Round 27 Round Up

As a dramatic Round 27 concludes, we now know which teams will compete in the 2024 Betfred Super League Play-Offs...

Wigan Warriors won their fifth Betfred Super League League Leaders' Shield with victory over the Salford Red Devils on Thursday.

The Warriors regained the Shield for a second consecutive year, running out 11 tries to seal the Shield in emphatic fashion, as they beat the Red Devils in front of 16,000 crowd at The Brick Community Stadium.

Constantly in control of the game, Jake Wardle and Zach Eckersley both grabbed one try each, as Kruise Leeming, Bevan French and Super League’s current top try scorer Liam Marshall each scored twice. 

The Red Devils failed to score a single point as the in form Jai Field completed a hat-trick - the hosts dominating with their stunning attack and determined defence - and ultimately proving why they are the current Champions (64-0).

Five-time League Leaders' Shield Winners ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/mrklVgRMsE

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 19, 2024

Meanwhile, Huddersfield Giants ended their season on a high with a 34-10 victory over Castleford Tigers, which included a brace from the host's Sam Hewitt.

The @GiantsRL are well on top against the Tigers ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/sb6wLxElFJ

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 19, 2024

Frantic Friday brought all the drama, where league standings were still to be determined as well as remaining Play-Off places still up for grabs. 

Leigh Leopards guaranteed their spot in the top six after a narrow victory over St Helens. Tensions were high at Leigh Sports Village on Friday night, but John Asiata soon eased any nerves from the hosts as he crashed over from close range for the opening try.

Lachlan Lam and Matt Moylan later combined to send Ricky Leutele away to go 12-0 up at half-time, but two quick fire tries from the visitors' Tommy Makinson and Morgan Knowles would set up a nail-biting finale.

It was to be the Leopards' night, however, as Josh Charnley raced in at the corner to regain the lead for his side, and in doing so he impressively drew level with Danny McGuire in Super League's all-time try scoring list, with 247 tries.

Despite a late scurry from the Saints outfit, Leigh managed to hold out and seal the final Play-Off place (18-12). They will travel to play Salford Red Devils in Eliminator 1 next Friday.

Lovely play from @LeighLeopardsRL in the first forty ?

Moylan ? Leutele

The second half is almost underway, live exclusively on Sky Sports ?
#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/A06BiCO85e

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 20, 2024

Over in East Hull, Hull KR made history by securing a second placed Super League finish for the first time ever. They faced Leeds Rhinos, who needed a win for keep their Play-Off aspirations alive, but it wasn't to be as the home side proved too strong.

Spurred on by a bumper crowd, the Robins emerged 26-16 victors, but it was closely contested in the first forty - with two tries from either side.

Rhyse Martin, who will play in a KR jersey next year, crossed for the Rhinos on the 17th minute, before former Leeds' man Matt Parcell responded with a score under the posts.

The battle continued with further tries from Alfie Edgell and Peta Hiku, with the scores locked in at 10-10 at the interval. 

But Willie Peters' men came out firing in the second half as Tom Opacic, Sauaso Sue and Joe Burgess' tries would cement the victory and confirm a Semi-Final home tie.

Despite a consolation effort from Andy Ackers, the Rhinos' season comes to an end in 2024.

Lewis ? Opacic @hullkrofficial are back in front and back on the road to secure that Top 2 spot ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/VMyilbEexm

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 20, 2024

Warrington Wolves produced an emphatic performance in their final home game of the regular season, with a Matty Ashton hat-trick helping the Wolves lead 26-0 at half-time.

And the try fest carried on in the second half, as London Broncos failed to score a single point in Round 27, and what was also their last game of the 2024 campaign (54-0).

Sam Burgess' men will look now ahead to next Saturday when they welcome St Helens in Eliminator 2.

.@MattyyAshton completes a first half hat-trick ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/P0dPHi9XkG

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 20, 2024

The final regular round of the 2024 Super League concluded with Hull FC taking on Catalans Dragons.

The hosts headed into the fixture looking for their fourth win of the season and looking to avoid finishing bottom. Meanwhile the Dragons knew their hopes of the play-offs was over unless they produced a victory of over 180 points.

Hull FC started strongly, with Lewis Martin scoring the opening try. However, that was as good as it got for Hull.

The Dragons ran in 24 unanswered points with tries from former Hull prop, Chris Satae, as well as Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies and Matthieu Laguerre.

Victory for the Dragons meant they finished seventh in Super League, missing out on the play-offs by points difference.