The Rugby League Super 8s qualifiers were becoming a bit too predictable until the Bradford Bulls put Salford Red Devils to the sword to open up the battle for promotion.
After suffering a huge defeat at Wakefield the previous week, the Bulls reversed the ledger as they destroyed the Red Devils.
Hull KR have kept their perfect record in the qualifiers, as they ground out a tough 12-8 win at Widnes. The Rovers will head into the Challenge Cup final on a four-game winning streak, while their more fancied opponents, Leeds Rhinos, have won their last six.
Hull KR will be sweating on the fitness of livewire halfback Albert Kelly, who has not played since injuring his knee in the Rovers’ semi-final win against Warrington.
Widnes, Bradford, Wakefield and Salford sit second to fifth with two wins and one loss each. Sheffield sit sixth after a close win over Halifax, while Leigh sit seventh with no wins to their name.
The Centurions have lost three matches against Super League opposition and automatic promotion looks near impossible for them.
Wakefield avenged their Challenge Cup defeat to Leigh with a 17-16 win to boost their survival hopes. The Centurions are facing an uphill battle for promotion and will need to win their next match against Sheffield in two weeks.
After being tipped by many to be relegated, Wakefield have won their last two matches to sit fourth on the table. More importantly those wins came against the top two Championship sides in Bradford and Leigh.
With four games to go only Hull KR look to be assured of a Super League place. Widnes have got a lot more to prove with their two wins coming against Sheffield and Halifax, and while they will probably finish second they have some tougher matches approaching.
They face Bradford away in two weeks and would be wise not to take them lightly after the Bulls’ mauled Salford last week.
Despite a reasonably good start, Wakefield are not in the clear and have arguably the toughest fixture ahead when they play Hull KR at the KC Lightstream Stadium.
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