Super League Rugby Officials Have Helicopter On Standby For Season Finale

Super League officials are hiring a helicopter to "ensure the league leaders' shield can be presented on Friday night," according to the PA. In the closest finish yet to a Super League campaign, "with only one point separating the top four clubs, any one of them can still claim the shield," although St. Helens' chances "are slim." The trophy will be at Huddersfield's John Smith's Stadium for the kickoff between current leaders Leeds and the third-placed Giants. However, a helicopter is being put on stand-by at the golf driving range next to the stadium, "ready to whisk the trophy," accompanied by Super League GM Blake Solly and Ed Cam of sponsor First Utility, on a 30-minute flight to Wigan if the Warriors claim the top spot after their home game against Castleford. Solly: "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" (PA, 9/24).