In the closing fixture of the regular Super League campaign, Leigh Leopards and Wakefield Trinity met once more, with Wakefield emerging victorious. However, both sides understand that the stakes shift dramatically once the knockout stage begins, and the dynamics of a do‑or‑die encounter can produce a completely different outcome. Wakefield Trinity have etched a historic achievement into the club’s record books by finishing fourth in the league – the highest placement the franchise has ever attained. This milestone marks a significant step forward, and the next ambition on their agenda 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 tier in 2023. They have already claimed the Challenge Cup and have become a regular presence in the Super League semi‑final picture. Their current objective is to push beyond the semi‑final hurdle and secure a place in the grand finale, the ultimate "big dance" of the season.
For centre Joe Ofahengaue, the path to that goal hinges on the Leopards executing their game plan flawlessly. He believes that if they can lock in their tactics, they have a realistic shot at achieving what would mean "everything" for the club and its supporters. "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 reffed.
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 the emotional weight of a potential Grand Final appearance. "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 of this squad 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 or picture myself too far ahead but it is definitely a great goal of ours to reach Old Trafford." Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell has been a pivotal figure in the club’s recent rise, guiding them from a promotion‑season finish in 2025 to a top‑four finish this year. Powell sees the upcoming eliminator as an opportunity for the team to demonstrate that they can consistently challenge the league’s elite. "I would expect Leigh to step up intensity‑wise," Powell told Sky Sports.
"I think they will go to another level. I mentioned that to the boys, I don't think you can expect that game to dictate anything that happens this week. We have just got to reset ourselves, go again, and we feel like we can play better actually.
We are talking about progression each year. We finished sixth and we didn't feel like we did ourselves justice in the play‑off game against Leigh in 2025. It's ironic that we face them again this year and a chance for a little bit of redemption. Being a genuine top‑four team is about getting to those semi‑finals and giving yourself a chance to get to the Grand Final.
It would be an awesome thing for the club. If we can do that, we will be pretty excited." The eliminator is scheduled for Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports.
The winner will move on to face one of the semi‑final fixtures, while the loser’s season will end. The broader playoff picture includes the following match‑ups: - Friday, 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, 5:30 pm on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday, 25 September: Leeds Rhinos vs TBD, 8 pm KO on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday, 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs TBD, 5:30 pm KO on Sky Sports The Super League playoffs will unfold from 18 September and culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Both Leigh and Wakefield will be looking to turn their regular‑season narratives into knockout‑stage success, with the Leopards hoping to cement their status as a genuine title contender and the Trinity aiming to rewrite club history by reaching the semi‑finals for the first time.