Three rounds from the end of the first phase of Superleague XX and the excitement shows no sign of abating.

This extended weekend sees us treated to some mouthwatering prospects with top against third, second against fourth, and plenty of intrigue around that all important eighth spot.

Nothing will be settled this weekend (barring a Leeds win and a Saints loss which would see the Rhinos secure top spot), but it should make the picture for the top eight a little clearer to understand.

We take a look ahead to this weekends action here.....

Once again we have some very good fixtures with first travelling to third and second playing fourth whilst it’s the last chance saloon for the likes of Widnes and Salford to make the top eight.

Here are this weeks previews.

WARRIORS v. RHINOS

After destroying the 2nd placed ST’s last week to open up a 3pt gap at the top the Rhinos travel over the border to face the 3rd place Pies.

The hosts will be fired up as they always are when Leeds play them but even more so with 2nd place in sight and after they were physically battered by an understrength Wire & deservedly well beaten.

Losing Hardaker is a huge blow for the visitors but if they click like they did against ST’s they should have enough to win in a tough uncompromising game.

I expect plenty of big hits (and off the ball snide hits form the pies) but also hopefully plenty of skill and quality scores.

Rhinos by 8.

It’s 2nd v 4th and only 2pts separate these teams now after the hosts suffered another spanking at the hands of the Rhinos whereas the Giants had a comfortable win v HKR.

After a scathing assessment of their performance on live t.v from their own Coach I expect the hosts to come out all guns blazing and hoping to put the Giants off their stride early.

The visitors are more than capable of winning here and will travel with plenty of confidence but they will have to be 100% at it which they’ve failed to do consistently.

Again this is potentially a cracking fixture and I think they’ll go at each other from the first minute.

It really could go either way but I think last week and home advantage will make ST’s just too strong and focussed.

ST’s by 10.

After an unconvincing win & unexpected loss in back to back games v Wakey the B&W welcome THE form team of SL.

The Tigers arrive in fine form after beating 1st & 2nd recently and with confidence oozing they will be more than ready for the average hosts.

The Cod-eads will make it difficult for an hour or so but they lack quality intensity and Coaching nous to win a game v one of the top 4.

A win for the way team and another nail in the hosts top 8 coffin.

Cas by 12.

It’s the final chance for Dr Clueless and his mercenaries to make the top 8 but it’s also a chance for the Robins to jump above their bitter neighbours into the play off spots.

Despite an encouraging win against the travel sick Dragons last week the host still lack consistency and heart for the battle when the stakes are raised.

The Robins’ hectic fixture schedule due to a CC run finally caught up with them last week when they just didn’t have enough left in the tank to challenge the rampant Tigers.

It could be an entertaining game both teams can score some decent trys but I think the visitors will just be too good and its back to online rants ,bizarre claims and legal issues for Dr Mouth.

KR by 10.

Although we’ve seen vast improvement under Brian Smith the host won’t be strong enough to get a win this week when the Wire visit on the back of a fantastic win v the Pies last week.

It may be closer than many expect for an hour or so but the visitors will have far too much quality in the end and secure a comfortable win.

Wire by 16.

The hosts are another team in the last chance saloon to make the top 8 & this week they welcome the travel sick Dragons.

Consistently inconsistent is the best way to describe both teams but losing their astra Thief and talisman Brown will seal the hosts fate of not making the top 8.

The visitors themselves are still under threat of failing to make the top 8 and if results go against them it will be tough.

The host have a very good home record the visitors hate travelling over the channel so it surely has to be a home win?

I don’t think so im going for a shock away win.

Dragons by 8.

Thanks for reading.