Rhinos v Wolves | Semi-Final 1 Preview

The road to Old Trafford reaches its penultimate stage on Friday Night as Leeds Rhinos host Warrington Wolves in Semi-Final 1 of the Betfred Super League Play-Offs, live on Sky Sports (K.O. 8pm).

Just 80 minutes separates these two proud clubs from a place in the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final, with AMT Headingley set to provide a fitting backdrop for a blockbuster contest between second and third in the league standings.

Having secured a top two finish during the regular season, the Rhinos Leeds earned themselves a week off and home advantage as they prepare for their biggest game of the campaign so far.

The Wolves, meanwhile, arrive in West Yorkshire full of confidence after producing one of the performances of the Play-Offs to emphatically defeat reigning champions Hull KR in Eliminator 2 and keep their Grand Final dream alive.

With a place at Old Trafford up for grabs and no shortage of star quality on either side, AMT Headingley is set for a thrilling semi-final showdown…

The first Semi-Final is locked in ?@leedsrhinos and @WarringtonRLFC are 80 minutes from Old Trafford ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/Dqf09O2Ema

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 19, 2026

Previous Meetings:

Their recent record against one another highlights just how competitive this fixture has become.

The last ten encounters have been split evenly, with five wins apiece, underlining the fine margins that have defined this rivalry in recent years.

However, Leeds have had the upper hand in 2026.

Brad Arthur's side claimed a thrilling 26-22 victory during Super League's 30th birthday Round at AMT Headingley back in March, before producing a clinical 6-34 success away at the Halliwell Jones Stadium later in the season.

Overall, in Super League, Leeds have won 43 matches against Warrington, while the Wolves have come out on top on 30 occasions.

Play-Off History:

Friday's clash will be the fourth Play-Off meeting between the two clubs and their first since 2013.

Their first Play-Off encounter produced one of the competition's most memorable moments when Lee Briers landed a dramatic drop goal to secure an 17-18 victory for Warrington at Headingley in 2006.

Leeds gained revenge five years later, edging a classic 26-24 contest at the Halliwell Jones Stadium thanks to the boot of Kevin Sinfield.

The most famous meeting came in the 2012 Grand Final at Old Trafford, where the Rhinos produced another masterclass on rugby league's biggest night to defeat Warrington 26-18 and lift the Super League trophy from fifth place, peaking at just the right time, and denying Warrington their first title since 1955.

A year later, Warrington responded with a 40-20 victory over Leeds in the Play-Offs.

Fast to forward to 2026, with a place in the Grand Final at stake, this latest chapter promises to be just as compelling.

Few clubs can match the Rhinos' pedigree when it comes to the Super League era.

From their maiden title success in 2004 to the treble-winning campaign of 2015 and their most recent Grand Final triumph in 2017, the Rhinos have established themselves as one of the competition's great dynasties.

Eight-time Super League champions, Leeds are now aiming to reach Old Trafford for the first time since 2022 and take another step towards regaining supremacy under head coach Brad Arthur.

For Warrington, the mission is equally gripping.

Sam Burgess has overseen another strong campaign, with the Wolves once again establishing themselves as genuine contenders.

But despite featuring regularly in the Play-Offs and reaching four Super League Grand Finals, Warrington are still searching for their first Super League title, having finished runners-up in 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2018.

That elusive Grand Final triumph remains the ultimate prize.

Ones to watch:

For Leeds, Jake Connor has been at the heart of Leeds' attacking brilliance this season. He finished the regular season as Super League’s top try assister with a whopping 43 assists to his name.

His vision, creativity and ability to unlock defences make him one of the competition's most dangerous playmakers.

Fellow half-back Brodie Croft will also look to thrive on the big occasion, and his game management could be crucial. Croft also enjoys a try against Warrington, having scored one in their last three meetings.

Meanwhile, Super League’s top try scorer in 2026 Maika Sivo adds a powerful edge out wide, combining strength and finishing ability to devastating effect whenever opportunities arise.

Veteran Kallum Watkins continues to lead from the front, providing experience, leadership and a consistent try-scoring threat. Having lived through Leeds' Golden Generation, Watkins knows exactly what is at stake and will understand better than most the significance of Friday's semi-final as the Rhinos bid to return to Old Trafford.

Finally, James McDonnell has become one of Leeds' most reliable performers. Tough in defence and dangerous close to the line, he'll have a big role to play this Friday.

Then, there’s plenty of ones to watch in a Wolves shirt.

Speedster Matty Ashton starred in his side’s Eliminator match last Saturday, crossing for a hat-trick. He remains one of the most exciting finishers in the competition and can turn a game in an instant.

Captain George Williams will once again be central to everything Warrington do, with his composure and creativity key to the Wolves' Grand Final hopes.

In the pack, Ben Currie brings leadership and tireless work rate, while centre Toby King offers experience and quality in both attack and defence.

Opposite Albert Hopoate also caught the eye in Warrington's Eliminator victory, proving a constant threat. If he can reproduce that fine form at AMT Headingley on Friday, then the Rhinos could have their hands full.

The stage is set:

Everything now comes down to 80 minutes.

For the Rhinos, it is an opportunity to return to Old Trafford for the first time since 2022 and move one step closer to a ninth Super League title.

For the Wolves, it is the chance to reach their first Grand Final since 2018 and keep alive hopes of finally securing that long-awaited Super League crown.

Expect fireworks…but who will shine under the Friday Night Lights? Find out live on Sky Sports!

Squads:

Rhinos: Maika Sivo, Harry Newman, Ryan Hall, Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O'Connor, Tom Holroyd, Kallum Watkins, James McDonnell, Keenan Palasia, Chris Hankinson, Cooper Jenkins, Cameron Smith, Presley Cassell, Riley Lumb, Ned McCormack, George Brown, Fergie McCormack, Zak Lloyd, Matt Lodge

Wolves: Cai Taylor-Wray, Josh Thewlis, Toby King, Albert Hopoate, Matty Ashton, George Williams, Luke Yates, Danny Walker, James Harrison, Sam Stone, Ben Currie, Sam Powell, Liam Byrne, Ewan Irwin, Leon Hayes, James Bentley, Joe Philbin, Arron Lindop, Max Wood, Josh Smith, Kelepi Tanginoa