Wakefield Trinity secured a home play‑offs rematch against the Leigh Leopards after a convincing 19‑8 victory in the final round of the Super League campaign. The win not only gave the Trinity side a chance to exact revenge on Leigh but also cemented their historic fourth‑place finish – the highest league position the club has ever achieved since re‑entering the competition in 2025. Under the guidance of head coach Daryl Powell, Wakefield have shown a marked resurgence, blending seasoned campaigners with emerging talent to produce a side that looks capable of challenging for the title.
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 win will see the Trinity side progress to the semi‑finals, where they could face either the league‑leaders Wigan Warriors or second‑placed Leeds Rhinos, both of whom are eager to secure a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. In a parallel fixture, a youthful Warrington Wolves outfit overcame Toulouse Olympique 26‑14, confirming their third‑place finish. Warrington’s victory sets up a clash with Hull KR, who sit sixth after a 36‑12 defeat to St Helens.
That match is slated for Saturday, 19 September, also on Sky Sports. The Wolves’ coach, Sam Burgess, took a bold approach by rotating his squad, making eleven changes and handing many of the younger players a chance to prove themselves. The gamble paid off, delivering a solid win that keeps Warrington’s play‑offs hopes alive. The Eliminator preview between Wakefield and Leigh began with an early try from Tom Johnstone, who capitalised on a well‑executed kick to give the visitors a 4‑0 lead.
Wakefield responded swiftly; Jake Trueman set up his winger for a second try, and Max Jowitt added two penalties before a spectacular finish from the Trinity winger extended the lead to 12‑0. Just before the interval, Trueman slotted a drop goal, pushing the score to 13‑0 and leaving the Leigh supporters aware that the same battle would be replayed on neutral ground the following week. Leigh emerged from the break with renewed vigor. Owen Trout crossed the line to get the Leopards on the scoreboard, and after Mason Lino was sin‑binned for a professional foul, Innes Senior seized the opportunity, finishing brilliantly on the edge to narrow the gap to 13‑8.
However, Wakefield held firm. With three minutes remaining, Cam Scott dived over in the corner, and Jowitt’s conversion sealed a 19‑8 win for the home side. Reflecting on the match, Daryl Powell told Sky Sports, “I thought the boys did us proud today. We had a sin‑bining but then we were tough and courageous after that.
We’ll dust ourselves down, learn from this, and get ready. Both teams know it’s play‑off time, and we probably left a couple of points on the field thanks to some desperate defence from Leigh.
It’s all about next week now. Leigh beat us last year in the play‑offs; we were stinging from that, and we carried that into this year. We’ve learned great lessons and are a better side for it. It’s a fantastic opportunity, and we’ll show we’re capable of great things.” Warrington’s match against Toulouse showcased the French side’s continued progress under Sylvain Houles.
Toulouse opened the scoring through Paul Ulberg, but an error allowed Aaron Lindop to equalise. Mathieu Pons added another try before half‑time, with Lachlan Webster levelling the score at 8‑8. In the second half, Romeo Tropis gave Toulouse the lead again, yet Warrington responded with a burst of energy.
Max Wood powered over from close range, and Lindop added a second try after another opposition mistake. Despite Charlie McKler’s sin‑bin for a high tackle, the Wolves displayed resilience; Josh Smith finished a move set up by Leon Hayes, who also converted three of the five tries.
The victory propels Warrington into a showdown with Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, where a place in the semi‑finals awaits. Elsewhere, St Helens staged an emotional farewell for club legends Mark Percival and Jonny Lomax, defeating Hull KR 36‑12.
The Saints honoured Percival with his first captaincy, and a guard of honour escorted both icons off the field. The match saw Percival open the scoring and assist Lomax for the second try, before Lomax added his own try just before the break, giving Saints an 18‑0 lead. Hull KR fought back with a try from Bill Leyland and a dazzling solo effort by debutant Flynn Holden, but the experience of Deon Cross, Jacob Host and Harry Robertson secured a comprehensive win for St Helens, marking a fitting end to an era.
The upcoming play‑offs schedule is as follows: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, kickoff 8 pm on Sky Sports - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, kickoff 5:30 pm on Sky Sports - Friday 25 September: Semi‑Final 1 – Leeds Rhinos vs TBD, kickoff 8 pm on Sky Sports - Saturday 26 September: Semi‑Final 2 – Wigan Warriors vs TBD, kickoff 5:30 pm on Sky Sports The Super League play‑offs commence on 18 September and will continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, promising a thrilling climax to the season for fans across the UK and beyond.