After 27 captivating rounds, it all culminated in Frantic Friday: the night when Super League’s playoff scenario would be thrillingly determined. That’s exactly how it unfolded, with the lineup finalized following Leigh’s dramatic win over St Helens. However, reducing it all to one night would be unfair to a season brimming with twists and turns. For months, it was anticipated that many of the major storylines would go down to the wire. Now, the top six are set, and the crucial phase of the season commences with much to contemplate.
On paper, it seems straightforward. The competition’s two top teams have secured a bye into week two of the playoffs, and at first glance, it appears inevitable that we are headed for a Grand Final showdown between the league leaders and reigning champions, Wigan Warriors, and Hull KR in three weeks’ time. But it’s not that simple. Consider Hull KR. Their second-place finish is their highest since 1985, the last time they won a major trophy. Willie Peters’s side has been dazzling, led by the brilliance of England scrum-half Mikey Lewis, who is likely to win the Man of Steel award. In two weeks, Rovers will be heavy favorites in a home semi-final, yet questions persist about their ability to deliver when it counts most. They lost last year’s Challenge Cup final, were crushed by Wigan in this year’s semis, and recently squandered a winning position against the Warriors that could have secured top spot.
Meanwhile, Wigan is battle-hardened in the playoffs and it would be a surprise if they weren’t at Old Trafford next month. They are two games away from an astonishing achievement: becoming the first team to win the League Leader’s Shield, Challenge Cup, Grand Final, and World Club Challenge in the same season. Elsewhere, the playoff picture is less defined. It kicks off on Friday with the most intriguing match; fourth-placed Salford hosting fifth-placed Leigh. Neither team was expected to make the playoffs. Salford’s dominant home form makes them favorites, considering Wigan is the only visiting team to win there this season. But Leigh convincingly beat the Red Devils 26-0 at Magic Weekend last month and are on a streak of 10 wins in 12 games. The Leopards were as low as ninth two months ago but are now the competition’s form team, highlighted by their victory over St Helens on Friday. With one of these sides advancing to the semi-finals and Hull KR already there, at least two teams are vying for their first Super League title in the final four: and it could be three.
For Warrington, who finished third, a first league title since 1955 is within reach, with a home tie against St Helens, who finished sixth, their first hurdle on Saturday. Wire has been exceptional under Sam Burgess and could feel unlucky not to finish in the top two, having won 20 league games in 2024. But they must overcome an old rival to reach the final four. Saints were the dominant force from 2019 to 2022, winning four consecutive Super League titles, but have finished in their lowest league position since 1994. They should never be underestimated, and that remains true, though the Wolves are undoubtedly favorites. Wigan will host the lowest-ranked winner of those games in the semi-finals, with Hull KR hosting the other. The two victors will clash under the lights at Old Trafford on October 12.
At a time when IMG is hopeful of attracting more attention to the sport, the jury is still out on that front. Rugby league thrives on unpredictability in its biggest matches, and we certainly have that in the next three weeks. The regular season was exceptional, but the playoffs promise to be even better. Let the excitement begin.
