Home > Rugby League > Events > The Super League

The Rugby League Super League

The Super League was the brainchild of Rupert Murdoch, an offshoot of his fight with Kerry Packer for the TV rights to Australian rugby league in the mid-1990s. Murdoch invited the top British rugby league clubs to form the Super League (Europe), which would compliment and back up his Australian Super League. In a move that echoed the Football Premiership, most clubs accepted the offer, happy to benefit from the large amount of money that they would receive. As a by product of this shake-up, rugby league went from being a winter sport to one that was played in the summer.

Since 2002, the Super League has been an integral part of the rugby league National Leagues, functioning as a re-titled Division One. However, it has been announced that a French side, Les Catalans, will be joining for 2006.

Structure of the Rugby League Super League

The Super League is made up of 12 rugby league teams, who play each other twice, once at home and once away. At the end of the season, six extra matches are added. The top six teams all go into the play-offs, with the top team winning the League Leaders Shield. The play-offs lead to the Super League Grand Final held at Old Trafford. This is the prize that the teams want to win - coming top of the league is no longer the main objective in British rugby league.

Since re-integration into the British Rugby League, promotions and relegations from the Super League have taken place. Usually two clubs are relegated from the Super League and two are promoted from the National League. However, since Les Catalans are to be introduced as from next year, only one team is to be promoted in order to make room for them.

Previous Winners of the Super League

In the last five years, the Super League has been dominated by the Bradford Bulls, who have won the title three times and finished Grand Final runners-up twice since 2001.

The winners of the last five Super League competitions were:

2005: Bradford Bulls

2004: Leeds Rhinos

2003: Bradford Bulls

2002: St Helens

2001: Bradford Bulls

Betting on the Rugby League Super League

There are many ways to bet on the 2006 rugby league Super League, from the team who comes top of the league to the Grand Final winner. You can bet on which club will be promoted and which clubs will be relegated, or who scores the most tries (club or player), giving you plenty of choice.

For the latest odds on the 2006 Super League from a range of bookmakers and betting exchanges, visit our Latest Odds section.

The 2006 Super League is only one of many events in the rugby league calendar. Check out other rugby league events!

If you are new to betting and want to place a bet on the 2006 Super League be sure to check out our Rugby League - How To Bet section for some betting hints and tips.

Add to del.icio.us