Rugby League Today: Permutations in play-offs and promotion chase & Magic talking points
Kruise Leeming (9) of Leeds Rhinos celebrates his Drop goal to win the game in over time
What’s on site
The business end of the season is upon us – and with two weekends to go, we’ve broken down who can finish where in Super League, Championship and League 1, which heads to its final round this weekend with the title still up for grabs.
My thoughts on what was a Magic Weekend of unbelievable drama, which just goes to show that the alignment of Super League’s marketing efforts and branding isn’t quite where it should be. The sporting world should have all eyes on the event.
Catalans secured the league leaders’ shield at Magic Weekend, and in turn became the seventh different side to finish top of the Super League table in the past nine years.
Amidst the drama of Catalans’ golden point win, St Helens forward Agnatius Paasi was sinbinned for a clash with Samisoni Langi, and as such has been handed a two-match ban by the RFL disciplinary.
Wigan have four options to replace Adrian Lam as head coach.
Hull KR centre Greg Minikin will re-unite with Castleford coach Daryl Powell at Warrington next season, after the Wolves confirmed his signing for 2022.
What’s on social
Beautiful.
🤯 You'll struggle to find a more exhilarating 42 seconds of rugby league than this… pic.twitter.com/WHPZo8EwWj
— Bullock Shed 💙⚪ (@BullockShed) September 5, 2021
Some nerve from Ryan Shaw to kick this one.
⏰ 78' Rochdale 30-26 Barrow
😲 79' Dec Hulme makes it 30-30
🥶 80' Nerves of steel from @blazinshaw to make it 30-32!🤯 @BarrowRaiders left it late to claim a crucial win as they stayed in top spot ahead of the final round in @Betfred League 1 this week. pic.twitter.com/ejh3NkMPwr
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) September 6, 2021
Still a strange one.
This is weird. Shouldn’t he be excited because a) it was just magnificent astonishing sporting theatre; b) Sky must be thrilled; c) this is exactly what we need to grow the game and help attract a French TV deal; and d) a new name have won the LLS. Quelle strange 🧐 https://t.co/lST0SEXqc4
— No Helmets Required (@NoHelmetsReq) September 4, 2021
What’s in the papers
A though Magic Weekend has left clubs counting the cost of injuries, ahead of the final two rounds of Super League where play-off places remain up for grabs. (Hull Daily Mail)
There are plenty of talking points amongst the permutations for the Super League play-off places, and one of those is whether Leeds should put all their eggs in one basket and focus on their final round clash with play-off contenders Hull KR. The Rhinos are away at St Helens this Friday, with Saints needing a win to secure a home play-off semi-final. (Yorkshire Post)
Grand Final winning trio Brett Delaney, Kylie Leuluai and Lee Smith are tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise money for Rugby League Cares. (Yorkshire Post)
Birthdays
Leeds’ Magic Weekend winner Kruise Leeming turns 26 today (September 7).
Also celebrating: Ireland international Dec O’Donnell (23); former Kangaroo Nathan Hindmarsh (42).
What’s on TV/radio
1pm – Super League Show – BBC2
Trivia
Catalans are the eighth different team in total to have won the League Leaders’ Shield since Super League started in 1996 – the others are St Helens, Wigan, Bradford, Leeds, Warrington, Huddersfield and Castleford.