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.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
You've got to feel for Leigh. They've done so well for so long. But the business end of the season is the business end. The promotion of a Championship team into the Super League will do wonders for the Super 8 concept. But watch for the critics to come out if that doesn't happen. Good luck Leigh and Bradford.
roosters14
Guest
Almost impossible for leigh to finish in the top 3 now.. best they can hope for is 4th and to host the SL qualifier and to do tbat they need to win 4 on the trot including a tricky game away to widnes, they have the potential to win that game but have so far not been near their best form. Can see bradford going straight up ow though.
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
It is very possible that we may have the same Super League teams in next year, a lot of it will come down to the Million Pound match. At this stage it is hard to see any Championship sides making the top 3 for automatic promotion. We could see two teams like Leigh and Bradford playing off for promotion. I would like to see Leigh host it if that's the case.
Baracuda
Guest
Although it would be great to see leigh come up next season, they were the last championship club left in the challenge cup this season succumbing to warrington in the quarter-finals.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
It's possible for the Super League 2016 to feature the same teams as Super League 2015. No team needs to necessarily be relegated.
Niall
Guest
The structure is the the top 8 in SL breakaway and continue to play for the premiership and head towards the finals. The bottom 4 sides in SL and top 4 Championship sides compete in their own mini league with the 4th and 5th finishing teams to play off in what they are calling the 'Million Pound Game' There is a chance any of the 8 sides play in the SL or Championship the following season.
Sav
Guest
Is it possible for Super League to have the same teams as this season next season or does somebody have to be relegated?