The regular season of the Super League has drawn to a close, leaving only six clubs in contention for the coveted spots in the semi‑finals. With the final round completed, the match‑ups that will determine who advances to the grand finale are now set.
Wigan Warriors capped off a spectacular campaign by securing a domestic double. Their 50‑12 demolition of Catalans Dragons not only clinched the League Leaders' Shield but also reinforced their dominance after already lifting the Challenge Cup. The Warriors now have their sights set on completing a historic treble, provided they can triumph in the climactic Grand Final. Leeds Rhinos, who finished second in the table despite a late‑season defeat to Hull FC, also enjoy a week’s rest before the playoffs begin.
The top six finishers in the league are, in order: Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Wakefield Trinity, Leigh Leopards and Hull KR. The playoff format this year is straightforward. The third‑placed Warrington Wolves will travel to face Hull KR, the sixth‑placed side, while fourth‑placed Wakefield Trinity will host fifth‑placed Leigh Leopards.
These two fixtures are known as the Eliminators. The winners of the Eliminators will then be ranked according to their original league positions. The lower‑ranked victor will meet Wigan Warriors in one semi‑final, and the higher‑ranked victor will take on Leeds Rhinos in the other.
The Eliminator round is scheduled for the weekend of 18‑19 September. Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards kicks off on Friday, 18 September, at 8:00 p.m. on Sky Sports.
The following day, Saturday 19 September, Warrington Wolves face Hull KR at 5:30 p.m., also broadcast live on Sky Sports. Both semi‑finals are set for the following week. Leeds Rhinos will host their opponent on Friday, 25 September, at 8:00 p.m., while Wigan Warriors will play their semi‑final on Saturday, 26 September, at 5:30 p.m. The exact opponents for these matches will be determined by the outcomes of the Eliminators.
The two semi‑final winners will then advance to the Super League Grand Final, which will be staged at Old Trafford on Saturday, 3 October. That showdown will decide the season's ultimate champion, completing the journey from six hopefuls to the final two. In summary, the playoff schedule is as follows: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards – 8:00 p.m.
(Sky Sports) - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR – 5:30 p.m. (Sky Sports) - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday 25 September: Leeds Rhinos vs winner of Wakefield/Leigh – 8:00 p.m. (Sky Sports) - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs winner of Warrington/Hull KR – 5:30 p.m. (Sky Sports) - Grand Final – Saturday 3 October: Super League champions at Old Trafford These fixtures mark the culmination of a long season, offering fans a week‑long festival of high‑stakes rugby league.
The Warriors, having already secured the League Leaders' Shield and the Challenge Cup, will be eager to add the Grand Final trophy to their collection and achieve a rare treble. Leeds Rhinos, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on their strong league performance and push for the title. The Eliminators promise intense, winner‑takes‑all action, with lower‑ranked clubs such as Wakefield, Leigh, Warrington and Hull KR fighting for the chance to upset the top‑two teams. The outcomes of these matches will set the stage for a dramatic semi‑final weekend, where the final two clubs will emerge to contest the Grand Final at one of England's most iconic stadiums.
Fans are encouraged to tune in via Sky Sports for live coverage of every match, and to use a Chrome browser for the best video player experience. The Super League playoffs will run from 18 September through to the Grand Final on 3 October, delivering a thrilling climax to the season.