Wakefield Trinity edged out Warrington Wolves with a 25-18 win in the penultimate round of the Super League, a clash that took place at the DIY Kitchens Stadium and kept the battle for the coveted third spot very much alive. The triumph for Daryl Powell’s side not only lifted them to fourth place with 36 points but also narrowed the gap to Warrington to just two points, meaning Wakefield still have an outside chance of climbing into the top three if they can maintain momentum in the final round. Going into the match, Warrington sat on 38 points and were keen to secure the third‑place slot before the season’s end. Their opponents, Wakefield, needed a full six points to stay in contention.
The first half unfolded with the Wolves taking an early lead, thanks to two penalty goals from Leon Hayes and tries from Josh Smith and Matty Ashton. Hayes successfully converted Ashton’s try, and the half‑time scoreboard read 14-6 in favour of Warrington. Wakefield, however, were not content to sit back. Tom Johnstone crossed the line for a try after a well‑executed set‑piece, and Max Jowitt added the conversion, cutting the deficit to 14-12.
The visitors pressed forward, but a missed conversion left the scoreline tight. The second half saw Wakefield surge back with renewed vigor. Isaiah Vagan, a dynamic play‑maker, broke through the defence twice in quick succession, scoring two crucial tries that swung the momentum. Cam Scott added another try, and Mason Lino slotted a drop‑goal, while Max Jowitt continued his perfect kicking record, converting each opportunity.
These points pushed Wakefield ahead to 25-18, a lead they would hold onto for the remainder of the match. Warrington’s only response in the latter stages came from Albert Hopoate, who managed a solitary try. Unfortunately for the Wolves, Hayes missed the conversion, leaving the final tally unchanged.
The result meant that Wakefield moved into fourth place, just two points shy of the Wolves, who will now need a win in Round 27 against Toulouse Olympique to cement third place. The atmosphere at the DIY Kitchens Stadium was electric, with a packed crowd witnessing a classic "third‑versus‑fourth" showdown. Both teams displayed a blend of physicality and skill, and the game was marked by several key moments that illustrated the fine margins that separate the two sides. Early on, the match was a tight contest of possession and territory.
The first real scoring opportunity arrived in the 10th minute when Leon Hayes slotted a penalty, giving Warrington a 2-0 lead. Three minutes later, another penalty was awarded after a late hit on the ball, and Hayes again found the posts, extending the lead to 4-0. Wakefield responded in the 28th minute with a penalty of their own. After a swift hand‑off to the left, Tom Johnstone stepped past Josh Smith and grounded the ball for a try.
Max Jowitt’s conversion put Trinity ahead 6-4. The lead, however, was short‑lived; with just over five minutes left in the first half, Warrington struck back.
A slick passing move initiated by George Williams saw Josh Smith break through and score, reclaiming the lead at 8-6 after Hayes missed the conversion from the touchline. Warrington then capitalised on another attacking sequence.
Williams delivered an exceptional grubber kick that Matty Ashton leapt onto in the corner, scoring a try. Hayes converted, and the Wolves entered the break at 14-6, a comfortable cushion heading into halftime. The second half began with Wakefield launching an aggressive offensive. Vagan powered through the Wolves’ defence twice in rapid succession, each time exploiting a gap close to the try line.
The first of his two tries gave Trinity a 12-14 deficit, but the second, following a sweeping break by Hall and a swift pass to Johnstone, put Wakefield ahead 18-14 after Jowitt’s conversion. Warrington attempted to answer back immediately. Albert Hopoate, known for his speed, darted into the corner and touched down for a try, narrowing the margin to 18-18 after the missed conversion.
The score remained level with a quarter of the match remaining, and the tension in the stadium was palpable. In the final ten minutes, Wakefield’s discipline paid dividends.
Cam Scott surged over the line after a goal‑line dropout, and Toby King was caught out of position, allowing Jowitt to add another successful conversion. This extended Trinity’s lead to 24-18. The Wolves pressed forward, but a series of handling errors and missed opportunities hampered their comeback. Mason Lino then sealed the victory with a well‑timed drop‑goal, pushing the final score to 25-18.
The win marked Wakefield’s seventh defeat of the season for Warrington, a disappointing result for a side that had been in contention for the top three. Looking ahead, the final round will be decisive. Wakefield must hope that Warrington falters against Toulouse Olympique, while they themselves aim to secure a win and possibly leapfrog into third place. The outcome will shape the playoff picture and could determine home‑field advantage in the knockout stages.
For fans who missed the action, Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League game this season, with two matches each round shown live exclusively, and the remaining five fixtures available on Sky Sports+. The coverage ensures that supporters can follow the drama as it unfolds, right up to the season’s climax.