The regular season of the Super League has now drawn to a close, leaving only six clubs in contention for the coveted spots in the postseason. With the final round completed, the match‑ups that will determine who advances to the semi‑finals are now crystal clear. Wigan Warriors capped off an impressive campaign by clinching a domestic double, beating Catalans Dragons 50‑12 to secure the League Leaders' Shield.
This triumph adds to their recent Challenge Cup victory and puts them on the brink of a historic treble, should they prevail in the Grand Final. Leeds Rhinos, despite a loss to Hull FC in the last round, finished second on the table and will also enjoy a week’s rest before the knockout stages 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 sixth‑placed Hull KR, while fourth‑placed Wakefield Trinity will take on fifth‑placed Leigh Leopards. The winners of these two eliminator games will move on to the semi‑finals. Because the playoff system rewards the higher‑ranked teams, the lowest‑ranked victor from the eliminators – that is, the team that finished lower in the regular‑season standings – will be drawn against the league leaders, Wigan Warriors.
The other semi‑final will pit Leeds Rhinos against the remaining winner. The eliminator fixtures are scheduled for the weekend of 18‑19 September. On Friday, 18 September, Wakefield Trinity host Leigh Leopards with an 8 p.m. kickoff, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The following day, Saturday 19 September, sees Warrington Wolves travel to Hull KR for a 5:30 p.m. encounter, also shown on Sky Sports. The semi‑finals will be played the following week. Leeds Rhinos will learn their opponent after the Friday eliminator and are slated to play at 8 p.m.
on Friday 25 September. Wigan Warriors will await the outcome of the Saturday eliminator and will take the field at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday 26 September.
Both semi‑finals will be televised live on Sky Sports. The two victorious clubs from these semi‑finals will earn the right to compete in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday 3 October.
In summary, the playoff schedule is as follows: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards – 8 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 Eliminator Winner – 8 p.m. (Sky Sports) - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Eliminator Winner – 5:30 p.m. (Sky Sports) - Grand Final – Saturday 3 October: Super League Champions at Old Trafford.
These fixtures mark the final stretch of the season, where six teams will be reduced to two, and those two will battle for the ultimate prize in one of rugby league's most celebrated events.