SAINTS’ 40-4 win over Castleford last night as good as secures their place in the top six – and they are now eyeing a win at Leigh next week that could lift them into fourth place and a home play-off.

The only way Saints can now be denied a play-off spot is if Catalans run up a cricket score in their final game against Hull, combined with Saints suffering a heavy loss at Leigh.

That is because Saints have a PD of 214, whereas Catalans’ is 27 so a difference of 187.

Leeds would need a turnaround of 162 points on Saints in the final round so they can be safely discounted.

Buoyed by last night’s performance, and the way the five returning players clicked back into gear, Saints will be going to Leigh Sports Village with a different outlook.

There will be plenty riding on that game for the hosts, who after last night’s defeat by Hull KR will likely need to beat Saints to make the six.

So it is all to play for with the positions from 1-6 going down to the final round of the regular Super League season.

Wigan and Hull KR still both have hopes of lifting the League Leaders Shield, but the Warriors will secure that with a win over Salford next week.

Warrington cannot be caught in the top three, but it is the posiotins between 4-6 that are most fluid.

Salford will climb back to fourth today should they beat Hull FC and Catalans will keep up the pressure on the top six should they beat London.

That would mean in the final round next week, should the other results go to form then Wigan will beat Salford secure the shield.

That would leave Salford on 32 points but Saints could overtake them on points difference should they win at Leigh next Friday.

If Leigh were to lose, and Catalans were to win at Hull, then Leigh would not make the six – so Adrian Lam’s men will be fired up for what is them a must-win encounter.

So Saints are either going to finish sixth and have a play-off eliminator at Warrington, or if they beat Leigh they will finish fourth and have a home knockout game against Salford.