Wakefield Trinity secured a home play‑off rematch against the Leigh Leopards after edging 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, with the encounter scheduled for Friday 18 September and broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The fourth‑place finish marks the highest league position Wakefield have ever achieved in the Super League era, underscoring the resurgence the club has enjoyed under head coach Daryl Powell since their promotion back to the top flight in 2025. Powell’s side have blended experienced campaigners with emerging talent, creating a balanced unit that can both defend stoutly and finish chances with precision.
In a separate fixture, a youthful Warrington Wolves side out‑scored Toulouse Olympique 26‑14, cementing the Wolves’ place in third position. Their victory sets up a showdown with Hull KR, who sit sixth after a 36‑12 defeat to St Helens.
That semi‑final‑qualifying match will be played on Saturday 19 September, also on Sky Sports, and will determine which club moves on to the next stage of the play‑offs. Both eliminator winners will advance to the semi‑finals, where they will 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. ### Wakefield vs Leigh – Match Summary The opening minutes saw Tom Johnstone cross early for the visitors, but Jake Trueman capitalised by sliding his winger in for a try, giving Leigh a 4‑0 lead.
Wakefield responded swiftly: Max Jowitt slotted two penalties and a second try for the wing, a spectacular finish that pushed the home side to a 12‑0 advantage. Just before the interval, Trueman added a drop‑goal, extending the lead to 13‑0 and leaving Leigh supporters aware that they would need to travel to Yorkshire for a second chance. Leigh emerged from the break with more intent, and Owen Trout managed to get them on the scoreboard. A turning point arrived when Mason Lino was sin‑binned for a professional foul; Wakefield capitalised on the ensuing pressure.
Innes Senior produced a brilliant edge finish to narrow the gap to 13‑8, sparking hopes of a comeback. However, Wakefield held firm. With three minutes remaining, Cam Scott surged into the corner for a try, and Jowitt’s conversion sealed a 19‑8 victory. The result echoes Leigh’s 2025 play‑off win over Wakefield, but this time the Trinity side prevented a repeat by keeping the Leopards at bay.
#### Coach Powell’s Reflections Speaking to Sky Sports, Daryl Powell praised his squad’s resilience: “The boys made us proud today. We endured a sin‑bin, but we stayed tough and courageous.” He added that the team would review the performance, learn from any lapses, and prepare for the upcoming eliminator. Powell noted the psychological edge of last year’s play‑off loss to Leigh, saying it had motivated his players throughout the season. He concluded, “We’ve learned valuable lessons, we’re a stronger side because of them, and we’re eager to prove we belong among the best when the play‑offs begin.” ### Warrington’s Youthful Display Warrington’s head coach Sam Burgess opted for a bold rotation, resting the majority of his regulars and introducing eleven changes.
The gamble paid off as the young squad delivered a confident performance, securing third place with a 26‑14 win over Toulouse. Toulouse, under Sylvain Houles, have impressed since re‑entering the Super League in 2026, but they fell short against a high‑energy Wolves side. Paul Ulberg opened the scoring for Toulouse, only for Aaron Lindop to equalise after a defensive lapse.
Mathieu Pons added another try before half‑time, and Lachlan Webster’s effort brought the visitors level at 8‑8. No conversions were successful in the first half.
The second half saw Romeo Tropis give Toulouse the lead again, but Warrington responded emphatically. Max Wood powered over from close range, and Lindop capitalised on another opposition error for his second try.
Despite Charlie McKler’s sin‑bin for a high shot, the Wolves showed grit; Josh Smith finished a move that began with a Leon Hayes kick, and Hayes later converted three of the five tries. The victory sets up a clash with Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, a match that will determine which side advances to the semi‑finals.
### St Helens’ Emotional Farewell St Helens provided a poignant backdrop to the weekend’s action, bidding farewell to club legends Mark Percival and Jonny Lomax. The Saints honoured the duo with a captaincy ceremony for Percival and a guard of honour as they walked onto the field. The match itself was a dominant 36‑12 win over Hull KR, who finished the season in sixth place.
Percival opened the scoring and later assisted Lomax for the second try. Lomax added his own try just before half‑time, giving Saints an 18‑0 lead.
Hull KR fought back through Bill Leyland and a spectacular solo try from debutant 18‑year‑old Flynn Holden, but the experience of Deon Cross, Jacob Host and Harry Robertson ensured the Saints maintained control. ### Upcoming Fixtures - **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, promising a thrilling conclusion to the season.