2024 Super League semi-finals preview – part one
Two teams will wave goodbye to 2024 this weekend, while two advance to Old Trafford for next week’s Super League Grand Final. Two massive games await, so let’s dive straight in and take a closer look at what to expect from Friday night’s blockbuster.
Hull KR vs Warrington Wolves – Friday 4th October 2024
How they got here
The Robins have been outstanding all year, narrowly missing out on the League Leaders’ Shield by just two points to Wigan.
A 26-16 win over Leeds Rhinos in the final round of the regular season secured their place in the top two, meaning they avoided the eliminators last weekend and had the luxury of a weekend off.
Mikey Lewis has been the team’s star man in 2024 and the England international was announced as a nominee for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award earlier this week. Coach Willie Peters was also shortlisted for the Coach of the Year award after a brilliant second season at the helm. Regardless of what happens this weekend, the pair of them would be worthy winners if they claim the awards.
As for Warrington, they’ve been just as impressive in their first season with Sam Burgess as coach. The Wire finished third at the end of the regular season, just two points behind this weekend’s opponents.
That meant an elimination final last weekend against St Helens, which Warrington scraped 23-22 in Golden Point thanks to a George Williams drop goal.
The Wolves’ also have a nominee for Man of Steel in 2024 – Australian full-back Matt Dufty. In his second full season with the club, he’s been outstanding, contributing 17 tries in Super League and racking up 4234 metres, which puts him comfortably top of Super League’s metre-makers.
Hull KR team news
Niall Evalds and Kelepi Tanginoa are back for Rovers after missing the round 27 clash with Leeds through injury. Leo Tennison and Harvey Horne are the two players to drop out of the squad.
Meanwhile, captain Elliot Minchella, misses out again through suspension. The influential skipper will be a huge loss, but if the Robins do make it through to next weekend’s showpiece, then he’ll be available again for that.
Warrington Wolves team news
The Wire have named an unchanged squad from the one that saw off St Helens last week.
Our prediction – Hull KR 24-22 Warrington Wolves
This game’s almost too close to call. After the seasons they’ve had, neither side deserves to miss out on a place in the Grand Final, but one will have to go this weekend and I’m going with Warrington.
Elliot Minchella will be a huge loss for Rovers, but with the home advantage I’m backing them to edge this one and make it through to their first Super League Grand Final.
