Wakefield Trinity edged out Warrington Wolves 25-18 in the second‑to‑last round of the Super League campaign, a clash that unfolded at the DIY Kitchens Stadium and kept the battle for the coveted third spot very much alive. Daryl Powell’s men moved within two points of the Wolves, climbing to 36 points in fourth place, while Warrington sit on 38 points.
A win for the Wolves in their next fixture against Toulouse Olympique would cement third place, but Wakefield’s triumph means they remain very much in contention. The match began with Warrington taking an early lead, thanks to two penalty goals from Leon Hayes and tries from Josh Smith and Matty Ashton. Hayes also slotted the conversion for Ashton, putting the visitors ahead 14-6 at the break.
Wakefield responded in the second half with a flurry of attacking play. Isaiah Vagan crossed the line twice, Cam Scott added a try, and Mason Lino contributed a crucial drop‑goal.
Max Jowitt was flawless with the boot, converting all his attempts and adding another penalty, which swung the momentum in Trinity’s favour. Warrington’s only reply after the interval was a solitary try by Albert Hopoate, which went unconverted, leaving the Wolves unable to hold onto their lead.
The encounter was a classic fourth‑versus‑third showdown, and both sides displayed the physicality and endurance expected in such a high‑stakes game. Early exchanges saw each team dominate territory without much interference, until the 10th minute when Hayes earned a penalty and put the Wolves ahead 2-0. He repeated the feat three minutes later after a late hit on the ball, extending the lead to 4-0. Wakefield’s first points came in the 28th minute when a penalty was awarded.
The ball was swung left, Tom Johnstone stepped past Josh Smith and scored, with Jowitt’s conversion nudging Trinity into a 6-4 lead. Warrington answered before the half‑hour mark; a slick move on the right, initiated by George Williams, saw Smith counter Johnstone’s earlier try. Hayes missed the conversion from the touchline, leaving the Wolves with a narrow 8-6 advantage. The Wolves then capitalised on a superb grubber kick from Williams, which Matty Ashton leapt on in the corner.
Hayes’ successful conversion pushed the score to 14-6 at halftime, giving Warrington a comfortable cushion. The second half opened with Wakefield on the front foot. Vagana powered through a gap close to the line and scored twice in quick succession, the second following a lengthy break by Hall and a pass to Johnstone.
Jowitt’s perfect boot added the extra points, turning the tide to 18-14 in Trinity’s favour. Warrington refused to be rattled. Their next opportunity came from the corner when Albert Hopoate dived over, but Hayes’ conversion attempt went awry, leaving the scores level with about fifteen minutes remaining. Tension rose among the supporters as the game hung in the balance.
The decisive moment arrived when Cam Scott barreled over from a goal‑line dropout, catching Toby King out of position. Jowitt, still immaculate with the goal‑kicking, added another conversion, putting Wakefield six points ahead with under ten minutes to play.
The Wolves pressed, but missed chances and a few handling errors cost them dearly. Mason Lino then slotted a drop‑goal, sealing a 25-18 win and handing Warrington their seventh defeat of the season. The result leaves both clubs with much to contemplate.
Wakefield’s win keeps them within striking distance of third place, while Warrington must secure a victory in the final round to guarantee the spot. The match also highlighted the importance of discipline and composure under pressure, as missed conversions and penalties proved pivotal. In other Super League action on Saturday, York Knights rallied in the second half to overcome Catalans Dragons 28-16 at Stade Gilbert Brutus. The Dragons, who had broken a four‑match losing streak with a 34-6 win at Castleford the previous week, started brightly with Leo Darrelatour scoring early and again before halftime, completing a hat‑trick.
However, York’s Oliver Field and David Nofoaluma responded with tries that kept the contest tight. A dramatic finish saw Liam Harris scoop up a loose ball, sprint almost the length of the field, and score, with Hunter’s conversion giving York a 18-16 edge.
Scott Galeano added another try after a slick cross‑field pass, extending the lead. Despite a late sin‑bin for Jesse Dee and a final try from Paul Vaughan, York held on for a hard‑earned victory. Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League match live this season, offering two exclusive live games each round, with the remaining fixtures available on Sky Sports+.