But that task has just become even tougher again, with this week’s announcement.
Sky Sports and the RFL have confirmed the play-off dates for 2026 now the Super League fixtures have been released and only the top six will be involved.
That has been the case for several years now, but various reports suggested that the top eight would go into next year’s play-offs, given Super League is increasing from 12 teams to 14.
Instead, the format of the play-offs will be exactly the same as in last season’s top-flight.
The elimination matches on the weekend of September 19-20 will see third place host sixth, while fifth must travel to fourth.
The following weekend, the team who came second will entertain the highest-placed elimination play-off winner to progress.
The other semi-final will see the side who finished first and won the League Leaders’ Shield welcome the lowest-placed elimination qualifier to their ground.
The Grand Final will then take place at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 3.