Since 1998, a play-off system has been used to determine the Super League champions. The format has changed over the years, starting with a play-off involving first five, then six teams, eight, four and currently back to six. The play-off series culminates in the Super League Grand Final. Use of a play-off system to decide the Championship brought back a rugby league tradition that had previously fallen out of use. The Super League Premiership, which had previously taken place between the highest placed teams in the competition, was discontinued after the introduction of the Super League play-off series. This was because its purpose had been to take the place of the previous Championship-deciding play-off system.

Current play-Off system

2020–present: modified top six

A different version of playoffs using the top six teams was introduced. The top-six Super League play-off structure: Week one Week two Week three

Grand final

Previous play-off systems

1998–2001, 2019: top five

The top-five play-off system was previously used between 1998 and 2005 and again in 2019. The same system was used in the NSWRL's Sydney Competition 1973-1994, the Australian Super League in its only season 1997, the VFL, 1972–1990 and New Zealand's Lion Red Cup, 1994–1996, and Bartercard Cup, 2000-2006. From week two on the top-five play-offs system reflected exactly the Page playoff system. The top-five Super League play-off structure: Week one Week two Week three Week four

2002-2008: top six

From Super League VII in 2002 until Super League XIII in 2008, a play-off series involving the top six teams was used to determine the winners the Super League champions. Excluding the Grand Final, all matches were staged at the home ground of the team that finished higher in the final league table. A similar system was used by the Australian National Soccer League and the A-League to decide its champions. From Week Two onwards, the top-six play-offs system reflects exactly the Page playoff system. The top-six Super League play-off structure: Week one Week two Week three Week four

2009-2014: top eight

For the Super League XIV season in 2009, a top-eight play-off system was introduced to replace the previous top-six system. This change coincided with an expansion of the competition from twelve to fourteen teams following the introduction of Super League licensing. The format was introduced following consultation and discussion with all 14 member clubs in Super League. The series lasted four weeks, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford during October. FAQs:

2015–2018: top four

The top-four play-off system was the most simple since their introduction in 1998. The top four teams qualify, the League Leaders play at home to 4th, 2nd then play at home to 3rd with the winners of both semi finals advancing to the Grand Final.

Play-off apps

Only St. Helens have competed in every play-off series since 1998. Bold – won the grand final

Play-off results