Super League season to end early - Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC qualify for extended play-offs

The announcement, made following a clubs' meeting today (Tuesday) means Leeds Rhinos have qualified for the play-offs, along with Hull FC.

Rhinos face a knock-out tie against Catalans Dragons and Hull will face Warrington Wolves.

The team finishing seventh - either Salford Red Devils or Huddersfield Giants - will remain on stand-by.

Wakefield Trinity will complete their season on Friday against Salford, the day after Wigan Warriors take on Huddersfield.

The campaign is over for Castleford Tigers, whose game against Leeds on Friday had already been cancelled after they reported 17 positive tests for Covid-19.

Hull KR confirmed earlier today they also have players suffering from the illness and will not play again this year.

St Helens and Catalans Dragons have already qualified for the top-six and their scheduled game in Perpignan on Thursday has been called off.

Wigan are top of the table with a winning percentage of 75 after last Friday’s victory at St Helens.

They will clinch the league leaders' shield if they beat Huddersfield on Thursday at Emerald Headingley, but a Giants win would hand top spot to Saints for a third consecutive season, on points difference percentage.

The top two teams will sit out the first round of play-offs, while those finishing third to sixth in the table on win percentage move into elimination matches on November 12 and 13.

The winners will then face first and second in the semi-finals on November 19 and 20, at home venues, to determine who plays in the Grand Final at Hull's KCOM Stadium on Friday, November 27.

Super League head of commercial Rhodri Jones said: “The revised format to the play-off schedule provides fans and Sky Sports with an extended series of exciting knockout matches to finish the season.

“Nothing has been predictable in this 2020 season and we hope players, supporters and the media will appreciate why we have made this change.

“We believe this revised structure provides the best and fairest way to ensure the two most deserving teams reach the Grand Final.

“I’m sure everyone will be excited about five huge games, set to deliver an even more exciting climax to the 2020 season.”

The five clubs at the bottom of the table after this week’s fixtures will stay on their current win percentages with the remaining fixtures struck out.

Super League are also set to announce a 12-team competition next year following the decision not to readmit Toronto Wolfpack.

Remaining fixtures:

Friday, November 6 (at Headingley) - Wakefield Trinity v Salford Red Devils (5.30pm), Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants (7.45pm ).

Thursday, November 12 (venue to be confirmed) - third v sixth (7.45pm).

Friday, November 13 (venue tbc) - fourth v fifth (7.45pm).

Thursday, November 19 - first at home to lowest-placed play-off winner.

Friday, November 20 - seconmd at home to highest-placed play-off winner.

Friday November 27 - Super League Grand Final (KCOM Stadium, Hull).