RUGBY league clubs are licking their wounds and preparing for the final push for glory in what is a massive month both in Super League and at National League level.

For many, glory is within their grasp - for others survival is the key.

The Sunday Pink today analyses what is in store for the region's professional clubs as the clock ticks down on what has arguably been the best ever season of domestic action.

In Super League, Yorkshire's big three - Leeds, Bradford and Hull, hold the aces as the October Grand Final at Old Trafford looms ever larger on the local horizon.

They are setting the pace and for once the Old Trafford extravaganza could be an all White Rose affair.

Wigan Warriors lead the local challenge but injuries are starting to take their toll.

Revelation

Skipper Andrew Farrell has been a revelation - Wigan legend Eric Ashton says: "Farrell is a player I've always rated - he's playing some of the best rugby of his life - those around him have responded to him - he's even played at prop and been equally effective."

Wigan will certainly fancy their chances in a one-off situation - arch rivals Saints may again have to repeat their Challenge Cup heroics if they are to go all the way to Old Trafford.

The mid-season loss of suspended duo Sean Long and Martin Gleeson who has since joined Warrington has been a crushing blow - Saints lost their early season momentum and one wonders will coach Ian Millward be persuaded to return to his native Australia at the end of the season.

Millward will not want to be among the also-rans and in terms of financial clout Saints could struggle to compete with the big-buying Yorkshire sides.

Saints have it all on to make the play-offs - they will but maybe their glory has been restricted to the early season Challenge Cup triumph in Cardiff.

Salford City Reds have consolidated their position in Super League and could easily have challenged for sixth spot.

Football director Steve Simms says: "We've lost a number of games by just a few points - we can learn from this and we'll be even stronger next time round."

The pluses far outweigh the negatives for the Reds this time - they've played a great brand of rugby at times and in Karl Harrison have a coach whose steely determination rubs off on those around him.

Harrison has seen the development of several players - retaining Andy Coley is a big boost while the form of Kevin McGuinness and Joel Caine has been a breath of fresh air to diehards in the Shed.

Warrington Wolves are pulling out the stops to secure sixth spot and have a tough run in -they face Salford, Saints, Bradford and Wigan from here on in - coach Paul Cullen has done well and needs one big last effort from a side who like Salford have been their own worst enemies.

If they make the play-offs no one will relish a one-off battle with the Wolves whose excellent support continues.

Widnes Vikings have it all on to preserve their top-flight status - it's been a tough season with Neil Kelly going and Frank Endacott now coming in to offer his services as a consultant.

Big Frank may just have arrived too late - Widnes have greatly underachieved and could pay the ultimate price.

They could well surrender Super League status to Leigh - the Centurions will surely never have a better chance of going up.

Influence

Their form is good and they should be too strong for Oldham and Whitehaven in the play-offs - the influence of Tommy Martyn could well pay dividends in this his final season.

Oldham have again lacked consistency and flatter to deceive - injuries have again taken their toll on the luckless Roughyeds.

As for Rochdale, their revival under Bobbie Goulding has been nothing short of sensational.

This fellow has to be the Coach of the Year.

Billed as no-hopers, a couple more wins and they could sneak a play-off place.

Chairman Ray Taylor says: "I'm delighted to be working with Bobbie - he's a fantastic coach - don't forget he's moulded a team of strangers and unknowns into a real fighting force - I'd like to see him finish what he's started."

Swinton coach Paul Kidd can take heart from some improved performances but the Lions are another side dogged by inconsistency."

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