Wakefield Trinity secured a home play‑offs rematch against the Leigh Leopards by defeating 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, with the match scheduled for Friday, September 18, and broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Finishing fourth represents Wakefield's best ever league position in the Super League era and underscores the resurgence the club has enjoyed under head coach Daryl Powell since their return to the top flight in 2025. The victory not only cemented their place in the play‑offs but also gave them a psychological edge heading into the rematch, having already proven they can dominate their rivals. In a parallel story, a youthful Warrington Wolves side edged past Toulouse Olympique 26‑14, securing third place on the ladder. Their win sets up a clash with Hull KR, who sit sixth after a 36‑12 defeat to St Helens.
That encounter is slated for Saturday, September 19, also on Sky Sports. Both eliminator winners will progress to the semi‑finals, where they will have the chance to face either the League Leaders' Shield holders Wigan Warriors or second‑placed Leeds Rhinos. The ultimate prize is a berth in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
The Eliminator preview between Wakefield and Leigh featured an early strike from Tom Johnstone, who capitalised on a well‑executed kick to give the visitors a 4‑0 lead. Wakefield responded swiftly, with Jake Trueman finding his winger for a try, and Max Jowitt adding two penalties to push the home side ahead 12‑0. Trueman then slotted a drop goal just before halftime, extending the lead to 13‑0 and leaving the Leigh supporters aware that the same contest would be played on neutral ground the following week. Leigh emerged from the break with renewed vigor.
Owen Trout crossed for the Leopards, and after Mason Lino was sin‑binned for a professional foul, Innes Senior seized the opportunity with a brilliant try that narrowed the score to 13‑8. However, Wakefield held firm.
In the final three minutes, Cam Scott dived over in the corner, and Max Jowitt's conversion sealed a 19‑8 triumph. Leigh had previously eliminated Wakefield in the 2025 play‑offs, and a repeat victory this season would have marked their first win over Trinity in 2026.
After the match, Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell told Sky Sports, "The lads made us proud today. We endured a sin‑bin, but we stayed tough and courageous.
We'll dust ourselves off, learn from this, and get ready for next week. Both teams have been talking about play‑off readiness, and we probably left a few points on the field because of some desperate defending from Leigh.
It's all about the next game now. Leigh beat us last year in the play‑offs, and that sting has driven us this season. We've taken great lessons from that experience and are a stronger side because of it. This is a fantastic opportunity for us.
Are we good enough? That's for us to prove on the field." Warrington's coach Sam Burgess opted for a bold strategy, resting the majority of his regular starters and making eleven changes to give his younger players a chance to prove themselves. The gamble paid off as the young Wolves secured a comfortable victory, solidifying their third‑place finish. Toulouse Olympique, under Sylvain Houles, have impressed throughout the 2026 season since their return to the Super League.
They opened the scoring through Paul Ulberg, but an error allowed Aaron Lindop to level for Warrington. Mathieu Pons added another try before half‑time, and Lachlan Webster equalised just before the break, leaving the score at 8‑8 with none of the tries converted. In the second half, Toulouse struck first via Romeo Tropis, but Warrington responded with a short‑range effort from Max Wood and a second try for Lindop after another opposition mistake.
Even with Charlie McKler sin‑binned for a high tackle, the Wolves displayed resilience, with Josh Smith finishing a Leon Hayes kick. Hayes successfully converted three of the five tries, and the Wolves now turn their attention to Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, where a semi‑final berth awaits the victor. St Helens enjoyed an emotional evening as they bid farewell to modern‑day legends Mark Percival and Jonny Lomax.
The club honoured Percival by handing him the captaincy for the first time, and a guard of honour escorted both players onto the field. The Saints delivered a 36‑12 rout of Hull KR, who finished the season in sixth place. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the victory marked an early end to the season for the departing icons, who had guided the team to a seventh‑place finish the previous year. St Helens also welcomed back Mikey Lewis after a two‑match suspension, but head coach Willie Peters rested several key players ahead of the title defence.
The first half unfolded as expected for the home side: Percival opened the scoring and later set up Lomax for the second try. Lomax added a second try just before half‑time, giving Saints an 18‑0 lead. Hull KR fought back with a try from Bill Leyland and a spectacular solo effort by 18‑year‑old debutant Flynn Holden. However, the Saints' depth shone through, with contributions from Deon Cross, Jacob Host, and Harry Robertson ensuring a comprehensive victory and a fitting farewell to an era at the club.
Upcoming fixtures: - Friday, September 18: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, kick‑off 8 p.m., Sky Sports - Saturday, September 19: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, kick‑off 5:30 p.m., Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday, September 25: Leeds Rhinos vs TBD, kick‑off 8 p.m., Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday, September 26: Wigan Warriors vs TBD, kick‑off 5:30 p.m., Sky Sports The Super League play‑offs commence on Friday, September 18, live on Sky Sports, and will continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the season's champion will be crowned.