Wakefield Trinity secured a home play‑off rematch against the Leigh Leopards after dispatching them 19‑8 in the final round of the Super League campaign. The two clubs will meet again next week in the fourth‑versus‑fifth Eliminator, this time on Yorkshire soil on Friday 18 September, with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sports. Finishing fourth represents the highest league position Wakefield have ever achieved in the Super League era, underscoring the remarkable turnaround orchestrated by head coach Daryl Powell since the club’s promotion back to the top flight in 2025.
Powell’s side have shown a blend of resilience and attacking flair that has turned them into genuine contenders. In a separate fixture, a youthful Warrington Wolves outfit edged out Toulouse Olympique 26‑14, cementing the Wolves in third place. Their victory sets up a clash with Hull KR, who sit sixth after a 36‑12 defeat to St Helens. That semi‑final‑qualifying match is scheduled for Saturday 19 September, also on Sky Sports.
Both eliminator winners will move on to the semi‑finals, where they will have the chance to face either the League Leaders’ Shield winners Wigan Warriors or second‑placed Leeds Rhinos. The ultimate prize is a berth in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. The Eliminator encounter between Wakefield and Leigh began with Tom Johnstone crossing early for the visitors, capitalising on a well‑executed kick. Jake Trueman then slotted his winger in for a 4‑0 lead.
Wakefield responded swiftly, with Max Jowitt converting two penalties and a second try from their winger that dazzled the crowd, pushing the score to 12‑0. Just before halftime, Trueman added a drop‑goal, extending the lead to 13‑0. The Leigh supporters were left to contemplate a daunting task in the return leg scheduled for the following week. Leigh emerged from the break with renewed ambition, and Owen Trout managed to get them on the scoreboard.
A turning point arrived when Mason Lino was sin‑binned for a professional foul; Leigh seized the opportunity and Innes Senior finished brilliantly on the edge to narrow the gap to 13‑8. Wakefield, however, held firm. With three minutes remaining, Cam Scott powered over in the corner and Jowitt added the conversion, sealing a 19‑8 triumph.
Leigh had defeated Wakefield in the 2025 play‑offs, and a repeat victory would have marked their first win over Trinity this season. After the match, Wakefield coach Daryl Powell told Sky Sports, "The lads gave us a proud performance. We endured a sin‑bin period but stayed tough and courageous. We’ll dust ourselves off, learn from this and get ready for next week.
Both teams know it’s play‑off time, and we left a few points on the field because of some desperate defending from Leigh. It’s all about the next game now. Leigh beat us last year in the play‑offs, and that sting drove us this season.
We’ve taken great lessons from it and are a stronger side for it. It’s a massive opportunity – we just have to prove we’re good enough and capable of big things." Warrington head coach Sam Burgess took a bold approach by rotating eleven players and handing the majority of the game to his younger squad. The gamble paid off as the youngsters delivered a confident performance, securing third place with a solid win.
Toulouse Olympique, under Sylvain Houles, have impressed throughout 2026 after re‑entering the Super League. They started strongly, with Paul Ulberg scoring early, but a defensive lapse allowed Aaron Lindop to equalise for Warrington. Mathieu Pons then gave Toulouse the lead before half‑time, but the visitors struck back when Lachlan Webster levelled at 8‑8.
None of the four first‑half tries were converted. The second half saw Toulouse score first via Romeo Tropis, yet Warrington answered emphatically. Max Wood powered over from close range, and Lindop added a second try after another opposition error.
Even with a temporary numerical disadvantage after Charlie McKler’s sin‑bin for a high shot, the Wolves displayed grit; Josh Smith finished a superb move set up by Leon Hayes. Hayes himself converted three of the five successful conversions, ensuring Warrington’s 26‑14 victory and a forthcoming showdown with Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. St Helens enjoyed an emotional evening as they bid farewell to club legends Mark Percival and Jonny Lomax.
The pair were honoured with a guard of honour and, for the first time, Percival captained the side. The Saints produced a dominant 36‑12 win over Hull KR, who finish the season in sixth place.
Despite a brief resurgence from Hull KR – highlighted by Bill Leyland’s try and a spectacular solo effort from 18‑year‑old debutant Flynn Holden – St Helens’ experience shone through. Tries from Deon Cross, Jacob Host and Harry Robertson cemented the victory and provided a fitting send‑off for the departing icons. Key fixtures to note: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, kick‑off 8 pm, Sky Sports. - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, kick‑off 5:30 pm, Sky Sports.
- Semi‑Final 1 – Friday 25 September: Leeds Rhinos vs TBD, 8 pm, Sky Sports. - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs TBD, 5:30 pm, Sky Sports. The Super League play‑offs commence on Friday 18 September and will run through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, delivering high‑stakes rugby league action for fans across the UK and beyond.