Super League XXVIII, known as the 2023 Betfred Super League for sponsorship reasons, was the 28th season of the Super League and 129th season of rugby league in Great Britain.
The season began on 16 February 2023, and ended with the Grand Final on 14 October 2023.[1]
St Helens were the reigning champions after winning their 4th successive title, beating Leeds Rhinos in the 2022 Grand Final.[2]
They were eliminated in the semi final, losing 6–12 to Catalans Dragons.
If a match ends in a draw after 80 minutes, then a further 10 minutes of golden point extra time is played, to determine a winner (five minutes each way). The first team to score either a try, penalty goal or drop goal during this period, will win the match. However, if there are no further scores during the additional 10 minutes period, then the match will end in a draw.
Game 1 (Salford Red Devils v Wakefield Trinity)
The round 5 game between Salford Red Devils and Wakefield Trinity on 19 March 2023, finished 13–all after 80 minutes. The game then went to extra time, which saw numerous drop goal attempts by both teams. Salford won the match 14–13 with a drop goal from Marc Sneyd.
Game 2 (Hull Kingston Rovers v Wigan Warriors)
The round 13 game between Hull Kingston Rovers & Wigan Warriors on 25 May 2023, finished 22–all after 80 minutes, with Abbas Miski scoring a last gasp try on the final hooter, to level the match. The game then went to extra time. The first chance came to Mikey Lewis, as he kicked a drop goal, but his effort hit the post. With less than 20 seconds of the first 5 minutes remaining, Liam Farrell scored the match winning try, to win the game 26–22.
Game 3 (Leeds Rhinos v St Helens)
The round 13 game between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens on 26 May 2023, finished 12-all after 80 minutes. The match then went to golden point, with numerous drop goal attempts from both sides. With 26 seconds of the match remaining, Lewis Dodd kicked a drop goal for Saints, to win the match 13–12.
Game 4 (Wakefield Trinity v Wigan Warriors)
The round 18 game between Wakefield Trinity and Wigan Warriors on 7 July 2023, finished 26–all after 80 minutes. Wigan almost won the game 26–24, but were penalised for an off the ball tackle with seconds of the match remaining. Will Dagger kicked a penalty goal on the hooter, to send the game to golden point. The only chance of the game went to Wakefield, with Dagger kicking a drop goal to win the match for Wakefield, 27–26.
Game 5 (Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR)
The round 19 game between Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR on 14 July 2023, finished 18–all after 80 minutes. The first chance of the game came for Hull KR, as Brad Schneider attempted a drop goal attempt, but his effort fell just short. but as Leeds got the ball back, they knocked on from the kick off, and this time, debutant Schneider, kicked the winning DG, to condemn Leeds to their 2nd golden point defeat of the season at Headingley.
Game 6 (Wigan Warriors v Hull FC)
The Round 22 game between Wigan Warriors and Hull FC on 18 August 2023, finished 12–all after 80 minutes, as Jake Wardle scored a last minute try for Wigan, to send the game to extra time. The first attempt at a drop goal, came from Wigan's Harry Smith, but his effort was wide.
Hull then had a chance of their own, but Sam Powell charged the kick down, and the first period ended with no scores. With less than 2 minutes of the game remaining, Harry Smith then kicked a drop goal from 45 meters out, to win the game for Wigan 13–12.
Game 7 (Salford Red Devils v Warrington Wolves)
The Round 25 game between Salford Red Devils and Warrington Wolves on 10 September 2023, finished 20–all after 80 minutes, as Marc Sneyd kicked a late penalty goal for Salford, to send the game to extra time. The only attempt at a drop goal came from Marc Sneyd, but his effort hit the post and bounced back into play.
With less than 2 minutes of the first period remaining, Joe Burgess made a break for the line, before passing the ball to Sam Stone to score the winning try.
Game 8 (Leigh Leopards v Wakefield Trinity)
The Round 26 game between Leigh Leopards and Wakefield Trinity on 15 September 2023, finished 19–all after 80 minutes, as Luke Gale kicked a drop goal for Wakefield with 15 seconds of the game remaining, to send the game to extra time. Both sides attempted drop goals, but neither team could score any points during the first 5 minutes. In the 9th minute, Gareth O'Brien kicked the winning drop goal for Leigh, to win the match 20-19, and confirm Wakefield's relegation.
