James O'Brien

Bradford Bulls face the possibility of finishing bottom of Super League despite being scheduled to play in Las Vegas next February. Their place in the 2027 competition may depend on IMG grading results due in October, creating uncertainty for a club that ranked 10th the previous year and has made off-field progress. Head coach Kurt Haggerty says the Bulls are determined to avoid the wooden spoon, with only points difference separating them from Huddersfield Giants and Hull FC and four matches remaining. Severe injury problems continue to hinder the team ahead of a difficult trip to Leigh.

Hull FC have signed Leigh Leopards forward Isaac Liu on a one-year deal beginning after the 2026 season as part of their 2027 rebuild. The 35-year-old former New Zealand international and two-time NRL Grand Final winner has made more than 250 NRL appearances and 57 Super League appearances. Liu said his previous relationship with incoming Hull coach Steve McNamara was a major reason for joining, while chief executive Richie Myler highlighted his experience and leadership. Liu will join other new recruits including Bailey Hodgson, Alrix Da Costa and Daly Cherry-Evans.

York Knights have signed former Wakefield Trinity hooker Thomas Doyle on a contract through the end of 2027 to bolster Mark Applegarth’s squad for the final four rounds of the Super League season. Doyle, 27, left Wakefield by mutual consent after limited top-flight appearances and recently had a loan spell with Bradford Bulls. Both Doyle and Applegarth expressed enthusiasm about the move, with Doyle aiming to make an immediate impact and finish the season strongly.

The Super League wooden-spoon battle has tightened after Huddersfield Giants produced a surprising four-match winning run, lifting them above Bradford Bulls. Bradford have lost five straight matches and face four crucial fixtures, while Hull FC are also separated from the bottom by only points difference and risk finishing last for the first time in 62 years. York Knights hold a two-point advantage over the bottom three, and coach Mark Applegarth argues the club deserves another season in Super League. The absence of automatic relegation has reduced the formal consequences but not the pressure on clubs to demonstrate their competitiveness.

St Helens overturned a 16-12 half-time deficit to defeat Wakefield Trinity 46-16, scoring 34 unanswered points and four tries in the final 11 minutes. Wakefield's early injuries to Josh Rourke, Isaiah Vagana and Tom Johnstone disrupted Daryl Powell's plans, but the hosts were also punished for errors and another failure to hold a substantial lead. The result leaves Trinity waiting to secure a play-off place and facing a demanding run against Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards, while giving struggling St Helens renewed hope of preserving their record of reaching the Super League play-offs.

Wakefield Trinity collapsed from a 16-12 half-time lead to a 46-16 defeat against St Helens, conceding 34 unanswered points and four late tries. Head coach Daryl Powell called the team’s lack of effort in the final stages “unforgivable” and said the side had failed to recover from its previous loss to Leeds Rhinos. Injuries to Josh Rourke, Isaiah Vagana and Tom Johnstone are being assessed, while Wakefield’s defeat damages its hopes of securing a top-two Super League finish ahead of a difficult fixture against Wigan Warriors.

Wakefield Trinity can secure a second successive Super League play-off appearance by beating St Helens, with a victory also improving their chances of hosting a first play-off tie in 17 years. Coach Daryl Powell is refusing to look beyond the immediate challenge, citing Wakefield's poor recent record against St Helens and demanding greater consistency after the defeat to Leeds. St Helens are struggling with five losses in six matches and could fall six points outside the top six. Wakefield will be without Seth Nikotemo, who returned to Australia on compassionate grounds, and Jay Pitts, while Jordan Williams may make his debut. Powell views the difficult run-in as an opportunity to demonstrate the club's progress.

Huddersfield Giants coach Jim Lenihan says the club is determined to avoid finishing bottom of Super League but must not become fixated on the wooden spoon. After 12 consecutive defeats, Huddersfield have won three straight matches, with Lenihan attributing the turnaround to improved mentality as well as physical preparation. He wants the team to focus on weekly performances ahead of their away match against Toulouse Olympique.

Hull KR defeated Catalans Dragons 28-10 to strengthen their play-off position, racing into an 18-0 lead before easing off in the second half. Coach Willie Peters called the latter period average but praised the team's defensive resilience and said the priority was collecting two points during a demanding run of four games in a fortnight. The result gives Hull KR an opportunity to overtake Warrington Wolves in the top four when they play their game in hand next Tuesday.

Castleford Tigers director of rugby Chris Chester rejects claims that uncertainty surrounding head coach Ryan Carr has returned the club to square one. Although Carr's absence has disrupted day-to-day operations and recruitment, Chester says overseas signings Damien Cook, Mat Feagai and Tyrell Sloan remain committed to joining the club. He acknowledges a poor run of form but believes Castleford can target eighth place, finish strongly and build toward a better 2027 season. Hull FC, refreshed by a win at St Helens, are preparing for a difficult response from Castleford in their upcoming match.

Hull KR coach Willie Peters has challenged his champions to demonstrate their professionalism and title-winning qualities during a demanding run of four matches in two weeks. Hull KR host Catalans Dragons in the first of three home games in nine days before travelling to Wigan Warriors. Peters stressed preparation, recovery and on-field performance, while warning that Catalans remain dangerous after beating Hull KR in Perpignan earlier in the season. Prop Tevita Pangai Junior is expected to return after a six-game suspension, having lost nearly 10kg and worked to improve his fitness.

York Knights manager Mark Applegarth is pleased that his side has reached 14 points and sits 10th with five rounds remaining in its first Super League season, though he is frustrated by matches they allowed to slip away. York responded to a 72–20 defeat by Wigan Warriors with three straight wins, including a victory over St Helens. Applegarth wants the team to use the final fixtures—including challenging matches against Warrington, Leeds and Wakefield—to identify weaknesses, gain experience and strengthen the squad for next season rather than settle for its current position.

Wakefield Trinity have signed Hull FC centre Davy Litten on a four-year contract for 2027 after paying a substantial transfer fee. The 23-year-old Hull-born academy graduate, who has made 68 appearances for Hull and scored 13 tries in 19 games this season, said Wakefield's ambition on and off the field convinced him to move. Coach Daryl Powell and director of rugby Ste Mills praised his physicality, drive and attacking ability, viewing him as a key addition to an increasingly youthful and ambitious backline.

Castleford Tigers head coach Ryan Carr criticised recurring individual mistakes after his side collapsed to a 48-18 defeat against Warrington Wolves. Castleford had briefly fought back after conceding the opening try, scoring through Daejarn Asi, Tylor Sharpe and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e, but then lost control and conceded heavily for the second consecutive week. Carr said the team must remain accountable, continue fighting through the end of the season and give supporters maximum effort despite another campaign without a play-off challenge.

Warrington Wolves defeated Castleford Tigers 48-18 after Castleford surrendered a 16-6 lead and collapsed in the second half. The Tigers showed attacking promise through Daejarn Asi, Tylor Sharpe and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e, but recurring defensive errors, poor concentration and mistakes from kicks allowed Warrington to score eight tries. The result highlighted the scale of Ryan Carr's rebuilding task, with Castleford having conceded at least 48 points six times during his first season and facing major personnel changes in the off-season.

York Knights manager Mark Applegarth says the promoted club must eliminate its inconsistent “soft underbelly” to progress and eventually challenge for trophies. York are currently above established Super League clubs Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants despite receiving roughly half the central funding, a position Applegarth considers accurate based on their performances. Ahead of York’s first home match against St Helens, he dismisses the significance of St Helens’ turmoil following Paul Rowley’s departure, warning that the visitors still possess substantial talent and will view the match as crucial in their push for the play-offs.

Wakefield Trinity coach Daryl Powell has urged his high-flying side to embrace rising expectations as they pursue a potential top-two Super League finish and the League Leaders' Shield. Wakefield have won six consecutive matches and face a demanding run of fixtures, beginning away to Catalans Dragons in Perpignan and including games against Leeds, St Helens, Wigan, Leigh, York and Warrington. Powell credits owner Matt Ellis with helping transform the club's standards and culture, while stressing the need to manage travel, heat, physical pressure and maintain focus. Jack Sinfield is available again after recovering from a delayed concussion.

Hull KR's comeback victory over Hull FC eased pressure on the reigning Super League champions, with coach Willie Peters praising the leadership of captain Elliot Minchella and his teammates. Rovers remain in a tight play-off race and must improve at home against Bradford Bulls, while Mikey Lewis, Arthur Mourgue and Jesse Sue are unavailable. Bradford coach Kurt Haggerty insists his side remains fully motivated despite its league position and believes the Bulls can challenge Hull KR after preparing to exploit weaknesses.

Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur says the team’s recent loss to Castleford Tigers, despite scoring seven tries, must remain a motivating reminder as Toulouse Olympique visit Headingley. Leeds are aiming to preserve the competition’s only perfect home record, while injuries are expected to open the door for young back-rower Zak Lloyd. Arthur stresses that home performances should reflect the club’s playing identity, standards and commitment to supporters rather than simply focusing on remaining unbeaten.

Castleford Tigers winger Mikaele Ravalawa has joined Doncaster on loan until the end of 2026 after a disappointing first Super League season in which he scored four tries in 12 games. The move follows his return to Castleford’s squad and a heavy derby defeat by Wakefield Trinity, prompting renewed speculation that he could leave the club before the end of his three-year contract. The Fiji international is expected to debut for Doncaster against Oldham.

Huddersfield Giants are buoyed by ending a 13-game winless run against York Knights but remain dissatisfied with their defensive lapses late in the match. Coach Jim Lenihan wants his side to build momentum over the final seven games, emphasizing effort, attitude and concentration rather than league permutations. Hull FC, under interim boss Andy Last, are also fighting to avoid finishing bottom for the first time in 62 years after a season that deteriorated following John Cartwright's departure. Both clubs view the match as crucial in the relegation battle.

Leeds Rhinos winger Maika Sivo will miss around six weeks after suffering a broken forearm, ruling him out until potentially the final regular-season match against Hull FC and damaging his attempt to challenge Denny Solomona's Super League try-scoring record. The club has also lost Ben Littlewood for the season with a hamstring injury, while several other players remain unavailable or doubtful. Coach Brad Arthur urged the squad to respond with toughness and resilience, confirmed that Sivo should remain fit while recovering in a brace, and indicated that Zak Lloyd is set to debut against Toulouse Olympique.

Wakefield Trinity have signed 23-year-old hooker Mason Teague from Queensland Cup side Burleigh Bears on a two-year deal beginning next season. The Cook Islands international, who previously made eight NRL appearances for the Dolphins, is expected to replace departing hooker Tyson Smoothy. Coach Daryl Powell said Teague ranked highly in the club’s data analysis and was viewed as a strong fit for the team’s future, joining other new recruits including Cameron Smith, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Emre Guler.

Huddersfield Giants loan player Cole Geyer says he would like to return to the club next season after making a positive impression since joining from Oldham in May. His comments follow Huddersfield's first Super League win under head coach Jim Lenihan, which ended a 12-match losing run. Geyer believes the victory can rebuild confidence ahead of the meeting with Hull FC, while highlighting his developing partnership with fellow hooker Zac Woolford and the team's improving unity.

Wakefield Trinity have granted hooker Tyson Smoothy a compassionate release so he can return to Australia and join NRL newcomers Perth Bears on a three-year contract at the end of the season. Smoothy, a former Brisbane Broncos NRL winner, has made 21 appearances and scored four tries for Wakefield in 2026. He thanked coach Daryl Powell, director of rugby Ste Mills and the club, while maintaining that he wants to help Trinity win the Super League title before departing.