WARRINGTON Wolves’ hopes of finishing in top spot and clinching the League Leaders’ Shield are not over, but the odds are now stacked against them.

With Friday’s 16-12 defeat at play-offs chasing Leigh Leopards, along with leaders Hull KR beating Salford Red Devils 32-12 plus second-placed Wigan Warriors overcoming Catalans Dragons 26-18 over the weekend, it means The Wire are now four points behind the top two with three rounds left to play.

This means for Sam Burgess’ side to end up top of the ladder at the end of Round 27, they need both Hull KR and Wigan to lose two of their remaining matches while winning all three of their own and improving their points difference sufficiently in the process.

Wigan host Hull KR this Friday, so unless the game is drawn this would be a loss for one of the two sides.

The Robins then have to go to Leigh, where a win is not a given as Warrington found out to their cost.

Hull KR’s last game in the regular rounds will be at home to Leeds, who may need a win at that point to get into the play-offs.

Wigan also have to entertain Leeds in Round 26 before completing their fixtures at home to Salford Red Devils, who are also fighting for a play-offs spot.

As far as The Wire are concerned, all they can do is attempt to control their own destiny by beating St Helens this Saturday, Huddersfield away the Saturday after (September 14) and then London Broncos at home on Friday, September 20.

If Hull KR and Wigan both lose two matches and The Wire win all three, the League Leaders’ Shield will be awarded to the team with the best points difference.

Currently, Hull KR are +363, Wigan are +279 and Warrington are +287.

However, this Friday’s crunch clash between Hull KR and Wigan looks to be the crucial one in the race for the top spot with the winners then clear favourites to seal the deal in the remaining two rounds.

Finishing in the top two also guarantees a home semi-final in the play-offs as well as a week’s break after the regular rounds are completed.

A draw or win for Warrington against Saints this Saturday would guarantee them finishing no lower than third.

The Wire last won the League Leaders’ Shield in 2016, with their only previous top-spot finish in the Super League era coming in 2011 – both during Tony Smith’s reign as head coach.