You could forgive the Hull KR for getting carried away for what was a remarkable win in their Challenge Cup semi-final last Saturday.
Their 26-18 win over Warrington was probably the most significant by a Rovers side in recent years. They have been a shining light this year in Super League but unfortunately have found themselves battling it out in the middle 8s.
Many fans will be looking ahead to the end of this month where history beckons for the Humberside club; this is their first Challenge Cup Final in 30 years.
However they still have to fight it out for a Super League place next year and though not tipped to go be relegated, they can’t afford to be complacent.
This weekend offers an intriguing match-up as Hull KR travel to Leigh to take on the Centurions who have blitzed the Championship this year and have also picked up a couple of Super League scalps on the way.
Despite being a Championship side Leigh’s roster boasts Gareth Hock, Mickey Higham and Fui Fui Moi Moi.
They are lead around the park by Ryan Brierley who is playing well below his division in the Championship, he will be eager to prove he is of Super League quality.
For Leigh’s sake they will be hoping Hull KR have their heads in the cloud, a win this weekend could put them in the box-seat for a Super League berth.
Either way this match will be the catalyst of what we are about to see over the next two months and if every minute does really matter. There are some other clashes to keep an eye on.
Wigan versus Huddersfield
Huddersfield will see an opportunity to consolidate a finals place with this match and Wigan will be looking for a top two finish.
Huddersfield fullback Scott Grix is back in the mix, this is a huge boost for the Giants.
Wigan are yet to lose at home in Super League this season.
Ultimately it will probably come down to Huddersfield and Castleford for the fourth play-off spot, the Giants could make life easier for themselves with a win this weekend.
Salford versus Wakefield
Super League’s bottom two will battle it out in the first round of the Super 8 qualifiers.
The Red Devils will start warm favourites, they performed quite well in their last ditch loss to Widnes and have won their past two games at home.
Salford have beaten Wakefield twice this season (who hasn’t) and have on paper, what looks like a superior roster.
They now have Tim Sheens as their director and he will more or less go up against Brian Smith who recently took the head job at Wakefield.
Kevin Locke will unfortunately not return to face the Red Devils after signing with Wakefield a few weeks ago.
Locke picked up a pectoral injury against Castleford two weeks ago.
Salford have to be careful here, Wakefield’s fate in the Middle 8s was sealed more than three months, they made preparations for this match a while ago now.
The Wildcats could come up with something special here and cause a major boil-over to really turn the competition on its head.
Leeds versus Warrington
Leeds sit top of the table a point above St Helens and unlike Hull KR, their semi-final win appeared business as usual.
They face a Wolves side smarting from defeat and keen to make a last ditch effort for the Super League play-offs.
Warrington have won both home and away against Leeds this year, but recent form and home ground advantage points towards a Rhinos win.
Leeds have suffered a blow with Jamie Jones-Buchanan ruled out for the remainder of this season, however they do have good depth in back-rowers.
The Rhinos should back up their impressive Cup win against St Helens with another win against the struggling Wolves.
Andy Sharpe
Roar Guru
The on field celebrations went on for a long time because it is 29 years since the club last got to a Challenge Cup final and it was worth every minute celebrating - I was there - Hull KR is a club with a proud history and heritage that hasn't had too much to celebrate in the last 30 years and haven't performed exceptionally well this season. Hull KR will know how tough a test this Leigh game is and this is THE acid test for Leigh - on our day Hull KR can beat ANY team in Super League - we have beaten 6 of the top 8 teams this season - it really does depend on which Hull KR turn up on the day - the one that will fight and defend and play with pride and passion like they did against Warrington last weekend - or the one that capitulated to St. Helens the week before without so much as a meow!! This will be a very tough game - but I expect Hull KR to edge it.
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
Hence the main preview on it, I'm really glad this one is being shown live on sky/fox.
Ronald M
Guest
Have to say that I am very impressed with this new format in the UK, maybe there is something we could learn here that may be the key to our expansion/scheduling/burn out issues.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Every minute matters, right? Thanks for the preview. Super League is now fun.
Tripehound
Guest
The Leigh v Hull KR is a massive match for both sides. Leigh will have been waiting all year for this one, they've beaten Super League sides Wakefield and Salford in the Challenge Cup and gave Warrington a run for their money in the quarter final, but this is what they have been gearing themselves up for and with four home games, in the middle 8's, victory against the Robins will put them firmly in the driving seat for automatic promotion. Hull KR performed exceptionally well last weekend to get through to the Wembley final, however after the match you'd have thought they'd won the trophy. The on field celebrations with their supporters carried on for a considerable time after the hooter. All the extra emotion and celebrating that went on will take some coming down from and with the importance of this weeks match, in retrospect, perhaps they would have been better advised to get in and changed and focus on the job to come. This for me will be the match of the weekend.