Leopards v Trinity | Eliminator 1 Preview

Familiar foes meet once again on the Play-Off stage as Wakefield Trinity and Leigh Leopards battle for a place in the Betfred Super League Semi-Finals this Friday (K.O. 8pm), live on Sky Sports.

From last year's Eliminator clash to last week's battle for home advantage, there is little these two sides do not know about each other.

Friday Night’s winner-takes-all encounter brings together two clubs whose recent journeys have been remarkable, both bouncing back from relegation to establish themselves as genuine contenders at the top end of Super League.

Wakefield have enjoyed a record-breaking campaign under Daryl Powell, securing fourth place, the highest finish in the club's Super League history, and earning the right to host a Play-Off match at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.

Now, they have the opportunity to take another significant step by reaching their first Super League Semi-Final.

Standing in their way are Leigh Leopards, whose recent Play-Off pedigree is among the strongest in the competition.

Adrian Lam's side are aiming for a third successive Semi-Final appearance and will arrive believing they can repeat last year's Eliminator success over Trinity.

Previous Meetings:

Recent history suggests there is very little between the two teams.

Wakefield completed a league double over Leigh in 2026, winning 18-14 in March before securing a 8-19 victory in Round 27 last week. That latest success proved particularly significant, guaranteeing Trinity a home Play-Off tie in this week’s rematch.

The Leopards, however, have fond memories of facing Wakefield in knockout rugby. Leigh won three out of four meetings between the clubs in 2025, including a Challenge Cup quarter-final victory and, most notably, a 26-10 triumph in last season's Eliminator that ended Trinity's campaign in their return season to Super League.

Overall, there is little to separate the sides. Their Super League record stands at seven wins apiece, including Leigh's victory in last year's Play-Offs.

Did you know that the team leading at half-time has gone on to win each of the last eight meetings between the sides, highlighting the importance of making a fast start…

Play-Off History:

While Wakefield are enjoying one of the finest seasons in the club's history, opportunities on the Play-Off stage have been relatively rare.

Trinity are aiming to reach their first Super League Semi-Final, adding another landmark to a campaign that has already delivered a record fourth-place finish.

In total, Trinity reached the Play-Offs five times in their Super League history – 2004, 2009, 2012, 2025 and most recently, 2026. They are yet to add any Super League silverware to their name.

Will a transformed Trinity now begin to push beyond expectations?

Leigh, meanwhile, have become increasingly familiar with knockout rugby in recent seasons. Since returning to Super League, the Leopards have established themselves as regular Play-Off contenders and head into Friday night's contest chasing a third successive Semi-Final appearance.

Both clubs arrive at this stage of the competition on the back of remarkable rises.

Relegated in successive years, Leigh in 2022 and Wakefield in 2023, each secured an immediate return to Super League before re-establishing themselves at the top end of the table.

Just a few years after each club's return from the Championship, they find themselves competing for a place in the final four.

For Trinity, victory would represent another historic achievement in a season already packed with milestones. For the Leopards, it would be further evidence of the consistency they have developed in recent years as one of the competition's most established Play-Off team.

Ones to watch:

Wakefield have no shortage of match winners in their ranks, starting with Tom Johnstone. The winger has crossed for 18 tries in Super League this season and is always a threat when given space out wide.

Much of Trinity's attacking spark comes through Jake Trueman, whose influence on the side has been clear throughout 2026. With a place in the Semi-Finals on the line, Wakefield will be hoping their stand-off is at his creative best.

Up front, a formidable Caleb Hamlin-Uele has enjoyed a superb campaign and was recognised with a place in the Super League Dream Team. Alongside him, Tyson Smoothy has been one of Trinity's most reliable performers, providing energy and direction from dummy-half.

Leigh, meanwhile, have plenty of weapons of their own. Lachlan Lam remains the driving force behind much of the Leopards' attacking play, while Adam Cook will be looking to make his mark with both ball in hand and the boot.

Out wide, the visitors boast sheer talent with Umyla Hanley and Josh Charnley. Hanley has become one of the competition's most exciting centres, while Super League’s all-time top try scorer Charnley continues to underline his reputation as one of thesport’s great finishers.

Through the middle, Dream Team prop Joe Ofahengaue will lead the charge for Leigh. The experienced forward has become a key figure since arriving at the Leopards and will look to lay the platform for another deep Play-Off run.

The stage is set:

Momentum may be with Wakefield on Friday night, who come into the Play-Offs on a three-match winning run and having beaten Leigh just seven days ago. Another victory would see Trinity record their third run of four consecutive Super League wins this season.

Yet Leigh have repeatedly proven their credentials away from home, winning seven of their last nine road matches after a difficult start to the campaign. Only Wigan Warriors have recorded more away victories during that period.

From last year's Eliminator to last week's showdown, this rivalry has developed into one of the most compelling match-ups in the competition.

Now, with a place in the Semi-Finals on the line, Wakefield and Leigh meet once more with everything at stake.

One club will continue on the Road to Old Trafford. The other's season will come to an end.

Friday night promises to deliver Play-Off rugby at its very best. Don't miss the action live on Sky Sports!

Squads:

Trinity: Max Jowitt, Cameron Scott, Corey Hall, Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Mason Lino, Mike McMeeken, Tyson Smoothy, Ky Rodwell, Jazz Tevaga, Jay Pitts, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Caius Faatili, Harvey Smith, Isaiah Vagana, Lachlan Walmsley, Jack Sinfield, Jordan Williams, Zac Lipowicz, Kian McGann, Emre Guler

Leopards: David Armstrong, Umyla Hanley, Josh Charnley, Adam Cook, Lachlan Lam, Joe Ofahengaue, Edwin Ipape, Owen Trout, Isaac Liu, Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Matt Davis, Liam Horne, Innes Senior, AJ Towse, Gareth O'Brien, Jack Hughes, Andrew Badrock, Ben McNamara, Louis Brogan, Nathan Wilde, Jack Ashworth