Rugby League | Super League Play-offs preview

The end of another memorable Rugby League season approaches

Now the regular season has concluded, attention now turns to the Super League play-offs, before a historic Ashes Test series begins.

Author | Oliver W

Leigh Leopards open the post-season on Friday night with an eliminator against an impressive Wakefield Trinity. This promises to be a fascinating encounter.

Twenty-four hours later, Leeds Rhinos face St Helens at Headingley, a fixture expected to generate a febrile atmosphere as all four sides compete for the chance to take on either league leaders and Challenge Cup winners Hull KR or last season’s all-conquering Wigan Warriors.

A fantastic rise for Wakefield and Leigh

Pics of Wakefield Trinity v Huddersfield Giants 

For Leigh coach Adrian Lam, Friday’s meeting represents another landmark for two clubs that have only recently begun to challenge consistently for silverware. Like Leigh, Wakefield have transformed their fortunes in the past two years. 

Their sixth-placed finish this season, achieved with 15 wins and 30 points, stands in stark contrast to their last Super League campaign in 2023 when they managed just four wins and suffered relegation.

Now back in the top flight, Wakefield’s resurgence has secured a first play-off berth since 2012. They travel to Leigh knowing they are just two games from a Grand Final, a remarkable turnaround from their plight two years ago. Coach Daryl Powell believes his side have nothing to fear and insists they are well placed not only to upset the odds in the coming weeks but also to build sustainably for the future.

Leeds Rhinos back where they belong

Leeds, meanwhile, return to the play-offs after missing out last year. A fourth-place finish, their best since 2017, has earned them a home eliminator against St Helens. The Rhinos were edged out 6-0 by Saints in their most recent Headingley meeting and coach Brad Arthur is braced for another bruising contest as knockout rugby league gets under way.

Hull KR will be the team to beat

Hull KR, who secured top spot in the table, have a week’s rest before their play-off campaign begins. They will face either Wakefield or the loser of the Leeds v St Helens eliminator.

Hull KR celebrate with the League Leaders Shield

Supporters know that whoever awaits them, the side will need to find another gear. The League Leaders’ Shield was sealed with a tense victory over Warrington Wolves last week, but recent displays have lacked fluency. If they are to turn their position at the summit into a Grand Final appearance, they will need to raise their levels when the semi-finals come around.