Castleford boss Terry Matterson watched his side book their play-off spot with a 48-0 thrashing of Harlequins and then insisted his team have nothing to fear in the European Super League's knockout stages.

Joe Westerman was the Tigers star, running in three tries as Quins capitulated at The Stoop with former Newcastle Knights prop Mitchell Sargent and ex-South Sydney player Dean Widders also on the scoresheet.

Former Brisbane lock Matterson is adamant his side can ruffle some feathers in the end-of-season shake up.

"We'll either play Wigan or Wakefield away in the semis, and we beat them both this year," said Matterson.

"We've got every reason to be confident. To go into the playoffs with one game remaining is pretty pleasing. It's a good chance to build some momentum - I'm not afraid of going to Wigan away in the semi final of the playoffs."

Elsewhere, coach Mick Potter insists St Helens are on the way back to top form ahead of the play-offs despite their 18-10 defeat to title rivals Leeds.

Two tries from Ryan Hall settled a fiery clash in the Rhinos favour and moved them to within touching distance of the League Leaders Shield with just one game to play.

But Potter believes Saints are beginning to get over the sticky patch that has seen them lose five of their last nine matches.

"We didn't do enough as we made too many errors but I'm really encouraged by some of the things we did," said Potter.

"We've got a lot of our best players back now and there are a lot of positives to take from this performance.

"It was a fantastic match with a lot of intensity - you could see the passion on show from both teams and that was shown in the defence and some of the other things that happened.

"They got the two points but I'm not too sure this gives them a psychological advantage going into the play-offs.

"My players were frustrated because they put a lot of effort into this but it gives us something to build on."

And as the Super League gets set for the play-offs Hull KR coach Justin Morgan insisted his side are the team to upset the apple cart.

Former Newcastle second-rower Clint Newton bagged a hat-trick as Challenge Cup winners Warrington were brought back down to earth by Morgan's Hull KR - losing 40-16.

And with Leeds and St Helens the bookies' favourites Morgan is adamant his side can slip under the radar.

"I do believe we can win the competition," said Morgan.

"I'm very confident that we can give this competition a real good shake. I want everybody else in the competition to believe we can't win. But we certainly believe we can. I'm quite happy to be cruising along."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP