Wigan 38, Warrington 34, If Hull KR wins and Warrington loses, Hull KR is guaranteed a top-two finish after this round of fixtures.
Rovers lose, Warrington win – Wigan 40, Hull KR 38, Warrington 36: If Hull KR loses and Warrington wins, it is the worst outcome for Hull KR from this round. However, they would still be in a strong position to finish ahead of Warrington, with a two-point lead. Maintaining their current points difference lead of 76 would be crucial in this scenario.
Rovers lose, Warrington lose – Wigan 40, Hull KR 38, Warrington 34: Even if Hull KR loses, they would still be in a strong position if Warrington also loses. Hull KR would maintain a four-point lead over Warrington with only two games remaining. The only way Hull KR could be displaced from the top two would be by losing both remaining games while Warrington wins both, with a significant swing in points difference.
There is also a possibility of a draw after extra time in one of the weekend’s games, but this is highly unlikely, given that it has only happened once this season in the 144 Super League matches played so far.