I could see us taking out the league leaders shield, partly through a backs-to-the-wall attitude, but also partly because there's every chance our rivals will slip up in the coming weeks. I can't see us winning against Wigan, Wire or Leeds in the playoffs, though.

It's been confirmed on the RFL twitter feed it's the highest placed team in the league table who doesn't make the GF.

This does surprise me - Sky/RFL have not rated the League Leader's Shield (aka Hub Cap) as much of an achievement / trophy.

Any chance of Saints progressing beyond week 1 relies on us losing this week and Catalans doing us a favour. Would give us a home semi against Huddersfield.....which we'd probably lose anyway. In reality I see us losing and Cas winning which would give us a home schlacking off Wigan in week one.

Actually, If Catalans, Huddersfield and Wigan/Wire win, Cas would finish 4th.