Betfred Super League is celebrating a bumper Round One week which saw record crowds, exhilarating action and all three promoted clubs quickly making their mark.
York Knights got off to a flying start with a stunning success in their first-ever Super League contest.
They bounced back from 18-6 down to beat champions Hull KR 19-18 in one of the most incredible results in the competition’s 30 year history.
Ecstatic York fans in a crowd of 8000 at an electric LNER Community Stadium, were left celebrating arguably the biggest night in the club’s proud history after Ata Hingano’s nerveless one-pointer.
Toulouse Olympique, back in Super League for the first time since 2022, produced a brilliant 18-16 win at Wakefield Trinity who provided a superb pre-match pyrotechnics show.
Bradford Bulls also returned to the elite after a 12-year absence and came close to winning at Hull FC before eventually being undone by the brilliance of one of their own sons – Will Pryce.
Across the whole round, clubs peaked at 90% overall attendance capacity as fans flocked to witness the start of the new campaign.
Amid that, Warrington Wolves put up the sold-out signs with their 15,064 crowd a record at the Halliwell Jones Stadium - their biggest home attendance in more than half a century.
They were treated to a terrific win over rivals St Helens, teenager Cai Taylor-Wray lighting up the night, his blistering pace leading to one magical solo try of his own and another searing break seeing Albert Hopoate cross.
At one point, the elusive full-back even topped speeds of 33 kph as he demonstrated just why he’s seen as one of the most exciting young talents in Super League.
The 16,653 attendance at MKM Stadium was Hull’s fourth biggest non- derby crowd of the summer era while there was also a significant turnout to see Leigh Leopards overcome Leeds Rhinos.
In other games, Castleford Tigers ran Wigan Warriors close for much of their fixture at a vibrant OneBore Stadium and almost 8,000 fans braved torrential rain as Catalans Dragons saw off Huddersfield Giants at Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Rugby League Commercial Chairman Nigel Wood OBE said: “It would be impossible to overstate what a spectacular start to the season the Betfred Super League has delivered.
“Sell-out or near sell-outs at six out of seven fixtures, spectacular pre-match presentations and light shows, great sporting dramas, provided by wonderful athletes plus a quicker game with genuine uncertainty of outcome. It is a great credit to all of the clubs and their tireless, committed ownership groups.
“The three new clubs did the competition proud with their great and varied back-stories and put down strong markers, three new markets witnessing the highest level of rugby league we can offer.
“It is clear to all concerned that the level of entertainment has moved up another level to new heights. Super League feels refreshed and re-invigorated and the growth agenda embarked upon by the clubs is already starting to deliver.
“A prosperous top division is key to the sustainability of Rugby League in this country, and whilst the sport continues to face challenges, I am confident the impactful first round will have a positive cascade effect.
“We are straight into a sold-out Betfred World Club Challenge between Hull KR and Brisbane Broncos on Thursday and then another round of compelling fixtures from Friday onwards before Las Vegas week kicks in.
“What a remarkable way to celebrate the start of our 30th season.
“However, we are not oblivious to challenges elsewhere in the competition pyramid and the RFL executive and board are working hard behind the scenes to ensure a positive and sustainable outcome regarding the Championship.”
It was little surprise the Round One action performed digitally, too, final figures proving to be the third highest regular season round on record.
With 21.4M digital impressions (up 14% on Round One last year), 432K engagements (up 5%) and 13.8M video views (up 82%), Super League had impact.
And, remarkably, from a total of more than 9,000 players, just one correctly predicted the winner of all seven games in the Super League Predictor while Super League’s Fantasy League has seen an increase of 38% in unique players compared to 2025.
Betfred World Club Challenge
- Hull KR v Brisbane Broncos, Thursday 7.30pm
Betfred Super League - Round 2
- Bradford Bull v Catalans Dragons, Friday 8pm
- Leeds Rhinos v York RLFC, Friday 8pm
- St Helens v Leigh Leopards, Friday 8pm
- Toulouse Olympique v Castleford Tigers, Saturday 7pm
- Wigan Warriors v Hull FC, Saturday 8pm
- Huddersfield Giants v Wakefield Trinity, Sunday 3pm
