RL Commercial Chair Nigel Wood OBE has paid tribute to Wigan Warriors after they clinched the Betfred Super League's League Leaders’ Shield.
Matt Peet’s side confirmed top spot on Friday night during a dramatic final round of Super League action.
Their resounding 50-12 victory over Catalans Dragons at Brick Community Stadium meant they secured the silverware for the sixth time in their history.
It’s the second trophy Wigan have secured having already lifted the Betfred Challenge Cup in May and now they take aim for the biggest night of the season - the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
Wood said: “Congratulations to Wigan for their success in claiming the League Leaders’ Shield, the third time they have done so in the last four years.
“It was fitting that the intriguing battle went down to the final round given how they, Leeds Rhinos and, of course, Warrington Wolves had all put themselves in the mix at times during a fascinating race.
“We will now look forward with real anticipation to see who can go on and win the Super League title at Old Trafford.
“It promises to be an enthralling play-offs series with not only Wigan, Leeds and Warrington showing the potential and class to go all the way.
“Leigh Leopards, Wakefield Trinity and reigning champions Hull KR have all displayed quality in abundance this year and it paves the way for some mouth-watering fixtures to crown the 2026 Betfred Super League champions.”
The Play-Offs get underway with Wakefield Trinity v Leigh Leopards in Eliminator 1 on Friday September 18 (KO 8pm) followed by Warrington Wolves v Hull KR in Eliminator 2 on Saturday September 19 (KO 530pm).
Wigan and second-placed Leeds have secured byes through the first round of the Play-Offs meaning they are both just 80 minutes away from the Grand Final on October 3.
Rhinos host the highest-ranked Eliminator loser in Semi-Final 1 on Friday September 25 (KO 8pm) before Warriors entertain the lowest-ranked Eliminator in Semi-Final 2 on Saturday September 26 (KO 530pm).
Click here to find out more information on this year's Play-Offs.
Click here to get your Grand Final tickets and be a part of Rugby League's biggest night!
