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St Helens miss playoffs for first time in over 60 years after Leigh defeat

St Helens will not feature in the end-of-season playoff series for the first time since 1962, following a heavy defeat by Leigh. Leigh secured their playoff spot with a 48-10 victory.

  • St Helens lost 48-10 to Leigh, ending their playoff hopes.
  • This marks the first time in over 60 years that St Helens will not be in the top division's playoff series.
  • Leigh's Josh Charnley scored his 281st career try and confirmed a contract extension during the match.

St Helens' season has concluded without a playoff berth, marking the first time in over six decades that the club will not participate in the end-of-season series. A comprehensive 48-10 defeat to Leigh sealed their fate, with Leigh now assured of a playoff spot.

The club, which has featured in every Super League playoff edition and won a record 10 titles in the summer era, needed a victory against Leigh to keep their season alive. However, despite brief periods of resistance, St Helens' challenges were evident throughout the match.

Leigh took an early lead with Josh Charnley scoring his 281st career try, celebrating by confirming a contract extension. David Armstrong and Umyla Hanley also contributed to Leigh's scoring, with Hanley securing a second try to cement the Leopards' playoff position.

St Helens' veteran centre Mark Percival was sin-binned in the second half, further hindering their efforts. The team now looks ahead to next season under Australia coach Kevin Walters, who is expected to oversee a significant rebuild.

Why this matters: This marks the end of a significant streak for St Helens, one of rugby league's most successful clubs, impacting the Super League playoff landscape.

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