We’re finally there. After a full season of action, we’ve hit the Super League play-offs and that sweet, sweet taste of knockout rugby league.
There’s action in both the men’s and women’s Super League this week, with the eliminators taking place in the men’s comp and the sole semi-final of the women’s comp also taking place.
Before diving into our picks for those three games, we need to look back to last week’s predictions where Frantic Friday proved to be not so frantic, but it was a draw across the picks as all three writers landed four correct results.
Onto this week when there are only three results to predict, the first of those being the Women’s Super League semi-final between Leeds Rhinos and York Valkyrie, with the winner set to meet Wigan Warriors in the Grand Final.
That will be played on Friday evening before the men’s play-offs begin with Wakefield hosting Leigh, a repeat of last week’s game albeit at Trinity. Saturday then sees Hull KR travel to Warrington Wolves as they look to defend their crown from last year.
Our picks for each match as well as an updated predictions leaderboard can be seen below.
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Super League play-off predictions
Leeds Rhinos v York Valkyrie – Friday, 18th September @ 5:15 pm
Peter Smith: Leeds 20-18 York
York are on a high after a superb win over Wigan last week, but they’ll find it tough backing up and Leeds beat them twice at Headingley earlier in the year.
Sam Cook: Leeds 26-20 York
Climbing the mountain and handing Wigan their first defeat in over a year in order to snatch a semi-final spot could either lead to a huge adrenaline dump or inspire new-found confidence. With this being at Headingley, I’ll favour the Rhinos.
Sam Brocksom: Leeds Rhinos 26-20 York
The Rhinos have started poorly over the past three games, conceding early before leaving it too late to get back into the game. If they nail the opening quarter, they should advance to the Grand Final.
Wakefield Trinity v Warrington Wolves – Friday, 18th September @ 8:00 pm
PS: Wakefield 24-18 Leigh
Home advantage might be the decisive factor; Trinity won both this year’s league meetings, but the teams look closely matched.
SC: Wakefield 20-18 Leigh
Two really well-matched teams and the dynamic of playing each other in consecutive weeks is an interesting one. Wakefield know they have the beating of Leigh but Leigh have the fuel now to win the game that truly matters. This is as close to a coin toss as I recall this year and for that reason, home advantage sways me.
SB: Wakefield 18-28 Leigh
Wakefield’s rise has been an incredible one, but I’m backing Leigh to take the win and advance to the semis. Adrian Lam’s men have reached the final four for the past two years, and if they do progress, will be hoping that Warrington beat Hull KR so that that they avoid a third trip to Wigan.
Warrington Wolves v Hull KR – Saturday, 19th September @ 5:30 pm
PS: Warrington 34-12 Hull KR
Hull KR’s Challenge Cup semi-final win seems a long time ago; they are capable of pulling a performance out of the bag, but Warrington are in much better form.
SC: Warrington 16-19 Hull KR
Twice inside the last two months Wire have put 34 on the Robins but now is when it matters. Both sides are well-rested and all the form points to Warrington but I just have a gut feeling Mikey Lewis will redeem himself.
SB: Warrington 16-22 Hull KR
Willie Peters rested his side for the finals, and will be hoping that pays off. Fatigue has been their limiting factor in 2026, and they’ve had a week’s rest to give their departing boss a big send off.
Predictions Leaderboard:
1st: Peter Smith – 147 (+4)
2nd: Sam Cook – 146 (+4)
3rd: Sam Brocksom – 137 (+4)
