In the final round of the regular Super League schedule, Leigh Leopards and Wakefield Trinity met once again, this time with Wakefield emerging victorious. While the result was a win for the Trinity, both sides understand that a knockout match carries a different intensity and stakes compared to a regular‑season encounter. Wakefield Trinity have made history by finishing fourth in the Super League table – the highest league position the club has ever achieved. That remarkable achievement marks a new benchmark for the franchise, and the next logical target on their agenda is to break through to the semi‑final stage for the first time in their modern era.
Leigh, on the other hand, have been on an upward trajectory since they re‑joined the top flight in 2023. The Leopards have already added a Challenge Cup triumph to their résumé and have become regular participants in the Super League semi‑finals. Their ambition now is to go one step further and secure a place in the ultimate showdown – the Grand Final – where the league’s biggest prize awaits.
For forward Joe Ofahengaue, the key to progressing lies in the Leopards executing their game plan flawlessly. He believes that if the team can stick to the tactics that have served them well, they could achieve the breakthrough that would mean "everything" for the club. "It was a strange game.
I felt it was shaping up to favour Wakefield," Ofahengaue told Sky Sports. "I'm not blaming the refereeing – I think we simply got our plan wrong. They capitalised on a few lapses in our defence, but the rugby league gods have given us a second chance.
If we can tighten up our strategy, we have the potential to make a real noise in the play‑offs." He went on to stress how much the upcoming match means to him personally. "Reaching the Grand Final would be everything for me.
I'm emotionally attached to this squad – several key players are set to leave after this season and I want to send them out on a high note. The only way to do that is by winning.
I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but aiming for Old Trafford is definitely a big goal for us." Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell has been instrumental in guiding the club to its recent successes. Since their promotion back to the Super League in 2025, the Trinity have quickly progressed from a sixth‑place finish to fourth, signalling that they are evolving into a side capable of consistently challenging the league's elite. Powell highlighted the importance of raising intensity for the upcoming clash. "I expect Leigh to step up their intensity," he said to Sky Sports.
"They will likely take the game to another level. I’ve told the lads not to let this single fixture dictate the rest of the week. We need to reset, go again, and we believe we can play even better." He reflected on the club’s growth over the past few seasons, noting that the Trinity felt they had under‑performed in their 2025 play‑off encounter with Leigh.
"It’s ironic that we meet them again this year – it gives us a chance for redemption. Being a genuine top‑four team means reaching the semi‑finals and then giving yourself a shot at the Grand Final. It would be a massive achievement for the club, and we’d be thrilled if we could make it happen." Both coaches understand that the eliminators are not just another game; they are a gateway to the semi‑finals, where the stakes rise dramatically. The Leopards will be looking to translate their cup‑winning pedigree into a deep play‑off run, while the Trinity will aim to cement their historic fourth‑place finish with a breakthrough performance that could see them advance further than ever before.
The schedule for the play‑offs is set to kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports. The following day, Warrington Wolves will take on Hull KR at 5:30 p.m., also on Sky Sports.
The first semi‑final will be played on Friday, 25 September, featuring Leeds Rhinos against a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent at 8 p.m., while the second semi‑final follows on Saturday, 26 September, with Wigan Warriors facing an opponent at 5:30 p.m. All matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The play‑off series will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where the champion of the Super League will be crowned.
For Leigh and Wakefield, the eliminators represent a pivotal moment – a chance to either continue their ascent or to fall short of the lofty ambitions set at the start of the season. The outcome will shape the narrative of their respective campaigns and could define the future direction of both clubs as they strive for sustained success in the top tier of rugby league.