If we finish 7th or 8th the remaining games for us will be dead rubbers, no chance of making the top 4 and the playoffs. Always thought this was a flaw in the new set up. At least the middle 8's will be critical games and every one will count. I'd still rather finish in the top 8, but the middle 8's will certainly be butt clinchingly tense.

and they keep telling us "every minute counts"

I'd rather have the dead rubbers please. If nothing else it is the ideal preparation for next year (I know always next year) with the chance to try out a few combinations and more importantly be more attractive for potential recruits.

We need to win at least two of those otherwise it will be very unlikely that we can make the top eight. Anything less would leave us needing to display virtual title winning form in order to qualify. The coming month increasingly looks like the crossroads for the remainder of the year.

Indeed, especially given the games that follow which see just one home game in six - and that's St Helens.