Super League put helicopter on stand-by as top four tension rises

Correspondent

Super League officials will have a helicopter on stand-by this evening, to ensure that the League Leaders’ Shield can be presented to the winners right away.

St Helens‘ chances of the trophy were almost reduced to nothing by their defeat to Warrington on Thursday evening, but Wigan, Huddersfield and Leeds can also still clam the shield.

The trophy itself will be at the John Smith’s Stadium for the clash between Leeds and Huddersfield.

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood will also be on hand to present the trophy, which could also be whisked off to Wigan in a trice by chopper, should it be necessary to do so.

The helicopter will be on stand-by at the golf driving range next to the stadium, where Super League general manager Blake Solly and Ed Kamm of sponsors First Utility,can easily access it with the trophy, should they need to make the journey.

“We felt that, rather than handing over the trophy a week later, it was right to give the winners the opportunity to celebrate in front of their fans straight after the match,” Solly said.

The shield winners will collect a cheque for £100,000 – double last year’s prize – as well as a guaranteed place in the 2016 World Club Series.