Super League II


Stones Bitter Super League II was the official name for the year 1997's Super League championship season, the 103rd season of top-level professional rugby league football in Britain, and the second to be played in summer.

Teams

Twelve teams were selected to play in the second Super League season, however Salford Reds were promoted into the League, taking the place of relegated Workington Town.

Season summary

For this season, the Leeds club added 'Rhinos' to their name for the first time.
During the year a secondary title, known as the Stone's Premiership, was also played for the last time on Sunday 28 September, with the final being contested between Wigan Warriors and St. Helens with Wigan coming out victorious 33-20 after a Harry Sunderland Trophy-winning performance by captain Andy Farrell.
At the end of the season Bradford Bulls were crowned League champions by virtue of finishing the season at the top of the table.
At the end of the 1997 season the Paris Saint-Germain club was dissolved. A post-season Super League Test series between Australia and Great Britain was also held in England.
Final Standings
TeamPldWDLPFPAPDPtsQualification
1 Bradford Bulls222002769397+37240Champions
2 London Broncos221534616418+19833
3 St. Helens221417592506+8629
4 Wigan Warriors221408683398+28528
5 Leeds Rhinos221318544463+8127
6 Salford Reds2211011428495-6722
7 Halifax Blue Sox228212524549-4918
8 Sheffield Eagles229013415574-15918
9 Warrington Wolves228014437647-21016
10 Castleford Tigers225215334515-18112
11Paris Saint-Germain226016362572-21012
12 Oldham Bears224117461631-1709Relegated to Championship

Premiership

All 12 teams competed in a knockout play-off series for the Premiership Trophy. Wigan defeated St Helens in the final at Old Trafford.