Super League relegation battle: Run-ins compared as Yorkshire rivals bid to beat drop

By James O'Brien
Published 3rd Jul 2023, 13:19 BST
Updated 3rd Jul 2023, 13:31 BST
Super League clubs are gearing up for the business end of the season with only 10 rounds remaining.

From the League Leaders' Shield and the play-offs to survival, it is all to play for at the top and bottom of the table.

After a vital victory for basement side Wakefield Trinity, there is still life in the battle for safety.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wakefield have rivals Castleford Tigers in their sights, while Huddersfield Giants are not yet safe after losing seven of their last eight Super League games to leave themselves in the firing line.

To assess the difficulty of each team's run-in, we have come up with a formula.

Every fixture is given a difficulty rating based on the league position of the opponent and whether it is home or away.

The formula turns the league table upside down with leaders Catalans Dragons (12 points) regarded as the toughest fixture and Wakefield (one point) considered the easiest on paper.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One point is added for a home game and two if it is away. The higher the score, the tougher the run-in.

Liam Kay celebrates scoring Wakefield's opening try against Salford. (Photo: Picture Bruce Rollinson)Liam Kay celebrates scoring Wakefield's opening try against Salford. (Photo: Picture Bruce Rollinson)
Liam Kay celebrates scoring Wakefield's opening try against Salford. (Photo: Picture Bruce Rollinson)

Here, we assess the remaining fixtures for each of the bottom three sides.

10. Huddersfield Giants (10 points)

Run-in: Catalans Dragons (a), Wakefield Trinity (h), Hull FC (h), Castleford Tigers (a), Salford Red Devils (h), Leeds Rhinos (h), Leigh Leopards (a), Hull KR (h), Hull FC (a), Warrington Wolves (h), St Helens (a - date TBC).

Difficulty score: 85 (77 over 10 games)

Huddersfield have flattered to deceive this season. (Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)Huddersfield have flattered to deceive this season. (Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)
Huddersfield have flattered to deceive this season. (Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)

Ian Watson's men have the comfort of a six-point cushion but another win for Wakefield this week may set alarm bells ringing at the John Smith's Stadium.

Hide Ad