The 2021 Super League moves on to the finals but the league competition has concluded. That's the end of the road for some clubs and playoff matches for others. As the Covid pandemic meant some games couldn't go ahead, a win percentage became the most important factor. So how did they do? Starting from the bottom:
12) Leigh: They came in with half the central funding of all the other teams and had a squad that clearly was going to struggle at this level. Two wins from 22 games sums up the season. They were only admitted to make a 12 team competition possible. A cynical decision by SL, an unfair deal the club unbelievably accepted. Demotion is their fate. Yet another shameful episode RL has added to its ever growing catalogue. Win rate: 9.1%.
11) Salford: A new coach and a decent squad for the Manchester based side that didn't deliver much until well into the season. Too little too late would aptly sum up the season. Win rate 31.8%.
10) Wakefield: Another team with a side that had potential but also left things too late to make the playoffs. In recent years they have struggled to have many finals appearances. Win rate: 37.5%.
9) Huddersfield: Some good players and a generous owner didn't translate into a particularly successful season. They also have a hard time interesting the locals to follow them. Win rate: 37.5%.
8) Hull FC: A club that has a strong fan base and started off not too bad but things got worse as the season progressed. In the end, they over achieved in terms of where they finished. Their supporters have every right to feel frustrated. Win rate: 40.5%.
7) Castleford: I find it hard to say what I think about the club this year. Their differential of -115 shows they finished higher than they deserved. Their departing coach will hopefully do better at Warrington. Win rate 47.8%.
6) Hull KR: I have to say the club did better than I expected in making the top six. It may be the lowest ranked team to make the playoffs but their opportunity to extend their success is deserved. Win rate: 50.0%.
5) Leeds Rhinos: I wasn't overly impressed with them this season but they have finished quite strongly and their fans are optimistic about their finals chances. I'm not so sure. Win rate: 54.2%.
4) Wigan: A proud club that at times this season looked very ordinary. Yet, somehow they have shown enough grit to win some low scoring contests. Without a star studded roster, they have played to their strength and made the top four with a low +2 points differential. One can never write off a Wigan side. Win rate: 60%.
3) Warrington: They have a reputation as a bridesmaid club. Competitive but lacking that something to go all the way. Will 2021 be another almost season? Win rate: 73.8%.
2) St Helens: I would think most people's favourite to win the league and go on to take out the grand final as well. They didn't quite achieve the first one but the second is still there for the taking. A classy outfit. Win rate 76.2%.
1) Catalan: The side from the south of France has never won the league leaders shield but that one is now taken care of. The real prize is the grand final trophy and while one wouldn't write them off, a season of much travelling and striving to maintain the season's high standard through the finals is a tough ask. They may find it all a bit too much. Win rate 82.6%.
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