Leigh Leopards and Wakefield Trinity met in the closing round of the Super League regular season, with Wakefield emerging victorious. Yet both sides understand that a knockout fixture brings a completely different atmosphere, and the stakes rise dramatically when a place in the elimination rounds is on the line. Wakefield have already carved a historic chapter in their club’s story by finishing fourth in the league – the highest position they have ever achieved. That landmark finish is only the first step; the next ambition is to break through to the semi‑finals for the first time in their modern era.
Leigh, on the other hand, have been on a rapid ascent since re‑entering the top flight in 2023. Within a short span they have captured the Challenge Cup and have become regular contenders in the Super League semi‑finals. Their current objective is to push beyond the semi‑final stage and earn a place in the ultimate showdown at Old Trafford. For Leigh forward Joe Ofahengaue, the path to that goal hinges on the team executing its game plan flawlessly.
He believes that if the Leopards can stick to their strategy, they will be in a position to achieve what he describes as "everything" for the club. "It was a weird one.
I thought the game shaped out to be all in Wakefield's favour," Ofahengaue told Sky Sports. "That is not directing anything at the way the game was refereed. I just think we got our game plan wrong. They exploited a few lapses in our defence, but the gods of rugby league have looked after us and given us a second shot.
I think if we get our game plan on, we can really make some noise in this play‑offs." He went on to stress how much a Grand Final appearance would mean to him personally and to the squad as a whole. "Making it to the Grand Final would mean everything. I am banking on it. I am very emotionally attached to this squad.
We have some key members leaving after this year and I want to send them out on a high note. The only way we can send them out on a high is if we win it.
I don't want to look too far ahead, but reaching Old Trafford is definitely a great goal for us." Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell has been instrumental in guiding the club to these new heights. Since their promotion back to the Super League in 2025, the team finished sixth in their first season and have now climbed to fourth, signalling a steady upward trajectory. Powell sees the upcoming clash with Leigh as another opportunity to prove that the club can consistently challenge the league’s elite. "I would expect Leigh to step up intensity-wise," Powell told Sky Sports.
"I think they will take it to another level. I mentioned that to the boys – you can't let one game dictate everything that follows. We need to reset, go again, and we feel we can play better.
Every year we talk about progression. We finished sixth and felt we didn’t do ourselves justice in the 2025 play‑off game against Leigh.
It’s ironic we meet them again this year, giving us a chance for redemption. Being a genuine top‑four team means reaching the semi‑finals and giving yourself a shot at the Grand Final. It would be an awesome thing for the club.
If we can do that, we will be pretty excited." The match is scheduled for Friday, 18 September, with the kick‑off at 8 pm on Sky Sports. A win for either side will not only keep their play‑off hopes alive but also provide a psychological edge heading into the semi‑finals, where the competition intensifies. Looking ahead, the play‑off calendar continues with Warrington Wolves taking on Hull KR on Saturday, 19 September at 5:30 pm, also on Sky Sports.
The first semi‑final is slated for Friday, 25 September, featuring Leeds Rhinos against a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent at 8 pm. The second semi‑final follows on Saturday, 26 September, with Wigan Warriors facing an unknown challenger at 5:30 pm.
All matches will be broadcast live, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Both Leigh and Wakefield understand that the eliminators are a test of character as much as skill. For Leigh, it is about building on recent cup success and cementing their status as a top‑tier club.
For Wakefield, it is about confirming that their historic fourth‑place finish is not a one‑off and that they can translate regular‑season consistency into knockout triumphs. The upcoming encounter promises high‑intensity rugby, strategic adjustments, and the kind of drama that defines the Super League play‑offs. The winner will take a crucial step toward the ultimate prize, while the loser will be left to regroup and plan for the next season’s challenges.