2024 Betfred Wheelchair Super League: John Seagar reviews the the season to date

Unbeaten Leeds Rhinos are in pole position as the Betfred Wheelchair Super League enters its final stages ahead of September’s play-offs and a Grand Final date in Manchester on Sunday 13 October.

It’s certainly been a feast of entertainment to date. We’ve had the lot. Fantastic tries, last-minute winners, close games and it’s been delightful to watch – especially if you are a Leeds Rhinos fan!

Last weekend James Simpson’s side completed the double over local rivals, Halifax Panthers, with an incredible 56-54 win. They’d previously celebrated a last-minute victory over London Roosters by 42 points to 40 and avenged their Grand Final loss from last season by defeating Wigan Warriors 42-36. And England International Nathan Collins is leading the way with goal kicks for the season so far. 

Those results mean the Rhinos have already claimed the League Leaders' Shield and have the advantage of a home semi-final in the play-offs come September. 

Halifax Panthers are currently second place in the league table. The former champions have picked up some excellent form by beating both the Warriors and the Roosters with current England and French internationals Robert Hawkins and Jeremy Bourson both in good scoring form, with Hawkins their leading point scorer for the season so far. 

The reigning champions, Wigan Warriors, sit in third place. They were unlucky in their games against Leeds and Halifax as they came up short in both games but with victories over London and Hull FC, they will still be in the mix come the second half of the season. Current England internationals Jack Heggie and Adam Rigby have been the standouts this campaign.

London Roosters have had an up and down start to the season. They were outclassed by the Panthers and unlucky against the Rhinos, but hard-earned victories over Wigan and Hull FC see them ahead of the East Yorkshire team in the league table. Current England International and last year’s Wheel of Steel winner Lewis King is continuing his prolific try scoring once again for 2024.

The top four teams will take part in the play-offs at the end of September with the two winners progressing to the Wheelchair Grand Final at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester – live on Sky Sports. 

What will happen over the next few weeks on the road to the end-of-season play-offs at the end of September, who know? But what I will say is ‘always expect the unexpected’. 

An extract by John Seagar from the Betfred Super League Magic Weekend programme, available to order online now.

Photo Credit: John Victor