Super League playoffs: A preview
Eight teams are beginning the quest for the coveted Super League trophy
Also In The News
|
By Richard James. |  |
Friday, 18, Sep 2009 08:00
By Ash Gorsi.
With the 2009 Super League playoffs upon us, inthenews.co.uk gives a brief introduction to each of the eight teams that will battle it out for a place in the prestigious Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 10th.
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -
LEEDS RHINOS
- The reigning champions and winners of this year's League Leaders' Shield
- Searching for their third consecutive title after defeating St Helens in the last two Grand Finals
- Kevin Seinfield, the most successful captain in the history of the club, will be looking to add to his points tally as the second-most prolific points-scorer in Leeds' 113-year history
Ground: Headingley Carnegie Stadium (Capacity: 22,250)
Player to watch: Danny McGuire
A prolific try-scorer and one of the most exciting players in British rugby league history.
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -
ST HELENS
- The most successful club of the modern era
- Currently boast ten current Great Britain internationals in their squad
- Skipper Keiron Cunningham is to have a bronze statue erected, dignifying him as the greatest ever St Helens player as voted for by Saints supporters
Ground: Knowsley Road (Capacity: 17,500)
Player to watch: Leon Pryce
A fast, devastating player with quick feet and the ability to open up any defence.
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -
HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS
- 2007 saw the Giants make the playoffs for the first time
- Disappointing season in 2008 saw head coach Jon Sharp sacked
- Under the direction of Nathan Brown, the Giants progressed to third spot in the league this season
Ground: Galpharm Stadium (capacity: 24,500)
Player to watch: Brett Hodgson
One of nine news signings for the 2009 season. A support player with excellent goal-kicking skills, the Australian was rated as one of the best full-backs in NRL.
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -
HULL KINGSTON ROVERS
- Since starting their first Super League campaign in 2007, the Robins have consolidated their position in the top flight
- Four Rovers players named in Super League Dream Team this year
- Will be aiming to take a giant step to the Grand Final at Old Trafford, as they challenge League Leaders Shield winners Leeds Rhinos in the first qualifying playoff
Ground: Craven Park (capacity: 10,000)
Player to watch: Michael Dobson
Highly regarded as both a field goal and place kicker.
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -
WAKEFIELD TRINITY WILDCATS
- The Wildcats go into the playoffs after winning six of their last seven games to finish fifth overall
- Coach John Kear describes current Wakefield side as the 'best Wildcat team' to have appeared in the Super League era
- Fan favourite Sam Obst, who plays at hooker, was named Wakefield's Man of Steel for 2009
Ground: Belle Vue (capacity: 11,000)
Player to watch: Danny Brough
The Scotland captain - a scrum-half with one of the best kicking games in the sport - was the stand-out performer for the Wildcats last year.
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -
WIGAN WARRIORS
- Head coach Brian Noble will look to galvanise the Warriors to bring back the glory days, when winning was a formality in the early '90s
- Home to some of the most talented players ever to play the sport
- The Warriors have underachieved in recent seasons and will look to put that right, starting with Castleford Tigers this weekend
Ground: DW Stadium (capacity: 25,138)
Player to watch: Sam Tomkins
A promising young talent who, after being named in the Super League Dream Team this season, has established himself as the best stand-off in Europe during the 2009 season.
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -
CASTLEFORD TIGERS
- The West Yorkshire outfit endured a difficult season last year, finishing bottom
- A steady improvement this season coupled with new signings from the NRL has bolstered the side
- The Tigers made the headlines in 2008 by giving a month-long trial to sprinter Dwain Chambers
Ground: The Jungle (capacity: 11,750)
Player to watch: Kirk Dixon
Former rugby union player, who switched codes in 2007, and has produced some fine form this season.
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -
CATALANS DRAGONS
- The club was granted admission into Super League in 2006
- The French team made history this year, by becoming the first club to play a Super League game in Spain
- The Dragons pulled off a stunning victory over St Helens on the final weekend of fixtures to clinch the last remaining Super League playoff place
Ground: Stade Gilbert Brutus (capacity: 12,000)
Player to watch: Olivier Elima
Powerfully-built back row, who has scored 15 tries this season.