The Super League leaders’ shield and wooden spoon are not yet mathematically decided going into the final round of the regular season.

Wigan Warriors are two points clear of second-placed Leeds Rhinos and a win at home to Catalans Dragons on Friday would confirmed them in first place. Rhinos, though, have a superior for and against and can still snatch top spot if Wigan suffer a shock defeat and they beat visitors Hull FC the same evening.

Hull are one of five teams still mathematically in danger of finishing bottom. Bradford Bulls are propping up the table going into Betfred Super League round 27 and will end the year in last place if they lose at York Knights on Thursday.

Leeds Rhinos star Lachie Miller's season 'likely' over as coach Brad Arthur make...

A disappointed Mikolaj Oledzki following last weekend's loss to Wigan Warriors, but Leeds Rhinos go into round 27 still with a chance of finishing top in Betfred Super League. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — A disappointed Mikolaj Oledzki following last weekend's loss to Wigan Warriors, but Leeds Rhinos go into round 27 still with a chance of finishing top in Betfred Super League. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

However, Bulls are level on points with Huddersfield Giants in 13th and 12th-placed Hull FC and only two behind Castleford Tigers - who have a worse for and against - and York, currently sitting 10th. Bulls would need to win by more than 50 points to overhaul this week’s opponents, but a Bradford victory would lift them above Hull, at least for 24 hours.

It would also put pressure on both Huddersfield and Castleford who meet on Saturday afternoon in Giants’ final game at their present home ground. Tigers have the competition’s worst points difference and if Bulls win and Hull shock Leeds, they’d have to pick up a victory in the last round to avoid the wooden spoon.

The six play-off teams are already decided, but the finishing order won’t be fixed until after Friday’s matches. Third-placed Warrington Wolves are two points behind Leeds, but Rhinos have an advantage of 235 on for and against, so could afford to lose against Hull and still claim runners-up spot.

Warrington can’t be complacent going into their home game against eighth-placed Toulouse. Sam Burgess’ side are two points ahead of Wakefield Trinity and better off by 37 on for and against. Defeat would leave them vulnerable to dropping a place, though they are guaranteed a home tie in round one of the play-offs.

Isaiah Vagana celebrates scoring in last week's Super League defeat of Warrinbgton Wolves, a result which keeps Wakefield Trinity in the hunt for third place. Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com.

The most intriguing game of the weekend is at fifth-placed Leigh Leopards where Trinity, the side immediately above them, are the visitors. Leigh need to win by 28 points or more for the teams to swap places - and secure home advantage when the two meet again in sudden-death next weekend.

Defending champions Hull KR are sixth, a win behind Leigh, but would need a 110-point swing to overhaul their nearest rivals. The Robins complete their regular season at St Helens who are the only team who mathematically can’t go up or down on the table. Exact dates for the elimination ties and semi-finals will be confirmed after this weekend’s matches.

Betfred Super League Play-Offs: Friday September 18 (8pm) eliminator one (losers go out); Saturday, September 19 (5.30pm) eliminator two (losers go out); Friday, September 25 (8pm) semi-final one (losers out, winners to the Grand Final); Saturday September 26 (5.30pm) semi-final two (losers out, winners to the Grand Final); Saturday October 3 (6pm) Super League Grand Final, at Old Trafford.