The Bradford Bulls dominated Super League's infancy with power and pace, winning four titles through relentless play the ball execution in the 1990s. Their success established a blueprint of physicality that teams like St Helens later adapted into the more fluid 'Entertainers' era, characterized by quick play the balls and star-studded attacking flair under Ian Millward. This shift highlighted rugby league's constant evolution, moving away from pure bulldozing towards a more dynamic style that captivated fans.

The 2010s saw Wigan Warriors revolutionize the competition with a defensive focus on slowing the play the ball, a strategy that, while less glamorous, delivered consistent results and forced other teams to adapt their philosophies. Leeds Rhinos' 'golden generation' then combined this defensive solidity with elite game management, achieving sustained dominance through the 2010s. Finally, St Helens' Woolfball era under Kristian Woolf synthesized these elements, creating an almost impregnable defensive unit that secured four consecutive Grand Finals, arguably the most dominant period in Super League history.