The Super League is facing renewed scrutiny as its loop fixtures continue to stir debate among teams and fans alike. In what has become a recurring theme, these fixtures are seen to dilute the competition, with teams facing each other too frequently in a short period.
This discontent has been exacerbated by the recent Challenge Cup draw, which has pitted Warrington Wolves against St Helens—set to clash anyway in Round 5 on March 23, 2025, and again in Round 9 towards the end of April. Strikingly, this will mark a third match between the two sides within just five weeks, raising eyebrows about the current scheduling practices.
But it’s not just them. Other matchups are raising red flags as well, like Wakefield’s back-to-back weekends facing Leigh in league and cup games, and the two Hull teams set to meet twice within a matter of weeks in both competitions.
The upcoming fixture for Salford Red Devils against Huddersfield Giants on Thursday, March 20, is another awkward situation—Salford's next home game is against Leeds Rhinos, a team they played already in Round 2. Meanwhile, Leigh Leopards will have clashed with Wigan three times before even meeting St Helens once this season, with the matches against Wigan pushed down the calendar.
The chaos in scheduling doesn’t end there. Fans have begun questioning the integrity of the league and its operations. Critics point to IMG, which is being paid over £400,000 annually for advice on how to enhance the sport. They previously suggested the removal of loop fixtures based on their sweeping recommendations. Yet, clubs, accustomed to having 13 home games a season, are inclined to uphold current practices so they do not lose revenue opportunities.
The entire situation begs the question: is the demand for financial gain compromising the integrity of Super League’s schedule?
Amid the discussions surrounding the loop fixtures, the excitement around the upcoming Betfred Challenge Cup, airing live on BBC, offers a refreshing counterpoint. The tournament is set to return on the weekend of April 5-6, 2025, featuring thrilling matchups, including Hull FC taking on Hull KR for the first time since 1986—a high-stakes encounter poised to be broadcast live on BBC One.
Likewise, Warrington will host arch-rivals St Helens the following day, also featuring on BBC Two. Last year’s quarter-finals saw Warrington triumph over St Helens with a decisive 31-8 victory, though Warrington eventually fell to Wigan in the finals.
On Friday, April 4, Wakefield Trinity will welcome the Leigh Leopards, aiming to replicate Leigh's 2024 AB Sundecks 1895 Cup victory and challenge for the cup again. Salford Red Devils will also travel to face the Catalans Dragons that evening, adding flavor to the quarter-finals.
The Challenge Cup’s heritage of competitive spirit is positioned as a positive contrast to the ongoing frustrations with loop fixtures, rekindling fan enthusiasm just in time for the pivotal matches of the cup. Still, how the Super League navigates these pressing scheduling challenges will have significant implications for its future and the overall experience for its followers.
Footage aired live on BBC iPlayer offers fans a chance to enjoy the games extensively, but they can’t help but wonder if the Super League will eventually return to a more balanced fixture list. With debate mounting and frustrations igniting among the competition's stakeholders, only time will tell if the powers that be can address the pressing issues of loop fixtures successfully.
