Leeds Rhinos secure long-awaited home play-off tie as St Helens fall to Leigh Leopards
Leeds Rhinos will host play-off rugby for the first time in eight years after St Helens' top-four hopes were ended by Leigh Leopards.
The Rhinos' bid for their highest finish since their last title success in 2017 was dented by a surprise defeat to Catalans Dragons but they can now prepare for an eliminator on home soil following Leigh's 28-10 win on Friday night, a result that consigned Saints to fifth place.
Although third is not out of the question for Leeds, they need results to go their way in the final round of the regular season.
The Rhinos must win at Wigan Warriors and hope the Leopards slip up at home to Huddersfield Giants.
In all likelihood, Brad Arthur's side will welcome Saints to Headingley on Saturday, September 27.
The defeat at Leigh Sports Village extended St Helens' losing run to three matches but they have been Leeds' bogey team in recent years, winning 20 of the past 22 meetings.
The Rhinos must go back to 2017 for the last time they defeated Saints at home.
Meanwhile, Wigan made sure of second place and a home semi-final with a thumping 62-6 win over Castleford Tigers.
The Warriors remain in the fight for the League Leaders' Shield but leaders Hull KR, who travel to Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, need just one point from their final two games to secure a second trophy of 2025.