Wakefield reach Super League semi-finals after eliminator win over Leigh
Wakefield Trinity defeated Leigh Leopards in the Super League playoff eliminator at Wakefield on 18 September 2026 to advance to the semi-finals.
Trinity, long viewed as one of Super League’s struggling clubs, have been revitalised under owner Matt Ellis and head coach Daryl Powell and in three years have risen from the Championship to within 80 minutes of a first appearance in the Super League Grand Final; they began the match in front of a full house in West Yorkshire with strong early intent.
Wakefield opened the scoring from the boot of Max Jowitt after Joe Ofahengaue’s late hit on Mason Lino and then capitalised on a field position gain from Tyson Smoothy’s 40-20; Smoothy’s close-range dummy put Trinity 8-0 up. Smoothy then created space with a pass for Tom Johnstone to touch down in the corner, a try Jowitt could not convert, leaving Wakefield 12-0 ahead before Leigh struck back late in the half. Lachlan Lam’s work near the ruck released David Armstrong for a downfield break that Armstrong finished, with Adam Cook converting to reduce the deficit to six at the interval.
Wakefield resumed on the front foot and extended their lead when a big carry from Caleb Hamlin-Uele allowed Smoothy a quick play-the-ball and Isaiah Vagana forced his way over to restore a 12-point advantage. Four minutes later Smoothy again created the opportunity for interchange forward Caius Faatili to break through and score, moving the scoreline to 24-6.
As the hour mark struck, Emre Guler was sent off for striking out at Owen Trout in the tackle, reducing Wakefield to 12 men and giving Leigh a renewed chance. Leigh responded when Lam scored to narrow the margin, but Wakefield absorbed further pressure and a penalty from Jowitt heading into the final ten minutes provided valuable breathing space for the hosts.
Innes Senior added a late consolation try for Leigh, but their season concluded with the defeat while Wakefield progressed. The winners will face either Wigan Warriors or Leeds Rhinos for a place at Old Trafford.