There remains much at stake for every one of the 14 Super League clubs as the regular season heads into its closing phase. Yet as the competition enters a potentially defining two-week spell, the major talking points may lie away from the pitch rather than on it.

A blend of continuity and renewal sits at the summit with seven rounds remaining. Two established powers, Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors, are separated by a single victory after the Rhinos eased past Bradford on Sunday to wrap up a productive Rivals Round.

Wakefield Trinity sit between them, a side promoted from the Championship only two years ago and without a league crown since 1962. This is precisely the narrative Super League can highlight when promoting itself as an unpredictable and thrilling competition; Hull KR's record-breaking treble last season adds further momentum.

Why does this timing matter? Super League scheduled its latest Rivals Round, featuring the biggest local clashes, for this point in the summer. Negotiations with Sky Sports over a new television deal are nearing completion, so the league knows its presentation must be at its strongest to improve its bargaining position.

In that respect, Sunday afternoon in West Yorkshire and the preceding days proved effective. Almost 17,000 supporters saw two historic rivals clash in the Headingley sunshine, with Leeds proving far superior to the Bulls, who aim to rejoin the top flight soon after last winter's promotion.

Across the weekend nearly 85,000 fans attended the seven fixtures, the season's highest attendance for any round by a clear margin and the sixth-largest in Super League history. Three of the competition's strongest supported clubs, Leeds, Wigan and Hull FC, each drew crowds close to 20,000.

One notable detail is that the Rhinos versus Bulls clash appeared only on Sky Sports' red button service. The existing contract requires just two of the seven weekly games to air on primary channels; both Sky and Super League offer differing accounts of who made that choice.

The Guardian understands a new agreement with Sky Sports is roughly 10 to 14 days from being finalised. Reports suggest an improved financial package, yet with only two or three matches shown live each round instead of all seven under the current terms. Super League would then need to find another outlet for the remaining fixtures or produce them itself.

The appearance of a league unable to broadcast every game would look damaging and mark a step backwards. For casual viewers and dedicated supporters alike, reduced access to rugby league at a time when more sport is available than ever would be concerning. Other broadcasters are unlikely to want the leftover matches, making that a difficult proposition.

Super League operates its own streaming service, SuperLeague+, but central production costs could reduce the financial benefit clubs receive from any larger Sky offer. Sky itself might increase its bid if it ends up televising 60 or 70 percent of the live content.

Clarity should arrive within the next fortnight. In the short term a gripping finish awaits, with Leeds appearing strong favourites for a first league title since 2017. The Bulls competed well at Headingley until Jake Connor took over, providing four assists and several standout moments in a 42-12 Rhinos win.

Below Leeds, Wakefield and Wigan, three playoff places remain available and four teams are competing for them. Coach-less St Helens remain involved and hope to extend their record of never missing the postseason.

Connor, expected to represent England at the World Cup this autumn, is exactly the type of player current fans enjoy and new audiences could embrace. After the match dozens of young Leeds supporters sought photographs with him. It would be unfortunate if fewer chances existed to watch him and the sport's other leading figures next season.

They merit the widest possible stage; those responsible must now provide it.