With only five rounds of Super League fixtures remaining, the competition is entering its most dramatic phase yet. Seven clubs are still alive in the hunt for a play‑off berth, and most of them are also eyeing a coveted top‑two finish that guarantees a home semi‑final on September 25‑26.
The play‑off structure is straightforward: the third‑placed side meets the sixth‑placed team, while fourth takes on fifth in the eliminator round. Winners of those matches join the top two in the semi‑finals, and the victors of those contests will clash at Old Trafford on October 3 for the Grand Final. Sky Sports will broadcast every remaining game, so fans can follow every twist and turn live.
Below is a detailed look at each contender’s remaining schedule, what they need to achieve, and the stakes involved. **Leeds Rhinos** Leeds have been perched at the summit for a considerable stretch and will be desperate to protect that position through their final five games. Their most recent victory over Wakefield Trinity demonstrated their intent, and a top‑place finish would mark their first League Leaders’ Shield since 2015 and their first major silverware since the 2020 Challenge Cup triumph.
Their remaining fixtures are against Leigh Leopards at home, York Knights away, St Helens away, Wigan Warriors away, and Hull FC at home. Three of those opponents – Leigh, St Helens, and Wigan – are also vying for play‑off spots, so Leeds must aim for an unbeaten run to lock in the Shield and secure a home semi‑final at the ‘Theatre of Dreams.’ **Wigan Warriors** Head coach Matt Peet has made it clear that a top‑two finish is essential, not only for the prestige of a home semi‑final but also to avenge the 2025 Grand Final loss to Hull KR.
The Warriors already hold a Challenge Cup, and adding the League Leaders’ Shield would be a significant double. Their last five matches pit them against Bradford Bulls away, Wakefield Trinity at home, Hull KR at home, Leeds Rhinos away, and Catalans Dragons at home.
Victories over Wakefield and Leeds are especially crucial, as they would apply pressure on Leeds while bolstering Wigan’s own standing. **Wakefield Trinity** Having returned to the Super League after a 2024 relegation, Wakefield are chasing their highest ever finish. A narrow two‑point loss to Leeds has left them eager to bounce back.
Their remaining schedule includes home games against St Helens and York Knights, and away trips to Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, and Leigh Leopards. The York Knights clash is a must‑win for two points, while the matches versus Wigan and Warrington are pivotal because both opponents are also in the top‑two race. **Warrington Wolves** Warrington, alongside Hull KR, have six games left due to a postponed round‑two fixture caused by the Robins’ Las Vegas excursion.
This congested finish offers Sam Burgess’s side a chance to climb the table. Their upcoming opponents are York Knights at home, Hull KR away, Huddersfield Giants at home, Hull FC away, Wakefield Trinity away, and Toulouse Olympique at home. To stay in contention, the Wolves must collect points against the four lower‑ranked sides they face and aim for at least a couple of wins against the higher‑placed teams. **Hull KR** The Robins were the surprise champions of 2025, ending a long drought for new winners, and now they aim to send coach Willie Peters out on a high by defending their title.
Their six remaining fixtures are against Catalans Dragons at home, Warrington Wolves at home, Toulouse Olympique at home, Wigan Warriors away, Huddersfield Giants at home, and St Helens away. With four of those games at Craven Park, Hull KR will look to capitalize on home advantage, especially against Catalans, Toulouse, and Huddersfield, which are essentially must‑win encounters for a strong finish. **Leigh Leopards** After a disastrous start, Adrian Lam’s Leopards have turned their season around and now sit comfortably within the play‑off picture.
Their final five matches are against Leeds Rhinos away, Bradford Bulls at home, Huddersfield Giants away, St Helens at home, and Wakefield Trinity at home. The schedule is tough, but each victory will be vital for Leigh to cement a play‑off spot and perhaps make a historic Grand Final appearance for the first time. **St Helens** St Helens have never missed the play‑offs, but a recent semi‑final loss to Hull KR in 2025 and a defeat by Hull FC have left them hungry for redemption.
They have five games left and must aim for a perfect run to stay in the hunt. Their opponents are Wakefield Trinity away, Castleford Tigers at home, Leeds Rhinos at home, Leigh Leopards away, and Hull KR at home. Four of those fixtures are against teams currently occupying the top six, meaning each match carries the weight of potentially four points. A five‑win streak would lift them to 34 points and likely secure a play‑off berth.
Overall, the final stretch of the Super League season promises relentless competition, with every club needing to secure maximum points to achieve their objectives—whether that be a home semi‑final, a shot at the Shield, or simply a place in the play‑offs. Sky Sports will broadcast all remaining matches, including exclusive live coverage on Sky Sports+, ensuring fans can witness every crucial moment as the league races toward its climax.