Warrington Wolves secured their place in the Super League semi‑finals with a commanding 35‑12 win over defending champions Hull KR in an eliminator at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The victory not only propels the Wolves into a showdown with Leeds Rhinos on September 25, but also marks the club’s first appearance in a semi‑final since the 2024 campaign, after missing the playoffs the previous year. The match began with Warrington asserting themselves early. A well‑executed grubber kick from George Williams created a chaotic scramble that saw Joe Burgess initially pick up the ball, only to fumble it.
Ben Currie pounced on the loose ball and dived over for the opening try, which Ewan Irwin promptly converted, giving the home side a 6‑0 lead and igniting the packed crowd. Discipline quickly became a theme.
Within the first fifteen minutes Irwin added a penalty goal after a Hull KR off‑side, extending the lead to eight points. Both teams then exchanged near‑misses: Ashton and Burgess each produced dazzling runs into the corner, only to be driven into touch before they could ground the ball. Hull KR fought back before the break.
A dazzling 70‑metre sprint from Arthur Mourgue, set up by a Jack Broadbent pass, culminated in a spectacular try for Joe Burgess, which Mourgue converted, narrowing the gap to 12‑6. The momentum shifted again in the final minutes of the first half when Kelepi Tanginoa burst through the defensive line, finding Matty Ashton, who sprinted to score his 100th Super League try. Irwin’s conversion struck the post, leaving the Wolves with a slender 12‑6 advantage at halftime. The second half opened with drama.
Just three minutes after the restart, Peta Hiku was shown a red card for an alleged punch on George Williams. While the contact appeared light, the referee deemed it sufficient to eject Hiku, leaving Warrington with only twelve men for the remainder of the contest.
Undeterred, Warrington capitalised immediately. A quick ball out to the wing saw Ashton cross for his second try of the night, bringing the score to 16‑6. The try was contentious, with some spectators believing the pass had been forward, but the decision stood.
Hull KR, now down a player, refused to surrender. In the 53rd minute, a breakaway by Burgess was finished by Dean Hadley, who dived over from close range. Mourgue’s conversion trimmed the deficit to 16‑12, reigniting hope for the visitors. Tension mounted as the clock wound down.
With fifteen minutes left, James Bentley produced a crucial interception, feeding Ashton who sprinted the length of the field to complete his hat‑trick. The Wolves surged ahead 22‑12, and Albert Hopoate added another try after a brilliant dive into the corner, further extending the lead.
Irwin’s reliable boot added the conversion, pushing the margin to 28‑12. Hull KR managed a late consolation when Williams slotted a drop goal, and Toby King crossed for a final try in the dying minutes, but the result was already sealed.
The final whistle confirmed a 35‑12 triumph for Warrington, securing their semi‑final berth against Leeds Rhinos. Post‑match, Hull KR head coach Willie Peters addressed Sky Sports, reflecting on the impact of discipline: "Discipline has cost us a lot this year, and unfortunately it did again tonight, but I can't fault the players. I'm really proud of them.
They kept fighting until the end." He also praised Warrington’s season, noting the club’s consistency and expressing pride in the memories built over his four‑year tenure. Warrington’s own head coach, Sam Burgess, also spoke to Sky Sports, lauding his squad’s resilience: "I'm proud of the group. It was a strange game, but we're pleased to come through and get another week together, which is what we came for. In the first half we felt really dominant and were disappointed with the scoreline.
We left two or three tries out there and probably a couple more in the second half. We've just got to understand how important precision is because, over the course of a game, those moments add up. We could have finished the game much earlier." The Wolves now turn their focus to the semi‑final on Friday, September 25, when they travel to Leeds. Kick‑off is scheduled for 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports, with the winner earning a coveted spot in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors will host Wakefield Trinity the following day in the second semi‑final, kicking off at 5:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The Super League playoffs continue to deliver high‑octane rugby league, with each match offering a blend of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.
Warrington’s journey, highlighted by a disciplined defensive display, opportunistic attacking play, and the individual brilliance of players like Matty Ashton and Albert Hopoate, underscores their status as serious contenders. As the season draws to its climax, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the remaining teams vie for the ultimate prize.
Upcoming fixtures: - Friday September 18: Wakefield Trinity 26‑16 Leigh Leopards - Saturday September 19: Warrington Wolves 35‑12 Hull KR - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday September 25: Leeds Rhinos vs Warrington Wolves, 8 p.m. on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday September 26: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports The playoff action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the champion of the Super League will be crowned.