Super League play-offs


Since 1998, a play-off system has been used to determine the Super League champions. The format has changed over the years, starting with a play-off involving first five, then six teams, eight, four and currently back to five. The play-off series culminates in the Super League Grand Final. Use of a play-off system to decide the Championship brought back a rugby league tradition that had previously fallen out of use. The Super League Premiership, which had previously taken place between the highest placed teams in the competition, was discontinued after the introduction of the Super League play-off series. This was because its purpose had been to take the place of the previous Championship-deciding play-off system.

Current Play-Off System

Top Five

The current play-off system, used from 2019 onwards, was also previously used between 1998 and 2001. The same system was used in the NSWRL's Sydney Competition 1973-1994, the Australian Super League in its only season 1997, the VFL, 1972–1990 and New Zealand's Lion Red Cup, 1994–1996, and Bartercard Cup, 2000-2006.
From week two on the Top five play-offs system reflected exactly the Page playoff system.
The Top Five Super League Play-Off Structure:
Week One
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four

Grand Final

StadiumLocationCountryHighest attendanceAverage attendance
Old TraffordTrafford, Greater ManchesterEngland73,58163,352

Previous Play-Off Systems

2002-2008: Top Six

From Super League VII in 2002 until Super League XIII in 2008, a play-off series involving the top six teams was used to determine the winners the Super League champions. Excluding the Grand Final, all matches were staged at the home ground of the team that finished higher in the final league table.
A similar system was used by the Australian National Soccer League and the A-League to decide its champions. From Week Two onwards, the Top Six play-offs system reflects exactly the Page playoff system.
The Top Six Super League Play-Off Structure:
Week One
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four

2009-2014: Top Eight

For the Super League XIV season in 2009, a top eight play-off system was introduced to replace the previous top six system. This change coincided with an expansion of the competition from twelve to fourteen teams following the introduction of Super League licensing. The format was introduced following consultation and discussion with all 14 member clubs in Super League. The series lasted four weeks, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford during October.


FAQ's:
The top four play-off system was the most simple since their introduction in 1998. The top four teams qualify, the League Leaders play at home to 4th, 2nd then play at home to 3rd with the winners of both semi finals advancing to the Grand Final.

Play-off apps

Only St. Helens have competed in every play-off series since 1998.
NameAppsFive Team Format
1998-2001, 2019 onward		Six Team Format
2002-2008		Eight Team Format
2009-2014		Four Team Format
2015-2018
1 St. Helens221998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 20192002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 20082009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 20142015, 2016, 2017, 2018
2 Leeds Rhinos191998, 1999, 2000, 20012002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 20082009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 20142015, 2017
2 Wigan Warriors191998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 20192002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 20082009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 20142015, 2016, 2018
4 Hull F.C.1220012002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 20072010, 2011, 20122016, 2017
4 Warrington Wolves1220192003, 2005, 2006, 20082010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 20142016, 2018
6 Bradford Bulls111998, 1999, 2000, 20012002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
7 Huddersfield Giants820072009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 20142015
7 Castleford Tigers81999, 2000, 201920022009, 20142017, 2018
9 Catalans Dragons620082009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
10 Hull Kingston Rovers42009, 2010, 2011, 2013
11 Wakefield Trinity320042009, 2012
12 London Broncos22003, 2005
12 Salford Red Devils220192006
14 Halifax11998
14 Crusaders12010
14 Widnes Vikings12014

Bold- Won the Grand Final

Play-off results