Semi-Finals Round Up

Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity have booked their places in the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final following their scintillating semi-final victories.

Warrington Wolves are heading to Old Trafford for the first time since 2018 after edging Leeds Rhinos 12-14 in a tense Play-Off Semi-Final at AMT Headingley Stadium on Friday Night.

With a place at The Big Dance next Saturday on the line, there was little to separate the sides throughout a fiercely contested encounter.

The Wolves struck first when former Rhino James Bentley finished off a well-worked attacking move, before Leeds responded through veteran winger Ryan Hall to level the scores, with Hall's try drawing him level with former Wakefield legend Neil Fox in the all-time scorers list on 358 career tries.

The home side then seized the momentum when Jake Connor produced a moment of individual brilliance, creating and finishing a try of his own to put Leeds ahead.

But Warrington hit back before the break as Luke Yates powered over, ensuring the teams went into half-time locked together at 12-12.

With defences on top after the interval, points proved difficult to come by. The decisive moment arrived midway through the second half when Warrington were awarded a penalty, and teenage half-back Ewan Irwin held his nerve to kick the goal that edged the visitors in front.

Leeds refused to go away and pushed for a late winner, but Warrington stood firm. In a dramatic and nervy finish, Connor attempted a long-range penalty from 62 metres with the final play of the game, only to see the effort fall short.

The victory sends Sam Burgess' side to Old Trafford and keeps alive their hopes of claiming a first league title since 1955.

On Saturday, Wigan Warriors hosted Wakefield Trinity in Semi-Final 2, with the visitors producing one of the biggest upsets in recent Super League history to secure their place at Old Trafford.

Trinity stunned the League Leaders' Shield winners with a commanding 6-33 victory, ending Wigan's hopes of completing a treble and booking a first ever Super League Grand Final appearance.

The hosts struck first when Brad O'Neill crashed over from close range while Wakefield were reduced to 12 men following Jazz Tevaga's sin-bin. But Trinity responded brilliantly.

Tom Johnstone crossed in the corner before Max Jowitt added a penalty to give the visitors a narrow 8-6 lead heading into the break.

The game's defining moment came early in the second half when Wigan centre Adam Keighran was shown a yellow card.

Wakefield seized control in ruthless fashion, with Johnstone grabbing his second try before Jack Sinfield and Corey Hall crossed in quick succession. Ky Rodwell then powered over as Daryl Powell's side ran in four tries during a blistering spell that left the home crowd shellshocked.

Mason Lino's late drop goal and another Jowitt penalty added further gloss to the scoreline as Wakefield completed a remarkable 33-point haul, restricting Wigan to just their first-half score.

The victory caps an extraordinary rise for Trinity, who were playing Championship rugby league as recently as 2024, and leaves them one win away from a first league championship since the sixties.

Wakefield will now take on Warrington Wolves in next Saturday's Grand Final, guaranteeing a sixth new name on the Super League trophy.

Warrington Wolves will face Wakefield Trinity in the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final on Saturday 3 October (K.O. 6pm). Don't miss Rugby League's biggest night and get your tickets here!