Wakefield Trinity secured a home play‑offs rematch with 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 match broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The fourth‑place finish marks the highest league position Wakefield have ever achieved in the Super League era and underscores the rapid resurgence the club has enjoyed under head coach Daryl Powell since their promotion back to the top flight in 2025. Powell’s side displayed a blend of resilience and attacking flair that has become their hallmark this season. In a separate fixture, a youthful Warrington Wolves outfit out‑scored Toulouse Olympique 26‑14, sealing the third‑place slot.
Their victory sets up a clash with Hull KR, who sit sixth after a 36‑12 defeat to St Helens. That encounter is slated for Saturday 19 September, also on Sky Sports. The winners of the two Eliminator games will advance to the semi‑finals, where they will face either the League Leaders’ Shield winners Wigan Warriors or second‑placed Leeds Rhinos.
A victory in the semi‑finals will earn a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. ### Wakefield vs Leigh – A Detailed Recap The opening moments of the Eliminator saw Tom Johnstone cross the line early for the visitors after capitalising on a well‑executed kick, giving Leigh a 4‑0 lead. Wakefield responded swiftly; Jake Trueman sprinted his winger in for a try, restoring parity at 4‑4.
Two penalties from Max Jowitt soon followed, and a second try by Wakefield’s winger—arguably the most spectacular finish of the match—pushed the home side ahead 12‑0. Just before the break, Trueman added a drop‑goal, extending the lead to 13‑0. Leigh’s supporters watched anxiously, aware that the same venue would host the reverse fixture a week later.
In the second half, Leigh emerged with more intent. Owen Trout finally got them on the scoreboard, narrowing the gap.
A pivotal moment arrived when Mason Lino was sin‑binned for a professional foul. Wakefield seized the opportunity; Innes Senior slotted a brilliant try on the edge, bringing the score to 13‑8 and sparking hopes of a comeback for Leigh. However, Wakefield held firm. With three minutes remaining, Cam Scott surged into the corner for the final try, and Jowitt’s conversion sealed a 19‑8 victory.
Leigh had previously eliminated Wakefield in the 2025 play‑offs, and a repeat win would have been their first over Trinity this season. Instead, Wakefield’s performance demonstrated the lessons learned from that previous disappointment. #### Powell’s Post‑Match Comments Speaking to Sky Sports, head coach Daryl Powell praised his squad: "I thought the boys did us proud today.
We had a sin‑bin but we stayed tough and courageous afterwards. We’ll dust ourselves off, learn from this and get ready for next week. Both teams have been talking about play‑off time and preparation.
We probably left a few points on the field due to some desperate defending from Leigh. It’s all about next week now.
Leigh beat us last year in the play‑offs; that sting carried us into this season. We’ve taken great lessons and are a stronger side for it. It’s an awesome opportunity for us.
Are we good enough? That’s for us to prove on the field." Powell’s remarks highlighted the mental edge Wakefield hope to carry forward into the semi‑finals. ### Warrington’s Young Guns Secure Third Place Warrington head coach Sam Burgess opted for a bold experiment, resting the majority of his regular starters and making eleven changes to give his younger players a chance to prove themselves.
The gamble paid off as the youthful side delivered a convincing win to cement third place. Toulouse Olympique, under Sylvain Houles, have impressed throughout 2026 after returning to the Super League, and they gave Warrington a stern test.
Paul Ulberg opened the scoring for the French side, but an error allowed Aaron Lindop to equalise. Mathieu Pons added another try for Toulouse, and just before halftime Lachlan Webster levelled the scores at 8‑8. None of the four first‑half tries were converted. In the second half, Toulouse struck first again through Romeo Tropis, but Warrington responded with vigor.
Max Wood powered over from close range, and Lindop capitalised on another defensive lapse for his second try. Even after Charlie McKler was sin‑binned for a high tackle, the Wolves showed resilience. Josh Smith finished a well‑timed Leon Hayes kick, and Hayes successfully converted three of the five tries overall.
The win sets up a showdown with Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, where the Wolves will fight for a semi‑final berth. ### St Helens Bid Farewell to Legends St Helens provided an emotional backdrop as they said goodbye to club stalwarts Mark Percival and Jonny Lomax. The Saints honoured the duo with a captaincy debut for Percival and a guard of honour as they left the field.
Their farewell match ended in a dominant 36‑12 victory over Hull KR, who finish the season in sixth place. Mikey Lewis returned from a two‑match suspension, but head coach Willie Peters rested several key players ahead of the title defence.
The first half unfolded as a showcase for the home side: Percival opened the scoring and then set up Lomax for the second try. Lomax added another before halftime, giving Saints an 18‑0 lead.
Hull KR managed a response through Bill Leyland and a spectacular solo effort from 18‑year‑old debutant Flynn Holden, but the combined efforts of Deon Cross, Jacob Host and Harry Robertson ensured a comprehensive win for St Helens, capping off an era at the club. ### Upcoming Schedule - **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 – Kick‑off 8 pm, Sky Sports - **Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September:** Wigan Warriors vs TBD – Kick‑off 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.