Wakefield Trinity secured a home play‑off rematch against the Leigh Leopards after delivering a convincing 19‑8 win 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 fixture scheduled for Friday, 18 September, and broadcast live on Sky Sports. Finishing fourth represents the highest league position Wakefield have ever achieved in the Super League era, underscoring the remarkable turnaround orchestrated by head coach Daryl Powell since the club’s return to the top flight in 2025. The victory not only cemented their place in the play‑offs but also highlighted the growing confidence and depth within a squad that has steadily improved over the past two seasons.
In a separate match, a youthful Warrington Wolves side edged past Toulouse Olympique 26‑14, sealing third place on the ladder. Their triumph sets up a showdown with Hull KR, who sit in sixth after a 36‑12 defeat to St Helens. That encounter is slated for Saturday, 19 September, also on Sky Sports, and will determine which team advances to the semi‑finals. The winners of the two Eliminator games will move on to the semi‑final stage, where they will have the chance to face either the League Leaders’ Shield winners, Wigan Warriors, or the second‑placed Leeds Rhinos.
The ultimate prize is a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Ahead of the Wakefield‑Leigh Eliminator, the opening minutes saw Tom Johnstone cross early for the visitors, capitalising on a well‑executed kick and giving Leigh a 4‑0 lead. Wakefield responded swiftly, with Jake Trueman finding his winger for a try that put the home side ahead 8‑4.
Max Jowitt then added two penalty goals, and a second try from the Wakefield winger – a spectacular effort that left the crowd roaring – extended the lead to 12‑0. Just before the half‑time whistle, Trueman slotted a drop goal, nudging the score to 13‑0. Leigh supporters were left to contemplate a daunting deficit as the match headed into the break. In the second half, Leigh attempted a comeback, with Owen Trout crossing the line to get the Leopards on the scoreboard.
A sin‑binning for Mason Lino after a professional foul seemed to swing momentum in Leigh’s favour, and Innes Senior capitalised with a brilliant finish on the edge, narrowing the gap to 13‑8. Nevertheless, Wakefield held firm.
With only three minutes remaining, Cam Scott powered over in the corner, and Jowitt’s conversion sealed a 19‑8 victory. The win not only avenged Leigh’s 2025 play‑off success but also marked Wakefield’s first triumph over the Leopards this season. Speaking to Sky Sports, Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell praised his side’s resilience: "The lads gave us a proud performance today. We endured a sin‑bin, but we stayed tough and courageous.
We'll dust ourselves down, learn from the experience and get ready for next week. Both teams know the stakes are high as we approach play‑off time.
We left a few points on the field due to some desperate defending from Leigh, but it’s all about the next match now. Leigh beat us last year in the play‑offs; that sting drove us, and we carried it forward. We've learned valuable lessons and are a stronger team because of them.
It's a fantastic opportunity – are we good enough? That's what we need to prove on the field." Warrington’s coach Sam Burgess opted for a bold rotation, resting the majority of his regular starters and introducing eleven changes. The gamble paid off as the young squad delivered a confident performance, securing third place and a home fixture against Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Toulouse Olympique, under Sylvain Houles, have impressed throughout the 2026 season since their return to the Super League. They opened the scoring against Warrington via Paul Ulberg, but an error allowed Aaron Lindop to level for the Wolves. Mathieu Pons added another try for Toulouse, and just before half‑time, Lachlan Webster restored parity at 8‑8.
None of the four first‑half tries were converted. The second half saw Toulouse strike first through Romeo Tropis, but Warrington responded with a short‑range effort from Max Wood, followed by a second try for Lindop after another defensive lapse.
Even after Charlie McKler was sin‑binned for a high shot, the Wolves showed grit; Josh Smith finished a move that began with a Leon Hayes kick, and Hayes successfully converted three of the five tries overall. The victory sets up a crucial clash with Hull KR, with a semi‑final berth on the line. St Helens provided an emotional backdrop as the club bid farewell to modern legends Mark Percival and Jonny Lomax.
The Saints honored them with a captaincy debut for Percival and a guard of honour as they left the field. In a dominant display, St Helens routed Hull KR 36‑12, securing a comfortable sixth‑place finish. Percival opened the scoring and later assisted Lomax for the second try.
Lomax added his own try just before the break, giving the Saints an 18‑0 lead. Hull KR fought back with a try from Bill Leyland and a dazzling solo effort by 18‑year‑old debutant Flynn Holden, but the Saints’ experience – highlighted by contributions from Deon Cross, Jacob Host, and Harry Robertson – proved decisive.
Key upcoming fixtures: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, Kick‑off 8 pm, Sky Sports - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, Kick‑off 5:30 pm, Sky Sports - Friday 25 September: Semi‑Final 1 – Leeds Rhinos vs TBD, Kick‑off 8 pm, Sky Sports - Saturday 26 September: Semi‑Final 2 – Wigan Warriors vs TBD, Kick‑off 5:30 pm, Sky Sports The Super League play‑offs commence on Friday, 18 September, live on Sky Sports, and will continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where the season’s champions will be crowned.