Super League 2025 – Elimination Finals preview, predictions and tips
We’re really at the business end now in Super League, with half the teams finished for 2025 and the final six eyeing up Old Trafford on 11th October.
Hull KR and Wigan have got this weekend off to recover and prepare for next week, which means four teams will do battle to face them, starting with two sides looking to reach their first Grand Final…
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 24th September 2025.
Friday 26th September – Leigh Leopards vs Wakefield Trinity – Leigh Sports Village
Form guide
The Leopards have roared into the play-offs with five straight wins to finish the regular season and secure a 3rd-placed spot. They finished their campaign with a routine 30-16 victory over Huddersfield Giants last weekend.
As for Wakefield, they’ve capped off a remarkable first year back in the top flight after promotion with a 6th-placed finish. They even grabbed it with a game to spare after Hull FC were beaten last Thursday, meaning Trinity’s 16-52 win at Salford was academic.
Team news
Leigh have made just one change to their squad from last weekend. Edwin Ipape is back from suspension to take the place of AJ Towse in the 21.
Wakefield have made two changes to their squad this week. Max Jowitt drops out after failing his HIA last weekend and Noah High also misses out. Ellis Lingard and Oliver Russell come in.
My prediction – Leigh Leopards 30-14 Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield have already surpassed expectations by just getting into the top six, whereas Leigh are a good two or three years ahead of them in terms of their development. With that in mind, I’m going for a home win here by double digits.
Betting tips
I’m backing Leigh to win by 15+ in this one, which is 13/10. Anytime try markets aren’t open yet, but Umyla Hanley will be my pick when they are.
Saturday 27th September – Leeds Rhinos vs St. Helens – AMT Headingley Stadium
Form guide
The Rhinos lost their final two games of the regular season to take a little bit of gloss off a generally excellent year. They still finished comfortably in 4th – a big improvement on last season’s 8th-placed finish.
Saints come into the play-offs in pretty poor form. They scraped past 11th-placed Castleford last week with a 26-24 win, and lost three straight before that – all against fellow top six sides.
Team news
Four big inclusions for Leeds this week with Jake Connor, Lachie Miller, Ryan Hall and Ash Handley all returning. Tom Nicholson-Watton, Riley Lumb, Ben Littlewood and Ned McCormack all drop out.
St. Helens make seven changes to the squad that beat Castleford in Round 27. Mark Percival, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees, Curtis Sironen, George Delaney and Harry Robertson all return. Agnatius Paasi, Lewis Murphy, George Whitby, Will Roberts, Leon Cowen, Jake Davies and Cole Marsh drop out.
My prediction – Leeds Rhinos 20-12 St. Helens
Leeds wobbled a little towards the end of the regular season, but I still can’t see past them in this one. Saints have really struggled against the teams around them, and it’ll take a big effort to get past the Rhinos at Headingley. The only consolation for them is that they did manage it in the last meeting here.
Betting tips
Leeds are just 4/9 for the win, so I’m tipping them in the half-time/full-time market instead, which is a better price at 10/11. I’ll be getting on Ryan Hall in the anytime tryscorer market when it opens as well.
