Sky Sports make big decision on 'unprecedented' final round of Super League

14 September 2023 , 12:00

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St Helens Head Coach Kristian Woolf (left) and James Roby pose with the League Leaders 2022 Shield. (Image: PA)

All the final round of Betfred Super League games will be played next Friday in an “unprecedented” night of action on Sky Sports.

With the ongoing battle for the League Leaders’ Shield - Wigan, Catalans and St Helens are all level on points heading into the penultimate round - and seven sides jostling for top-six play-offs positions, the broadcasters have agreed to the move. Ordinarily, at least one of the six fixtures would be switched to Thursday or the weekend. But Sky Sports will announce on Saturday night, after this weekend’s round of fixtures, which match will lead their live coverage.

And in addition to that, they will also have cameras and reporters at all fixtures that stand a chance of affecting the shape of the play-offs. RL Commercial are making arrangements to ensure the League Leaders’ Shield can be presented to the winners next Friday night – at Leigh, Salford or St Helens - with all games also kicking off at 8pm. RL Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones said: “With only two rounds remaining of this competitive and compelling Betfred Super League season, it is impossible to predict with confidence exactly what will be at stake in Round 27.

"We are grateful to Sky Sports for making special arrangements which allow all six matches to be played on Friday night, meaning no late switches for supporters who are planning to attend in person, and an action-packed last night for viewers.”

There could be echoes of 2015 when three clubs all had the chance of finishing top on the last night. A helicopter was ferrying the League Leaders' Shield to Wigan before Ryan Hall's late heroics for Leeds saw it turn back to Huddersfield to deliver the trophy for the Rhinos.

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Betfred Super League Round 27 – Sky Sports Friday Night Special

Fixtures

Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves

Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers

Leigh Leopards v Wigan Warriors

Salford Red Devils v Catalans Dragons

St Helens v Hull FC

Wakefield Trinity v Hull KR

David Craven