With only four rounds of Super League fixtures left, the competition is entering its most intense phase – the so‑called Final Charge. Seven clubs are still alive in the hunt for a play‑off berth, and most of them are also dreaming of finishing in the coveted top two.
In the Super League format, the teams that end the regular season in first and second place automatically secure a home semi‑final on Friday 25 September and Saturday 26 September. The week before those matches, the Play‑Off Eliminators take place: the third‑placed side travels to the sixth‑placed team, while the fourth‑placed club faces the fifth‑placed side, with the winners advancing to the semi‑finals.
The two victorious semi‑finalists then meet at Old Trafford for the Grand Final on Saturday 3 October. The road to the end‑of‑season showdown is littered with potential upsets, and every match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, so fans can follow every twist and turn as it happens. Below is a detailed look at each of the remaining contenders, their upcoming fixtures and what they stand to gain or lose.
Leeds Rhinos have been perched at the top of the table for several weeks and will be desperate to cling to that position over their final four games. After a setback against Leigh Leopards in round 23, they now have Wigan Warriors breathing down their necks. Leeds last lifted the League Leaders’ Shield back in 2015 and their most recent trophy was the 2020 Challenge Cup, so a return to the summit would bring much‑needed silverware back to the club. Their remaining schedule pits them against York Knights (away), St Helens (away), Wigan Warriors (away) and Hull FC (home).
Three of those opponents are also fighting for play‑off places, meaning Leeds must stay unbeaten if they hope to secure the shield and a home semi‑final. Wigan Warriors, coached by Matt Peet, have made it clear that a top‑two finish is their primary objective.
A home semi‑final offers a huge advantage, and the Warriors are determined to keep pressure on Leeds. Wigan’s final five fixtures include trips to Bradford Bulls and a crucial home clash with Wakefield Trinity, followed by a home game against Hull KR, an away encounter with Leeds, and a home showdown with Catalans Dragons.
The Warriors will be especially keen to avenge their 2025 Grand Final loss to Hull KR and add a second piece of silverware to the Challenge Cup they already hold. Warrington Wolves, alongside Hull KR, have five matches left because their round‑two game was postponed when the Rhinos played in Las Vegas.
The rescheduling gives Sam Burgess’s side a packed final stretch but also an opportunity to climb the ladder. Their remaining opponents are Hull KR (away), Huddersfield Giants (home), Hull FC (away), Wakefield Trinity (away) and Toulouse Olympique (home). To stay in contention, Warrington must collect points against the lower‑ranked sides while hoping the top teams slip up.
Wakefield Trinity are chasing their best ever league finish. After a narrow two‑point loss to league‑leading Leeds and a heavy defeat at the hands of St Helens, they need to rebound quickly. Their remaining games are against Wigan Warriors (away), York Knights (home), Warrington Wolves (home) and Leigh Leopards (away). With three of those opponents still in the play‑off race, every match is a must‑win if Trinity hopes to climb into the top six.
Hull KR, the 2025 champions, are eager to defend their title and give coach Willie Peters a fitting send‑off. They have five games left: a home clash with Warrington Wolves, a home meeting with Toulouse Olympique, an away game at Wigan Warriors, a home fixture against Huddersfield Giants and an away encounter with St Helens.
Three of those matches are at Craven Park, which should boost their chances. Victories over Toulouse and Huddersfield are practically non‑negotiable if they want to stay in the hunt for a second consecutive title.
Leigh Leopards have transformed from a disastrous start to a credible play‑off contender under Adrian Lam. Their win over Leeds was a statement, but the final stretch is unforgiving. Leigh’s remaining schedule includes a home game against Bradford Bulls, an away match at Huddersfield Giants, a home clash with St Helens and a home fixture against Wakefield Trinity.
To reach the Grand Final for the first time, they must continue to show resilience and collect points in every remaining encounter. St Helens, perennially a play‑off regular, are determined to avoid another early exit. After a 20‑12 semi‑final loss to Hull KR in 2025, they rebounded with a win over Wakefield and now aim for a perfect run of four wins, which would lift them to 34 points.
Their upcoming fixtures are against Castleford Tigers (home), Leeds Rhinos (home), Leigh Leopards (away) and Hull KR (home). With three of those opponents already in the top six, each game carries the weight of a potential fourth‑place point. If the Saints can win all four, they will not only secure a play‑off spot but also pose a serious threat to the teams above them.
In summary, the final four rounds promise a flurry of high‑stakes matches, with every club fighting for either a coveted home semi‑final or a place in the play‑offs at all. Sky Sports will broadcast every game live, ensuring fans can witness every dramatic moment as the Super League races toward its climactic conclusion at Old Trafford.