The Betfred Super League table is starting to take shape and as we approach the halfway mark in the regular season, we are beginning to have an idea of who might make it to the Grand Final. Last season, Hull KR beat Wigan in the crucial clash at Old Trafford, gaining revenge over the side that had beaten them in a low-scoring Grand Final 12 months earlier.
At the time of writing, most of the 14 teams in the expanded 2026 Super League have played 12 matches. Anything can happen in sport, and while a “three-peat” Hull KR versus Wigan finale does not look overly likely, it remains a distinct possibility.
Right now, it seems like the lead in the Super League table changes on a game-by-game basis. As things stand, there are five teams separated by just two points. It is incredibly close, and while Leeds Rhinos lead the way, Warrington have a game in hand that could see them move top, while if they were to slip up, Hull Kingston Rovers could also move ahead of Leeds on points difference once they have played their game in hand.
Current Standings
| Rank | Team | Played | Points | Points Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leeds | 12 | 18 | +224 |
| 2 | Warrington | 11 | 18 | +180 |
| 3 | St Helens | 12 | 18 | +38 |
| 4 | Hull KR | 11 | 16 | +215 |
| 5 | Wakefield | 12 | 16 | +111 |
| 6 | Wigan | 12 | 14 | +44 |
As things stand, the six teams above are in the driving seat as far as making it to the play-offs. That said, Leigh Leopards and Catalans Dragons on 12 points, and even Castleford Tigers on 10, all have a decent shot at making the top six if they can have a strong second half of the season.
With the expansion of the top tier of English rugby, there are three new teams in the Super League this term. One of those is a huge name with a lot of history, indeed Bradford Bulls made six Grand Finals between 1999 and 2005, winning three. The other two have just one season in the Super League between them, with York Knights making their debut and Toulouse Olympic playing for just the second season.
All three newcomers are struggling, with the Bulls 11th on eight points, York 12th with six and French side Toulouse one place beneath York on points difference. Propping up the table, however, are Huddersfield Giants, who have lost 10 of their 12 games and have just four points to their name. The Giants were 10th of 12 last term, so all in all, the make-up of the bottom four is fairly predictable.
Battle for the Top Two Could Be a Thriller
.@leedsrhinos are looking good 🤩#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/cb1aMRa7N7
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 24, 2026
The real excitement looks set to be at the top of the table this term. While the race to make the top six and extend the campaign beyond the 27-game regular season should be very exciting, it may be that the tensest battle is for a place in the top two.
The Rhinos and the Wolves are currently leading the way. Those two contested the Grand Final back in 2012, with Leeds winning, but it would be something of a surprise were they to stay in their current positions until the end of the season. That’s not because we are confident one or both will fall away, but simply because of how tight the top of the table is.
Any of the top five, or even top eight, look capable of beating anyone else if they have a good day. We have already seen some topsy-turvy results, and no doubt there will be plenty more to come. A top-two finish means clubs gain an automatic spot in the semis. The four teams below them have to play an extra eliminator to earn the right to play in the last four. After a long season, that extra game can have an impact, while the top two also have home advantage in the semi finals.
The bookmakers are having a tough time deciding who will win the League Leaders’ Shield. Hull KR and the resurgent Rhinos, who finished fourth last term but rarely looked like they might go all the way, are joint favourites. Both are priced at 7/4, with the Saints at 11/2, Warrington at 6/1 and the Warriors at 13/2.
It is a similar picture when it comes to the Grand Final, although there is a lot more respect for Wigan’s chances there. They are a team that knows how to peak at the right time and have bags of big-game experience. They are locked together with Hull KR at 5/2, with the Rhinos at 13/5 (though 5/2 with the majority of firms), and the Saints and Warrington both at 13/2.
How the rest of the season plays out is almost impossible to predict. However, one thing we can be sure of is that it will be thrilling to watch.