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Super League play-off verdict

Iestyn Harris
Harris joins the 5 live commentary team this weekend

The race for a place in the Super League Grand Final reaches its climax on Saturday with the second qualifying semi-final.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra will have live commentary of the game between Leeds and Wigan with a place against St Helens in next Saturday's Old Trafford showpiece (2 October) at stake.

Coverage from Headingley starts at 1710 BST where Stuart Pyke and George Riley will be joined by former Welsh dual code international Iestyn Harris.

Rugby league fans from all over the world can get in touch with the team at any time via text on 84040, e-mail: [email protected] and via twitter @stuartpykesport

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Ahead of the big game, Harris gives us his verdict on who he thinks will book their place at Old Trafford.

LEEDS v WIGAN (SATURDAY 1715 BST)

Although Wigan have been exceptional for the majority of this season and have set the standard in finishing top of the table, they have struggled against Leeds in big games.

The Rhinos won in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals and then in the first round of the play-offs and the winning mentality that Leeds have when it really matters means they go in as slight favourites, especially with home advantage.

Leeds have turned a corner from their Challenge Cup final defeat and are looking strong and confident.

Sam Tomkins
Sam Tomkins will be a key figure for Wigan

We could see some fireworks in the first quarter after the controversy at the end of the last game between the teams and the injury to Danny McGuire. There has been a lot said since then and I think there is some bad blood lingering.

Both forward packs will try to exert their authority early on and I think it could spill over, which will add to the spice of the occasion.

Although McGuire and Jamie Peacock will both miss the game with injuries, Leeds have got enough talent to overcome that, even though Wigan will be more or less at full strength.

Both sides can score points and defend well but the team who attacks best will be the one who wins.

(Iestyn Harris was speaking to BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson)



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see also
Wigan boss rejects Peacock claims
22 Sep 10 |  Wigan
Play-off pick farce - Cunningham
21 Sep 10 |  St Helens
St Helens opt for Giants play-off
19 Sep 10 |  St Helens
Warrington 22-34 Huddersfield
18 Sep 10 |  Rugby League
St Helens 28-12 Warrington
10 Sep 10 |  My Club
Wigan 42-18 Hull KR
17 Sep 10 |  Rugby League
Wigan 26-27 Leeds
12 Sep 10 |  My Club


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