The Super League playoffs kick off on Friday, but this year feels markedly different. Four out of the six teams competing to lift the title at Old Trafford on October 12 have never won a Grand Final. To achieve this, they must overcome the reigning champions and clear favorites, Wigan Warriors. Despite the unpredictability in this year's playoffs, one thing remains constant: Wigan's dominance. They are once again rugby league's top club, holding all four major trophies: the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leaders' Shield, and Super League title. It would take an extraordinary effort to wrest the Super League title from the Warriors' grasp over the next three weeks. Matt Peet's team has hit form at the perfect moment, and while several teams are confident of lifting the trophy, unseating the reigning champions will be a daunting challenge.
Is it finally the time for Rovers to end their 39-year drought for a major trophy? The signs suggest it might be. Willie Peters's team secured a top-two finish, their highest league position since 1985, earning them a bye in the first week. Although they have been one game away from a maiden Grand Final three times before, this year feels unique. They will host the highest-ranking winner of this weekend's eliminators at Craven Park, a daunting venue for visiting teams. With Mikey Lewis, the likely Man of Steel, leading the charge, hopes are high that the Robins can at least reach Old Trafford.
Sam Burgess has already led Warrington to the Challenge Cup final in his debut season as head coach. However, if he is to reach Old Trafford, he must navigate a challenging path. After missing out on the top two, the Wolves face a local derby against St Helens on Friday. A win there would set up an away trip to either Wigan or Hull KR for a spot in the Grand Final. Burgess has transformed Warrington into serious contenders, but history is against them: they haven't won a league title since 1955 and have lost all four of their Grand Final appearances.
Salford will make history on Friday night, with the Salford Community Stadium set to host its largest-ever rugby league crowd for their eliminator tie against Leigh. This is a team that the public should rally behind given their remarkable performance in 2024. Paul Rowley's side was written off before the season began but has become one of the most entertaining teams in the competition, a threat to any opponent. Only Wigan has won at Salford this season, a fact that should give the Red Devils confidence of reaching a second Grand Final.
Leigh enters the playoffs for only the second time in their history this weekend, but they do so as the competition's form team. They were ninth as recently as July but have won 10 of their last 12 games, making them a genuine threat on the road to Old Trafford. Adrian Lam's side will be dismantled at the end of the season, with key players like Kai O'Donnell and Tom Amone returning to the NRL. This could provide extra motivation to mount a title challenge, but they must first overcome a tough test at Salford on Friday night.
The Saints have maintained their unbroken record in the Super League playoffs, but only after their worst league finish since 1994. Paul Wellens's team has struggled to the end-of-season shake-up and looks far from credible contenders. This is a stark contrast to their four consecutive Grand Final wins between 2019 and 2022. However, there is a glimmer of hope. They are near full-strength for Friday's eliminator at Warrington, having faced numerous injury issues all season. Despite this, they head to the Wolves as major underdogs. History has shown that you should never count out the Saints.
