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. The fourth‑place finish marks the highest league position Wakefield have ever achieved in the Super League era and underscores the remarkable turnaround the club has experienced under head coach Daryl Powell since their re‑entry into the top flight in 2025.
Powell’s side have combined a solid defensive structure with a more adventurous attacking style, allowing them to climb the table and challenge for a place in the Grand Final. In a parallel story, a youthful Warrington Wolves outfit edged out Toulouse Olympique 26‑14, sealing third place for the Wolves. Their victory sets up a clash with Hull Kingston Rovers, who sit 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 side moves on to the semi‑finals. Both Eliminator winners will advance to the semi‑final stage, where they will 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 3 October. ### Wakefield vs Leigh – A Detailed Recap The opening minutes of the Eliminator saw Tom Johnstone cross the try‑line early for Leigh, capitalising on a well‑executed kick. However, Wakefield responded swiftly through winger Jake Trueman, who darted in to give the home side a 4‑0 lead.
Max Jowitt added two penalties for Wakefield, and a second try by Trueman – a spectacular finish that showcased his speed and agility – pushed the score to 12‑0. Just before the break, Trueman slotted a drop‑goal, extending the lead to 13‑0. The Leigh supporters, aware that a similar showdown awaited them on the road the following week, fell silent as the halftime whistle blew. The second half began with Leigh adopting a more aggressive approach.
Owen Trout managed to get the Leopards on the board, offering a glimmer of hope. A pivotal moment arrived when Mason Lino was sin‑binned for a professional foul; Leigh seized the advantage, and Innes Senior delivered a brilliant try on the edge, narrowing the gap to 13‑8. Despite the momentum shift, Wakefield held firm.
In the dying minutes, Cam Scott powered over in the corner, and Max Jowitt’s conversion sealed a 19‑8 triumph. The result not only gave Wakefield the upper hand but also avenged their 2025 play‑off loss to Leigh, a win that would have been their first over the Leopards this season. #### Coach Powell’s Perspective Speaking to Sky Sports, Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell praised his squad’s resilience: "I thought the boys did us proud today. We had a sin‑bining but then we were tough and courageous after that.
We will dust ourselves down, learn from this, and get ready. Both teams have been talking about the play‑off crunch, 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." Powell added that the experience gained throughout the season has been invaluable: "We have had some great lessons.
We have carried them through with us and we are a better team for having them at the end of the season. It is awesome – into the six and a great opportunity for us. Are we good enough? It is for us to show we are.
It is for us to show we are capable of great things." ### Warrington’s Youthful Surge Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess opted for a bold experiment, resting the majority of his regular starters and introducing eleven changes to the lineup. The gamble paid off as the young squad delivered a confident 26‑14 victory over Toulouse, cementing their third‑place finish. Toulouse, under Sylvain Houles, have impressed since their return to the Super League in 2026, but they could not withstand the Wolves’ energy.
Paul Ulberg opened the scoring for the French side, only for Aaron Lindop to equalise after a defensive lapse. Mathieu Pons added another try for Toulouse, while Lachlan Webster restored parity just before halftime, leaving the score at 8‑8 with none of the tries converted. In the second half, Romeo Tropis gave Toulouse the lead again, but Warrington responded emphatically. Max Wood powered over from close range, and Lindop capitalised on another error to notch his second try.
Even after Charlie McKler was sin‑binned for a high shot, the Wolves displayed grit; Josh Smith finished a slick move set up by Leon Hayes, who also converted three of the five successful kicks. The win positions Warrington to travel to the Halliwell Jones Stadium to face Hull KR, with a semi‑final berth on the line. ### St Helens Bid Farewell to Legends The weekend also featured an emotional farewell at St Helens, where club icons Mark Percival and Jonny Lomax were honoured before a 36‑12 rout of Hull KR.
Both players were given a guard of honour as they left the field, marking the end of distinguished careers. St Helens, having finished seventh, were expected to dominate the inexperienced Hull KR side, and they did just that. Percival opened the scoring and set up Lomax for the second try. Lomax added his own try just before halftime, giving the Saints an 18‑0 lead.
Hull KR managed a response through Bill Leyland and a dazzling solo effort by debutant Flynn Holden, but the Saints’ superior firepower, highlighted by contributions from Deon Cross, Jacob Host, and Harry Robertson, ensured a comprehensive victory. ### Upcoming Fixtures - **Friday, 18 September – 8:00 pm (Sky Sports):** Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards (Eliminator) - **Saturday, 19 September – 5:30 pm (Sky Sports):** Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR (Eliminator) - **Friday, 25 September – 8:00 pm (Sky Sports):** Semi‑Final 1 – Leeds Rhinos vs TBD - **Saturday, 26 September – 5:30 pm (Sky Sports):** Semi‑Final 2 – Wigan Warriors vs TBD The Super League play‑offs kick off on 18 September and will run through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, promising a thrilling climax to the season.