Wakefield Trinity clinched a home play‑offs rematch against the Leigh Leopards after a convincing 19‑8 win in the final round of the Super League campaign. The triumph not only guarantees a second‑chance encounter with Leigh next week but also marks Wakefield’s highest league finish ever – fourth place – underscoring the rapid resurgence the club has enjoyed under head coach Daryl Powell since its return to the top flight in 2025. The upcoming fourth‑versus‑fifth Eliminator will be staged at Wakefield’s home ground on Friday, 18 September, with Sky Sports providing live coverage.
A victory will see the Trinity side advance to the semi‑finals, where they could face either the League Leaders’ Shield winners Wigan Warriors or second‑placed Leeds Rhinos for a coveted place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. In the match itself, Wakefield set the tone early. Tom Johnstone crossed for Leigh after a well‑executed kick, but Jake Trueman quickly responded, slipping his winger over for a 4‑0 lead.
Max Jowitt then added two penalties, and a second try for the Trinity winger – a spectacular finish that left the crowd roaring – pushed the score to 12‑0. Just before the break, Trueman slotted a drop goal, extending the advantage to 13‑0 and leaving Leigh supporters despondent, knowing they would have to travel to Wakefield for the replay. Leigh emerged in the second half with more intent.
Owen Trout managed to get on the board, and after Mason Lino was sin‑binned for a professional foul, Innes Senior seized the opportunity, diving over to make it 13‑8. Despite the momentum shift, Wakefield held firm.
With three minutes remaining, Cam Scott powered over in the corner, and Jowitt’s conversion sealed a 19‑8 victory. Powell praised his side’s resilience in his post‑match interview with Sky Sports.
He highlighted the team’s ability to rebound after a sin‑bin incident, the lessons learned throughout the season, and the collective desire to prove themselves in the upcoming play‑offs. "We left a few points on the field, but we are learning, growing and ready to show we belong among the best," Powell said.
Meanwhile, a youthful Warrington Wolves outfit delivered a 26‑14 win over Toulouse Olympique, confirming their third‑place finish. Coach Sam Burgess made a bold decision to rest many regular starters, making eleven changes and handing the game to his emerging talent.
The strategy paid off, as the Wolves displayed grit and composure, overcoming early setbacks to secure the win and set up a clash with Hull KR, who sit sixth after a 36‑12 defeat to St Helens. Toulouse, under Sylvain Houles, have impressed throughout the 2026 season, making a strong case for their place in the Super League after promotion. They opened the scoring through Paul Ulberg, but an error allowed Warrington’s Aaron Lindop to equalise.
Both sides traded tries before half‑time, with the score level at 8‑8. In the second half, Toulouse struck first via Romeo Tropis, yet Warrington responded with a short‑range effort from Max Wood and another try from Lindop after a defensive lapse. Even after Charlie McKler was sin‑binned for a high tackle, the Wolves persisted, with Josh Smith finishing a well‑executed move set up by Leon Hayes, who also contributed three conversions. Warrington’s victory not only cemented their position but also highlighted the depth of their squad, suggesting they could be a dark horse in the knock‑out stages.
Their next opponent, Hull KR, will travel to the Halliwell Jones Stadium for a winner‑takes‑all semi‑final spot. The weekend also featured an emotional farewell at St Helens, where club legends Mark Percival and Jonny Lomax were honoured before the Saints thrashed Hull KR 36‑12. Both players received a guard of honour as they left the field, marking the end of distinguished careers.
The Saints dominated early, with Percival scoring the opening try and assisting Lomax for the second. Lomax added another just before half‑time, giving St Helens an 18‑0 lead. Hull KR fought back through Bill Leyland and a dazzling solo try from 18‑year‑old debutant Flynn Holden, but the experience and firepower of Saints’ backline – including Deon Cross, Jacob Host and Harry Robertson – ensured a comprehensive victory. The play‑offs schedule is now set: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, 8 pm, Sky Sports (Knock‑out) - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, 5:30 pm, Sky Sports (Knock‑out) - Friday 25 September: Semi‑Final 1 – Leeds Rhinos vs TBC, 8 pm, Sky Sports - Saturday 26 September: Semi‑Final 2 – Wigan Warriors vs TBC, 5:30 pm, Sky Sports - Grand Final: 3 October at Old Trafford.
These matches will determine which clubs advance to the ultimate showdown at the iconic Manchester venue. Wakefield, buoyed by their historic league finish and recent win, will look to overturn last year’s play‑off loss to Leigh. Warrington, confident after a strong finish and a strategic squad rotation, will aim to capitalize on their momentum against Hull KR. As the season draws to a close, the excitement builds for what promises to be a thrilling climax to the Super League campaign.