The 2025 Super League season has been one of the closest, most dramatic and most unpredictable campaigns for a while. Teams have proven they can beat anyone on their day, and it makes predicting the outcome of the eventual winners so much harder.
To be successful, you have to win big games. Not only does it give you the two points, it also takes away two potential points for competing teams in and around the race for the top six.
St Helens’ loss to Leigh Leopards was a great example of this. Leigh secured a hard-fought victory and not only did they earn the two points, they also bridged a gap between them and the Red Vee, with Paul Wellens’ men three points adrift of the Leopards in third.
Wakefield Trinity’s one-point win over Leeds Rhinos last week was another crucial contest as we approach the final few rounds of the season.
So, how do the Super League’s playoff wannabe’s fare in those big games. The games that sides see as must-win, especially now that we approach the final seven rounds of the season.
Here is the Super League table, featuring only matches between the current top eight sides in the league, all of whom are in with a shot of reaching the playoffs.
What does Super League top eight table tell us?
As expected, Hull KR lead the way, with eight wins from 11 matches against the current top eight. However, they have also played the least amount of matches against these teams, and after two matches against Salford and Castleford will play five of the other seven teams in the playoff race to finish their season. Their match against Wigan Warriors is one of the most vital games left of the year and could decide the fate of the League Leaders Shield.
St Helens are arguably the biggest concern on this list. A win over the Tigers on Friday night would see them overtake Leeds and go into fourth spot, but this season they have struggled hugely in games against the teams around them. In two of the final three rounds they face both Wigan and Leigh and will need to be at the top of their game if they are to overcome their close rivals and gain some good form going into the finals.
Everybody expected Wakefield to do well this season. A young and hungry squad, an experienced coach and an owner that wants to take the club forward gave fans hope, but it can’t be underestimated just how well that have done. The win over Leeds last week was their sixth against the current top eight this year and they have also toppled Wigan and Leigh on the road to achieving playoff status at the first time of asking.
