Penultimate Round Preview

The Final Charge reaches its penultimate chapter this week, and there is still plenty left to play for at both ends of the Betfred Super League table.

Round 26 brings a potential League Leaders' Shield Decider, crucial Play-Off battles and some fascinating contests as teams make their final push towards the post-season.

Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors headline the weekend in a blockbuster showdown at AMT Headingley Stadium, with the winner set to move top of the table heading into the final round of the regular season.

Elsewhere, St Helens face a must-win trip to Leigh Leopards, Hull KR look to secure their top six spot against an in-form Huddersfield Giants, and Wakefield Trinity host Warrington Wolves in a game that could offer a glimpse of what is to come in the Play-Offs.

Preparing for the Penultimate Round ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/H3tus7ZxtS

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 1, 2026

Thursday 3 September

Bradford Bulls v Castleford Tigers (20.00) - live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+.

Round 26 gets underway at Bartercard Odsal Stadium as Bradford Bulls welcome local rivals Castleford Tigers.

Castleford arrive looking to complete a fifth consecutive Super League victory over the Bulls, having won each of the last four meetings between the sides. The Tigers were 40-28 winners when the teams met earlier this season.

For Bradford, home form remains a concern after five straight defeats at Odsal, and another loss would equal their longest home losing run in Super League.

Can the Bulls close out their 2026 home campaign with a win?

Both sides will be looking to end this year on a high after a series of disappointing performances.

Friday 4 September

Leigh Leopards vs St Helens (20:00) - live on Sky Sports

This Friday Night fixture carries a lot of significance as Leigh host St Helens at a near SOLD OUT Leopards Den.

It’s simple for Saints - win or see their Play-Off hopes disappear.

The Leopards, meanwhile, can secure their place in the top six with a victory and continue their push for a top four finish.

History suggests the Leopards will fancy their chances on home soil. Adrian Lam's side have won their last four home meetings against Saints, with the Red V not winning away at Leigh since 2021.

The visitors edged the reverse fixture 20-18 back in Round 2, but Leigh will be keen to make another statement in front of their own supporters.

Hull KR v Huddersfield Giants (20.00) - live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Hull KR know a victory would move them to the brink of securing a Play-Off place, but standing in their way is the competition’s most improved side in recent weeks.

The Robins have dominated this fixture recently, winning their last seven Super League meetings with Huddersfield, including a 32-6 success earlier this season.

In fact, the Giants have been restricted to just six points or fewer in each of the last four league meetings.

However, Jim Lenihan’s side can travel to East Hull full of confidence after winning five of their last six matches.

Their recent resurgence means that Friday’s meeting should make for an exciting contest, and another upset would create further drama heading into Round 27.

The Robins have lost their last three matches, but can they turn up and perform when it matters on Friday? They have home advantage in their favour!

Toulouse Olympique v Hull FC (18.00 UK) - live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Friday’s third offering of Super League action sees Toulouse Olympique take on Hull FC in the south of France.

Toulouse secured their first ever Super League win over Hull earlier this season, claiming a hard-fought 12-4 victory at the MKM Stadium.

Both sides arrive with momentum. Toulouse have won back-to-back matches, while Hull FC have claimed victories in their last two away fixtures and came close against Warrington last weekend.

The French side are continuing to target the highest possible league finish in their return season to Super League, while the Black & Whites will be looking to finish their campaign positively.

Saturday 5 September

Wakefield Trinity v Warrington Wolves (15.00) - live on BBC, Sky Sports and SuperLeague+

This could prove a dress rehearsal for the Play-Offs.

Third-placed Warrington make the trip to play fourth-placed Wakefield with both sides already guaranteed a place in the top six, but there is still plenty on the line.

Wakefield can strengthen their hold on fourth spot, while Warrington remain outsiders in the race for a top two finish.

Trinity's win over York Knights last week was their seventeenth of the campaign, a new club Super League record, and they have won each of their last five home meetings with the Wolves.

The last two home victories against Warrington have both come by margins of over 30 points.

The teams shared victories across their two meetings in 2025 before Warrington claimed a 27-16 win earlier this season, setting up another fascinating encounter.

Both teams enter this match with wins in Round 25...

Catalans Dragons vs York Knights (18:00 UK) - live on Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+

Catalans Dragons return to the Stade Gilbert Brutus aiming to halt a run of three consecutive home defeats.

The Dragons were convincing winners when the teams met in Round 12, enjoying a 36-22 win in York, and will be eager to complete a league double.

Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors (20:00) - live on Sky Sports

Mark this one down in your diaries.

The fixture of the season sees league leaders Leeds Rhinos host second-placed Wigan Warriors with top spot on the line heading into the final round.

The winner will move to the summit and put one hand on the League Leaders' Shield. Expect fireworks!

Remarkably, both sides have won 20 of their 25 matches this season, highlighting just how closely matched they have been throughout 2026.

Recent meetings have been fiercely competitive, with both teams littered with superstars. Wigan won the reverse fixture 24-4 in Round 11, but the home side has won each of the last five Super League meetings between the clubs.

And with League Leaders' Shield implications, a SOLD-OUT AMT Headingley crowd and two of the competition's biggest names going head-to-head, this is a contest not to be missed.

Leeds welcome back Super League's leading try-scorer Maika Sivo to the 21-man squad after recovering from a broken arm whilst forward James McDonnell also makes his return and could face his former side.

The Warriors have made just one change to their winning side ahead as Junior Nsemba returns from injury to replace Josh Cartwright.

Saturday 5 September, AMT Headingley Stadium, 8PM ?

League Leaders' Shield on the line, you WON'T want to miss it ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/XEbMEFisq0

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 28, 2026

Fans can find all details for the Round 26 fixtures here.

Find out more about The Final Charge here.

For information on SuperLeague+ and how to purchase your passes, click here.