Warriors have hit form at an ominous time but Hull KR, Warrington and Salford have grounds for optimism

The Super League playoffs begin on Friday but there is a very different feel this time around. Four of the six sides vying to win the title at Old Trafford on 12 October have yet to win a Grand Final – though to do so they will have to get past the reigning champions and undoubted favourites, Wigan Warriors.