Super League 2023: The state of play with the League Leaders' Shield and play-off spots up for grabs
Our guide to what is still to play for as the 2023 Super League regular season reaches its conclusion; the League Leaders' Shield and play-off places are up for grabs; you can watch all the thrilling climax to the Super League play-off race on Sky Sports on September 22
Wednesday 20 September 2023 06:47, UK
There is just one round to go in the 2023 Betfred Super League regular season, with everything still to play for in the top six.
The destination of the League Leaders' Shield looks like going right down to the wire, as does the race for a coveted place in the top six which will secure a play-off spot.
The battle to avoid the drop into the Betfred Championship was wrapped up in the penultimate round as the Leigh Leopards inflicted a heartbreaking golden point drop goal on Wakefield Trinity, the Castleford Tigers keeping their place in Super League for the 2024 season.
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Who can win the League Leaders' Shield?
Going into the final round of the regular season, three teams are currently level on 38 points at the top of the Super League standings.
Wigan Warriors lead the way on points difference from 2021 Shield winners Catalans Dragons, while last year's table-toppers and reigning champions St Helens would mathematically need a loss from both sides to seal up top spot but could end up in the top two if either the Dragons or Warriors were to slip up and they secured a victory.
If Wigan gain a victory, they should wrap the league up on their superior points difference but the Dragons will be going all out to ensure they are in prime place to swoop in if they can.
Betfred Super League Round 27 - Sky Sports Friday Night Special Fixtures (8pm kick-off)
- Huddersfield Giants vs Warrington Wolves
- Leeds Rhinos vs Castleford Tigers
- Leigh Leopards vs Wigan Warriors
- Salford Red Devils vs Catalans Dragons
- St Helens vs Hull FC
- Wakefield Trinity vs Hull KR
The race for the play-offs
Wigan, Catalans and St Helens were already assured of places in the play-offs and after Round 25, Leigh Leopards joined them as they can no longer be caught by anyone outside the top six.
Last year's Grand Final runners-up Leeds Rhinos are now out of the running for the playoffs after their huge 61-0 loss to the Dragons, Hull KR sealing their spot with a tense 12-0 win over Salford Red Devils.
Warrington Wolves and Salford Red Devils are level on 26 points heading into the final round looking to cling the final play-off spot, the Wolves facing Huddersfield Giants while Salford are up against Catalans.
The teams which finish first and second are guaranteed home semi-finals, while the teams finishing third and fourth will be at home to those finishing sixth and fifth respectively in the Elimination round.
How can you watch?
The race for the Betfred Super League Play-Offs has never reached such a thrilling climax - and that means an unprecedented Friday night of Rugby League action on Sky Sports with all six Round 27 fixtures being played on September 22.
Leigh Leopards vs Wigan Warriors will lead the coverage and all matches will kick-off at 8pm BST.
In addition to full match coverage of one game, there will also have cameras and reporters at all fixtures that stand a chance of affecting the shape of the play-offs, meaning viewers won't miss a thing on Friday night.
Meanwhile RL Commercial are making arrangements to ensure the League Leaders' Shield can be presented to the winners on Friday night - at Leigh, Salford or St Helens.
Live Betfred Super League
Watch the conclusion of the 2023 Betfred Super League season, including the play-offs and Grand Final, live on Sky Sports. Also stream on NOW.
