The regular season of the Super League has now reached its conclusion, narrowing the field to six clubs that will battle for the remaining spots in the semi‑finals. The final round of fixtures saw Wigan Warriors clinch a convincing 50‑12 victory over Catalans Dragons, a win that not only secured the League Leaders’ Shield but also completed a domestic double, having already lifted the Challenge Cup. With the league title in hand, Wigan now have their sights set on a historic treble, hoping to cap the season with a Grand Final triumph.
Leeds Rhinos, who finished as runners‑up despite a late‑season loss to Hull FC, also enjoy a week’s break before the play‑offs commence. Both clubs will join the other four qualifiers—Warrington Wolves, Wakefield Trinity, Leigh Leopards and Hull KR—in a knockout series that will determine the two teams that advance to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. The top‑six finishers are, in order: Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Wakefield Trinity, Leigh Leopards and Hull KR.
The play‑off structure this year is straightforward. The third‑placed Warrington Wolves will travel to face sixth‑placed Hull KR in an Eliminator match, while fourth‑placed Wakefield Trinity will meet fifth‑placed Leigh Leopards in the other Eliminator.
The winners of these two games will then be paired against the top two clubs. The lowest‑ranked victorious side from the Eliminators—meaning the team that finished lower on the league table—will be drawn against the league leaders Wigan Warriors.
The other Eliminator winner will take on Leeds Rhinos. This format ensures that the highest‑placed teams retain a clear advantage while still giving the lower‑ranked qualifiers a realistic path to the final.
The Eliminator fixtures are scheduled for the weekend of 18‑19 September. On Friday, 18 September, Wakefield Trinity will host Leigh Leopards at 20:00, with the match broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The following day, Saturday 19 September, Warrington Wolves will meet Hull KR at 17:30, also on Sky Sports. Both games will be crucial, as the winners will earn the right to challenge either Wigan or Leeds in the semi‑finals. Assuming the standard progression, the semi‑finals will be played the following week. Leeds Rhinos are slated to host their opponent on Friday, 25 September, at 20:00, while Wigan Warriors will host theirs on Saturday, 26 September, at 17:30.
The exact opponents are still to be confirmed (TBC) until the outcomes of the Eliminators are known. Both semi‑finals will be televised live on Sky Sports, providing fans with a clear view of the path to the championship.
The culmination of the play‑offs will be the Grand Final, set for Saturday, 3 October, at the iconic Old Trafford stadium. The two semi‑final winners will face off in what is often described as the "big dance" of the rugby league calendar.
The stakes are high: a chance to lift the Super League trophy, to cement a season’s worth of hard work, and for Wigan Warriors, the possibility of completing a treble—a rare and celebrated achievement in the sport. In summary, the play‑off schedule is as follows: - **Friday 18 September:** Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards – Kick‑off 20:00, Sky Sports. - **Saturday 19 September:** Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR – Kick‑off 17:30, Sky Sports.
- **Semi‑Final 1 – Friday 25 September:** Leeds Rhinos vs Eliminator winner – Kick‑off 20:00, Sky Sports. - **Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September:** Wigan Warriors vs Eliminator winner – Kick‑off 17:30, Sky Sports.
- **Grand Final – Saturday 3 October:** Winners of the two semi‑finals at Old Trafford. These matches will be broadcast live, and viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. The play‑offs promise intense competition, dramatic storylines, and the chance for any of the six qualified clubs to claim the ultimate prize in English rugby league.