Wakefield Trinity secured a home play‑off 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 being 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 return to the top flight in 2025. Powell’s side have turned a once‑struggling outfit into genuine contenders, and the upcoming Eliminator offers a chance to prove that their late‑season surge is more than a flash in the pan. In a separate fixture, a youthful Warrington Wolves side edged past Toulouse Olympique 26‑14, sealing the third‑place slot on the ladder. The victory sets up a clash with Hull KR, who sit in sixth after a 36‑12 defeat to St Helens.
That quarter‑final will be played on Saturday, 19 September, also on Sky Sports, and will determine which club joins the semi‑final line‑up. Both Eliminator winners will move on to the semi‑finals, where they will face either the League Leaders’ Shield winners, Wigan Warriors, or the runners‑up, Leeds Rhinos.
The ultimate prize is a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. ### Wakefield vs Leigh – Match Summary The Eliminator warm‑up saw Leigh’s Tom Johnstone cross early, converting a well‑executed kick to give the visitors a 4‑0 lead. Wakefield responded swiftly: Jake Trueman’s winger sliced through the defense for a try, and Max Jowitt added two penalties to push the score to 12‑0.
A second Try for Trueman, this time a spectacular finish by the Wakefield winger, extended the lead further. Just before the break, Trueman slotted a drop goal, making it 13‑0 and leaving the Leigh supporters aware that the same fixture would be replayed away from home the following week. The second half began with Leigh showing more intent; Owen Trout finally got them on the board.
Momentum seemed to swing in Leigh’s favour when Mason Lino was sin‑binned for a professional foul, and Innes Senior seized the opportunity, finishing brilliantly to narrow the gap to 13‑8. Wakefield, however, held firm.
With three minutes remaining, Cam Scott dived over in the corner, and Jowitt’s conversion sealed a 19‑8 victory. The win not only guarantees a second‑chance encounter with Leigh but also serves as a statement of intent after the Leopards eliminated Wakefield in the 2025 play‑offs. ### Coach Powell’s Reflections Speaking to Sky Sports, head coach Daryl Powell praised his squad’s resilience: "The lads gave us a proud performance today. After a sin‑bin we showed toughness and courage.
We’ll dust ourselves off, learn from this and get ready for next week. Both teams have been talking about play‑off time, and we left a few points on the field due to some desperate defending from Leigh.
It’s all about the next match now. Leigh beat us last year in the play‑offs, and that sting carried into this season." Powell added, "We’ve taken great lessons from this season and we’re a better side because of them. It’s an awesome opportunity, and we’ll prove we belong in the semi‑finals." ### Warrington’s Youthful Surge Warrington head coach Sam Burgess opted for a bold strategy, resting the majority of his regulars and introducing eleven changes. The gamble paid off as the young squad secured a comfortable win, cementing the Wolves in third place.
Their opponents, Toulouse Olympique, have been impressive under Sylvain Houles since re‑entering the Super League in 2026, but they could not withstand Warrington’s second‑half surge. Paul Ulberg opened the scoring for Toulouse, but an error allowed Aaron Lindop to equalise. Mathieu Pons added another try before halftime, and Lachlan Webster levelled the score at 8‑8 just before the break.
In the second half, Romeo Tropis gave Toulouse the lead again, but Warrington responded with a short‑range effort from Max Wood and a second try for Lindop after another defensive lapse. Even with Charlie McKler sin‑binned for a high tackle, the Wolves displayed grit. Josh Smith capitalised on a Leon Hayes kick, sliding over for a try, while Hayes successfully converted three of the five tries. The win positions Warrington to face Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium for a semi‑final berth.
### St Helens Bid Farewell to Legends The night also featured an emotional farewell for St Helens legends Mark Percival and Jonny Lomax. The Saints celebrated the occasion with a dominant 36‑12 victory over Hull KR, who finish the season in sixth place. Percival was handed the captaincy for the first time, receiving a guard of honour as he and Lomax walked onto the field.
St Helens started brightly, with Percival scoring the opening try and assisting Lomax for the second. Lomax added a second try just before halftime, giving the Saints an 18‑0 lead. Hull KR fought back through Bill Leyland and a spectacular solo effort from debutant 18‑year‑old Flynn Holden, but the combined efforts of Deon Cross, Jacob Host, and Harry Robertson ensured a comprehensive win and a fitting send‑off for the departing icons. ### 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 TBC – 8 pm, Sky Sports - **Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September:** Wigan Warriors vs TBC – 5:30 pm, Sky Sports The Super League play‑offs commence on 18 September and will run through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, promising a thrilling climax to the season.