IN FOCUS: Play Off Race

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With just three rounds of the Super League season to go, there are three sides competing for the final two play off places, with Catalans unlikely to be caught despite a slump in form. The relegation battle and race for the League Leaders' Shield are all over bar the shouting, so all focus now turns to the middle of the table.

Leeds

Leeds Rhinos have enjoyed a resurgence since Rohan Smith took the reigns and are currently on their best run of form since 2015, a five match winning streak. At times this season, a play off berth looked to be an impossibility. Now, they are the most likely of the three sides to make it. 

That isn't to say that their remaining fixtures are easy. Huddersfield are 3rd in Super League for a reason and Ian Watson's men are determined to keep the pressure on second placed Wigan, as they aim for a home semi final. That is the first task facing Leeds on Wednesday.

Then comes an away trip to Catalans. A tie rarely relished, but one that falls at a decent time, with Catalans wobbling. It remains a distinct possibility that it could all come down to a final day showdown against rivals Castleford. The play offs may, in effect, start a week early.

Salford

Another side who have enjoyed a mid to late season resurgence is the Salford Red Devils. They have timed their run perfectly and over the weekend, overhauled Castleford into sixth spot. When Salford's attack clicks, even the best defences in this competition struggle to handle them.

Salford would fancy their chances against Hull FC at home on Thursday night and Warrington on the final day. Arguably, the bigger aim is not to allow focus to drift to the Bank Holiday Monday clash away at Castleford. A match which may decide the fate of both sides seasons.

Castleford

Castleford have occupied a play off spot for the longest cumulative time of the three contenders this season, but with two weeks until the end of the regular rounds, find themselves as outsiders.

At the same time, a quirk of the fixture calendar means that Castleford are masters of their own destiny, despite being seventh. Their final two matches are against both Leeds and Salford. Win those and Castleford are in the play offs. You could argue that if Castleford cannot do that, then they wouldn't make much of an impact on the play offs anyway.

The fixture list means that an interesting play off race is even harder to predict. I have no idea what the final three rounds will bring, but it is one not to be missed!

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