With only four rounds of Super League fixtures remaining, the competition is entering its most intense phase yet. Seven clubs are still alive in the race 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 structure of the post‑season is clear: the third‑placed side will host the sixth‑placed team, while fourth meets fifth in the eliminator round.
The winners of those matches advance to the semi‑finals, and the victors of the semi‑finals will clash in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Sky Sports will broadcast every match live, so fans can follow every twist and turn as the drama unfolds. Below is a detailed look at each contender’s remaining schedule, the stakes involved, and what they must achieve to keep their play‑off hopes alive.
**Leeds Rhinos** Leeds have been perched at the summit for several weeks and will be desperate to protect that position over their final four games. After a setback against Leigh Leopards in round 23, they now sit just ahead of Wigan Warriors, meaning any slip‑up could cost them the League Leaders’ Shield – their first since 2015 – and a chance to add to their 2020 Challenge Cup triumph.
Their remaining fixtures are away at York Knights, away at St Helens, away at Wigan Warriors, and a home clash with Hull FC. Three of those opponents are already locked into play‑off contention, so Leeds must aim for an unbeaten run to secure the shield and a home semi‑final at the "Theatre of Dreams." **Wigan Warriors** Head coach Matt Peet has made it crystal clear that a top‑two finish is the primary objective, recognizing the huge advantage of hosting a semi‑final. Wigan sit just behind Leeds and will be looking to apply relentless pressure, especially in their upcoming games against Bradford Bulls (away), Wakefield Trinity (home), Hull KR (home), Leeds Rhinos (away) and Catalans Dragons (home). A victory over Leeds would not only close the gap but could potentially catapult Wigan into the top‑two slot.
The Warriors are also motivated to avenge their 2025 Grand Final loss to Hull KR and to add a second piece of silverware to the Challenge Cup they already hold. **Warrington Wolves** The Wolves, alongside Hull KR, have a slightly longer road ahead with five matches left due to a rescheduled round‑two game that was postponed when the Rhinos travelled to Las Vegas. Their remaining slate includes trips to Hull KR, Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Toulouse Olympique. To remain in contention, Warrington must collect points against the three lower‑ranked sides while also trying to steal points from the higher‑placed opponents.
Consistency will be key for Sam Burgess’s side if they hope to break into the top six. **Wakefield Trinity** Wakefield have endured a roller‑coaster season and are now chasing their best ever league finish. After a heartbreaking two‑point loss to league‑leading Leeds and a heavy defeat at the hands of St Helens, they have a daunting run left, facing Wigan Warriors (away), York Knights (home), Warrington Wolves (home) and Leigh Leopards (away). Three of those opponents are still in the play‑off hunt, making each match a potential six‑pointer.
A win against York Knights is essential, while the games against Wigan, Warrington and Leigh will likely determine whether they can stay alive in the race. **Hull KR** Hull KR are firmly entrenched in the top‑half and will aim to maintain that momentum. After a dominant 2025 season that saw them complete a treble under coach Willie Peters, they now hope to send him out on a high by defending their position and possibly clinching back‑to‑back titles.
Their remaining fixtures are at home against Warrington Wolves, Toulouse Olympique, Huddersfield Giants and away at Wigan Warriors and St Helens. With three matches at Craven Park, they will look to capitalize on home advantage, while victories over Toulouse and Huddersfield are practically mandatory for a solid finish. **Leigh Leopards** Leigh have transformed from early‑season strugglers to genuine play‑off contenders under Adrian Lam.
Their landmark win over Leeds signalled a turning point, but the final stretch remains unforgiving. They face Bradford Bulls (home), Huddersfield Giants (away), St Helens (home) and Wakefield Trinity (home). Each of these games carries significant weight, and a continued run of form could see Leigh make a historic first appearance in the Grand Final.
**St Helens** St Helens have never missed the play‑offs, but they are eager to avoid another early exit after a 20‑12 semi‑final loss to Hull KR in 2025. A recent win over Wakefield has reignited their fighting spirit, and they now have four games to secure a place among the elite. Their schedule pits them against Castleford Tigers (home), Leeds Rhinos (home), Leigh Leopards (away) and Hull KR (home). With three of those opponents already occupying top‑six spots, St Helens must treat each match as a potential four‑point swing.
Winning all four would lift them to 34 points and cement a play‑off berth. In summary, the final four rounds promise a flurry of high‑stakes encounters, with every club needing to maximize points against both direct rivals and lower‑ranked sides. The race for the League Leaders’ Shield, home semi‑finals, and ultimately the Grand Final at Old Trafford is tighter than ever.
Fans can catch every moment live on Sky Sports, with the remaining five matches also available via Sky Sports+. The battle for supremacy is on, and the outcome will shape the narrative of this Super League season for years to come.