Leigh Leopards delivered a dominant performance, beating St Helens 48-10 and consigning the Saints to a historic miss of the Super League play‑offs. The result, combined with Hull KR's 36-6 demolition of Huddersfield, locked in the top six for Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Leigh Leopards and Hull KR. Consequently, St Helens slipped to seventh place, ending their season without a chance to fight for a Grand Final berth – the lowest finish the club has ever recorded in the competition. The Saints' failure to qualify marks the first time they have missed the post‑season since the 1964/65 campaign, a stark contrast to their recent reputation as a four‑in‑a‑row champion.
The disappointment follows a turbulent year that saw head coach Paul Rowley dismissed after less than twelve months in charge. Looking ahead, the club will welcome Australian national coach Kevin Walters for the 2027 season, hoping his experience can restore the once‑dominant side to trophy contention.
Over in East Hull, it was a bittersweet evening for Hull KR. Long‑time head coach Willie Peters oversaw a decisive victory that clinched the club’s play‑off place before he departs for the new NRL franchise PNG Hunters in 2027.
The 36-6 win over Huddersfield not only sealed a top‑six finish but also underscored the progress the Rovers have made since their historic treble‑winning season, which was capped by a World Club Challenge triumph. The match at the Progress with Unity Stadium presented St Helens with a simple task: secure a win to keep their slim play‑off hopes alive.
Early opportunities slipped away due to handling errors and a thin bench, allowing Leigh to seize the initiative. Within the first fifteen minutes, Josh Charnley capitalised on a well‑placed kick, scoring a try that coincided with his contract extension announcement. Shortly after, Innes Senior broke through the Saints' defence, and David Armstrong's speed added a second try, giving Leigh a 12-0 lead.
St Helens managed to respond through a scrum drive that saw Tristan Sailor deliver a flick pass to Jacob Douglas, who dived over in the corner. A spectacular team try followed when Sailor passed to Harry Robertson, who dummy‑danced past the defense and finished, with the conversion bringing the score to 12-10. Leigh, however, reclaimed the lead within three minutes. Senior struck again on the left edge, this time finding Umyla Hanley in a massive gap as Matty Evans was forced off the ball.
The try, plus the conversion, pushed the margin to 18-10. Before the break, Adam Cook converted a speculative pass from Edwin Ipape, extending the lead to 24-10 at halftime. The second half deteriorated quickly for the Saints. Veteran centre Percival was sin‑binned for a high tackle, prompting a chorus of applause from the home crowd as he announced his retirement at season's end.
With St Helens down a man, Ipape powered over from close range, and Cook's conversion made it 30-10 with fifteen minutes left. The Saints' defence continued to crumble, allowing Hanley a second try despite three defenders attempting to stop him. Jacob Alick‑Wiencke added another score, and Cook’s reliable boot pushed the tally to 42-10. In the final minutes, rain poured as Robbie Mulhern celebrated his 100th appearance with a try, sealing a 48-10 victory for Leigh.
The Leopards celebrated their triumph, while St Helens were left to contemplate a night that will be remembered as a low point in their storied history. Hull KR’s win also marked the end of an era for Willie Peters.
The 47‑year‑old coach, who guided the club to a historic treble last season, will leave at the conclusion of the campaign to join the PNG Hunters. Although the Rovers have secured a top‑six spot, they will not enjoy a home tie in either of the two play‑off rounds, a detail that adds a layer of complexity to their upcoming fixtures.
Elsewhere, the league saw a mixture of results. Huddersfield, after a strong run of five wins in six games under Jim Lenihan, fell to a heavy defeat at Craven Park.
Meanwhile, Toulouse overcame Hull KR 44-30 in France, with Henry O'Kane scoring two tries and Cesar Rouge contributing a try, six conversions and two penalties. Hull KR fought back in the second half thanks to two tries from Lewis Martin and a captain’s double from Aidan Sezer, but the French side’s late scores sealed the win.
Hull KR’s final regular‑season match will be an away clash against Leeds Rhinos next Friday. The team will look to finish the season on a high note after a campaign that demonstrated both resilience and the inevitable challenges of a competitive league. Overall, the weekend’s outcomes reshaped the Super League landscape. Leigh Leopards and Hull KR have cemented their positions in the play‑offs, while St Helens face an unprecedented rebuilding phase.
The upcoming weeks will test the resolve of the Saints as they prepare for a new coaching era under Kevin Walters, while the newly qualified clubs aim to capitalize on their momentum and chase the coveted Grand Final berth.