THE Betfred Super League play-offs kick-off tonight on the back of record regular season TV audiences.

The competition continues to grow in popularity with Sky Sports viewers, with both aggregate and average audiences rising and the average audience for 2021 being the highest in the last six years sitting at more than 150,000.

More games than ever before broke the 200,000-viewer mark. These games involved 10 different clubs showing that the game’s popularity with viewers was across the board.

The season got off to a flying start with Catalans Dragons' golden-point victory over Hull KR in Round 1, reaching over half a million viewers.

The French side went on to claim the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time in their history, becoming the first non-UK based club to claim this honour.

This unique story has meant that Catalans viewing figures over this season are 21 percent up on previous years.

The four play-off games and Betfred Super League Grand Final will all be shown live on Sky Sports, with BBC Sport showing highlights.

Super League chief commercial officer, Rhodri Jones, said: “Our numbers show the popularity of the competition, and it sets everything up nicely for the final three weeks of the season.

"Our players have once again delivered for Betfred Super League with many dramatic moments during the regular season.

“As we enter the play-offs, I’m sure there’ll be plenty more twists and turns to come for the viewer to enjoy, before the biggest night of the year at Old Trafford for the Betfred Super League Grand Final."

For more information and to buy tickets for the Grand Final fans can visit superleague.co.uk

BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS:

WEEK 1:

Thursday, September 23 – Wigan Warriors (4) v Leeds Rhinos (5)

Friday, September 24 – Warrington Wolves (3) v Hull KR (6)

WEEK 2:

Thursday, September 30 – Catalans Dragons (1) v Lowest Ranked Week 1 Winner

Friday, October 1 – St Helens (2) v Highest ranked Week 1 Winner

BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL – OLD TRAFFORD:

Saturday, October 9 – Highest Ranked Week 2 Winner v Lowest Ranked Week 2 Winner

Note: (x) number in brackets is club ranking based on 2021 regular season league position