After 27 engrossing rounds, it all came down to Frantic Friday: the night Super League’s playoff picture would be thrillingly resolved. That was how it played out too, with the lineup set after Leigh’s dramatic victory over St Helens.
But to water it all down into one night would be doing a disservice to a season full of twists and turns. For months, the suspicion was many of the big narratives would go to the wire. Now, the top six are fixed and the business end of the season begins with plenty to ponder.
On paper, it looks straightforward. The competition’s two benchmark sides have earned a bye through to week two of the playoffs and even from a fleeting glance it appears likely that we are destined for a Grand Final between the league leaders and reigning champions, Wigan Warriors, and Hull KR in three weeks’ time.
But it’s not quite that simple. Take Hull KR. Their second-placed finish is the highest since 1985 which was the last time they won a major trophy. Willie Peters’s side have dazzled, led by the brilliance of the England scrum-half Mikey Lewis, who is surely destined to win the Man of Steel.
In a fortnight’s time, Rovers will be overwhelming favourites in a home semi-final – and questions do remain over their ability to deliver when it matters most. They lost last year’s Challenge Cup final, Wigan obliterated them in the semis this year, and this month threw away a winning position against the Warriors that could have helped them claim top spot.
Wigan, meanwhile, are tried and tested in the playoffs, and it would be a shock if they were not at Old Trafford once again next month. They are two games away from a staggering feat: becoming the first side to win the League Leader’s Shield, Challenge Cup, Grand Final and World Club Challenge in the same season.
But elsewhere the playoff picture is less clear. They begin on Friday with the most intriguing game; fourth-placed Salford hosting fifth-placed Leigh. Neither team were even given a chance of making the playoffs.
Friday 27 September: Salford Red Devils (4th) v Leigh Leopards (5th)
Saturday 28 September: Warrington Wolves (3rd) v St Helens (6th)
Friday 4 October: Hull KR (2nd) v highest-ranked winner of week one
Saturday 5 October: Wigan Warriors (1st) v lowest-ranked winner of week one
Saturday 12 October: Super League Grand Final
Salford’s commanding home form makes them favourites, given how Wigan are the only travelling side to win there this season. But Leigh comfortably beat the Red Devils 26‑0 at Magic Weekend last month, and are on a run of 10 wins in 12 games.
The Leopards were as low as ninth two months ago, but are the competition’s form side, emphasised by their victory over St Helens on Friday. With one of these sides progressing to the semi-finals and Hull KR already there, at least two teams are seeking to win their first Super League crown in the final four: and it could be three, too.
For Warrington, who finished third, are in pursuit of a first league title since 1955, with a home tie against St Helens, who finished sixth, their first hurdle to clear on Saturday.
Wire have been outstanding under Sam Burgess and could count themselves unfortunate not to finish in the top two having won 20 league games in 2024.
But they must dispatch an old foe if they are to make it to the final four. Saints were the dominant force from 2019 to 2022, winning four straight Super League titles – but have finished in their lowest league position since 1994. They should never be written off and that rings true again, though the Wolves are undoubtedly favourites.
Wigan will host the lowest-ranked winner of those games in the semi-finals, with Hull KR hosting the other. The two victors meet under the lights at Old Trafford on 12 October.
At a time when IMG is hopeful of delivering more eyes and ears on the sport – the jury remains out in that regard – rugby league craves unpredictability over its biggest games. We certainly have that in the next three weeks.
The regular season was special but the playoffs will be even better. Let the fun begin.
