Hull Kingston Rovers
After the agony of their Million Pound Game defeat last October, East Hull has galvanised and really got behind Rovers in 2017 as they stormed to the Championship League Leaders’ Shield a couple of weeks back.
With an average home gate of almost 7,500 this year, KR have been able to invest in a strong side and have been by far the strongest side in the Kingstone Press Championship and are the strongest candidates from the Championship to gain promotion.
Having already beaten Leigh Centurions in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup, Tim Sheens side’s first five games are all winnable on paper – so a strong start in the Qualifiers could see them tie up automatic promotion with a top three finish.
Key Man – Andrew Heffernan
The former Penrith Panthers centre has been one of the signings of the season in the Championship; he’s bagged 18 tries so far which has earned him a new contract for the 2018 season.
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London Broncos
After playing a part in the Qualifiers last season, London Broncos have enjoyed an even stronger 2017 campaign, finishing just three points behind Hull KR in the Championship.
After an unsteady start, Andrew Henderson’s men have won 13 of their last 14 games heading into the Super 8s, which have included wins over Halifax and Featherstone, and away at Toulouse.
With players such as Jarrod Sammut and Kieran Dixon who already have Super League experience, Broncos could certainly be a threat in targeting for a Million Pound Game slot after missing out on points difference in 2016.
Key Man – Jarrod Sammut
A useful acquisition from Workington in the close-season, half Jarrod Sammut has both the creative flair and scoring touch for the Broncos, having scored 18 league tries already this season.
Halifax
Halifax secured their place in the Qualifiers in the most dramatic of circumstances, with a win over league leaders Hull KR on the final day of the regular season.
After leaving themselves with a huge task of making the top four, Fax secured their place the hard way by beating fellow top-of-the table rivals Toulouse, Featherstone and then Hull KR in their final three games.
After that run, they will be confident of beating their fellow Championship teams but it will be a tough task up against Super League opposition. They are likely to have to register at least one win against a Super League side, to make the Million Pound game.
Key Man – Scott Murrell
Reliable half Scott Murrell has plenty of experience at Super League level after a seven-year spell at Hull KR, and was one of Fax's key performers in their surge to the Qualifiers.
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Featherstone Rovers
Featherstone are a slight unknown heading into the Qualifiers after parting company with the man who got them there, Jon Sharp.
Former Swinton Lions boss John Duffy was appointed their new head coach ahead of the Super 8s, as Rovers will aim to perform better than they did in the 2016 Qualifiers competition, when they finished bottom without a single win.
After finishing fourth in the Championship, Rovers haven’t got any favourable home fixtures with Leigh, Hull KR and Warrington all visiting the LD Nutrition Stadium.
Key Man – Josh Hardcastle
Exciting winger Josh Hardcastle is Featherstone Rovers’ key man in attack. The 24-year-old former Wakefield Trinity man has bagged 15 tries so far.
