The match was held on Saturday 13 October 2001 at Old Trafford, Manchester, and was contested by Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors.

Tetleys Super League VI was the fourth and final time the top five playoff system would be used and the first season relegation was reintroduced with Huddersfield Giants again finishing bottom and relegated.

Bradford finished first in the table so they automatically qualified for the play-off semi-finals where they had a home time against Wigan at Odsal Stadium.

The play-off system in use only gave the league leaders a bye to the semi-finals.

Therefore, Wigan's third play-off game was a home tie against St Helens where they won through 44–10.