Warrington locked in a home play‑off berth after repelling a late surge from Hull FC to edge a 16‑14 victory in the Betfred Super League at the MKM Stadium. The Wolves, guided by Sam Burgess, appeared to be cruising toward a sixth consecutive win when Leon Hayes and Matty Ashton each crossed for tries before the break, giving the home side a comfortable cushion. Early in the match, both teams exchanged penalties – captain George Williams for Warrington and Hull’s Aidan Sezer – but a couple of missed high balls cost the visitors dearly, allowing Warrington to finish the first half ten points ahead.
The second half began with Josh Thewlis adding a third try for the hosts just ten minutes in, seemingly sealing the contest. However, the Black and Whites, playing their final home game of the campaign, were jolted back into contention when Ethan O'Neill and veteran Tom Briscoe, who is set to retire after a distinguished 17‑year career, struck back with quick conversions. Their scores narrowed the margin and forced Hull to cling on for a top‑four finish. The win was not without its setbacks.
Aaron Lindop failed a head‑injury assessment, and Burgess saw both Luke Thomas and Joe Philbin leave the field with what appeared to be leg injuries. Burgess reflected on the performance, telling Sky Sports, “We dominated large portions of the game, but I was a little disappointed they managed to score two tries at the end.” He added, “I’m proud of the lads; they’re a joy to coach.
We’re getting tougher, which is essential for navigating these moments and staying focused on the job.” Hull FC coach Andy Last praised his squad’s resilience and highlighted Briscoe’s emotional farewell to the home crowd. “I’m disappointed with the result, but I’m extremely proud of the effort,” Last said. “We faced a strong, in‑form team and matched them for the full 80 minutes.
Tom’s performance was remarkable, and it was wonderful for him to score in front of his supporters.” In the other fixture, Wakefield rallied in the second half to defeat a struggling York side 28‑12, thereby securing their own place in the post‑season. Daryl Powell’s team endured a brief scare when York briefly levelled early in the second period, but tries from Jayden Myers, Max Jowitt and Lachlan Walmsley ultimately sealed the win.
Corey Hall’s early conversion gave Wakefield the lead, and after former Wakefield player Ben Jones‑Bishop reduced the deficit, Walmsley added his first try to give the visitors a six‑point advantage at the break. York responded strongly, with Mark Applegarth’s side drawing level through a brilliant run by Xavier Va’a and a conversion from Jon Bennison. However, Myers capitalised on a short pass from Mike McMeeken to put Wakefield back ahead, and a subsequent interception by Bennison allowed Jowitt to extend the lead. Walmsley capped the performance with a second try late in the game, cementing a much‑needed victory for a side that had endured three straight defeats.
The win moved Wakefield two points clear in fourth place and six points ahead of seventh‑placed St Helens, leaving their chance of a home play‑off tie dependent on the outcome of next week’s clash with Warrington. Further down the table, the Bradford Bulls’ fight for survival grew increasingly precarious after a 28‑18 loss to Toulouse, leaving them two points shy of safety with only two rounds remaining. The Bulls entered the match with just 17 fit senior players after injuries and a suspension reduced their squad. Among the few newcomers was academy prospect Harvey Ward, who earned his first senior appearance off the bench.
The early stages saw Toulouse dominate, with César Rouge’s boot and a series of quick scores – Paul Ulberg, Luke Polselli and a slip‑away try by Romeo Tropis – giving them a 10‑0 lead. Bradford responded with determination. Riley Dean broke through to set up Chris Atkin, and Ethan Quai‑Ward assisted John Toleafoa for the Bulls’ first try of the season, narrowing the gap to 16‑6 at halftime. Dean was denied twice near the line, while Ryan Sutton and Connor Wynne combined to keep Toleafoa in check on the opposite flank.
A defensive lapse by Toulouse allowed Andy Ackers to dummy his way over for a fourth‑point score, tightening the contest further. In the final minutes, Toulouse sealed the win when Mathieu Jussaume, who has already crossed for 16 tries this year, scored, and Romeo Tropis added a finishing move to confirm a ninth‑place finish for the French side.
The Bulls’ academy graduate Alfie Leake lifted the spirits of the traveling contingent by scoring his maiden senior try as the final whistle blew. Bradford now faces a stark reality: they must defeat 10th‑placed Castleford at home on Thursday, or risk a must‑win showdown against bottom‑placed York Knights the following week that could determine their fate for the season.
Meanwhile, Toulouse will close out their campaign against Hull FC on Friday before traveling to Warrington. All Super League matches this season are broadcast live on Sky Sports, with two fixtures each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining five available via Sky Sports+.