Eliminators Round Up

There were no second chances in the Eliminators this weekend, with two sensational spectacles on show as the Road to Old Trafford got underway!

The first Betfred Super League Play-Off Eliminator delivered a historic night at an electric DIY Kitchens Stadium as Wakefield Trinity booked their place in the semi-finals for the first time in the club's Super League history with a 26-16 victory over Leigh Leopards.

With a place in the final four on the line, Trinity made the brighter start under the Friday Night Lights and edged ahead through an early Max Jowitt penalty before hooker Tyson Smoothy produced the opening try after his own superb 40/20 laid the platform deep in Leigh territory.

The home side's powerful pack continued to set the tone, and their pressure was rewarded again when Tom Johnstone acrobatically finished in the corner, and Jowitt's conversion gave Wakefield a 12-0 advantage.

Leigh responded just before the break with a moment of quality. A slick move involving Lachlan Lam and Owen Trout released David Armstrong, who raced away to score and reduce the deficit to six points at half-time.

However, Trinity emerged after the interval determined to take control. Isaiah Vagana sliced through the Leopards defence for Wakefield's third try before Caius Faatili powered over as Daryl Powell's side opened up a commanding lead.

The contest took another twist when Wakefield forward Emre Guler was shown a red card, leaving Trinity to negotiate the closing stages with 12 men. Leigh attempted to capitalise, with Lachlan Lam crossing and Innes Senior adding a late score, but Jowitt's crucial penalty ensured the hosts would be celebrating on the final hooter.

The result sees Wakefield move to within 80 minutes of Old Trafford and continue a remarkable rise under Powell, while the Leopards’ season comes to an end despite a spirited fightback in the second half.

Trinity’s memorable 2026 campaign rolls on, as they now prepare to face a red hot Wigan Warriors in Semi-Final 2 next Saturday.

In Eliminator 2, Warrington Wolves kept their Old Trafford dreams alive with an impressive 35-12 victory over Hull KR.

In front of a huge crowd at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, the Wolves entertained and took a 12-6 lead into the break thanks to tries from Ben Currie and Matty Ashton on what was his 100th Super League try, with Joe Burgess replying for the visitors.

The game turned early in the second half when the Robins’ Peta Hiku was shown a red card, allowing Warrington to take full control.

Ashton starred with a stunning hat-trick, while Albert Hopoate and Toby King also crossed in emphatic fashion as Sam Burgess' side pulled away.

Dean Hadley scored Hull KR's only second-half try, but it proved little more than a consolation.

The victory sends Warrington into the Semi-Finals, where they will face Leeds Rhinos on Friday for a place in the Super League Grand Final. 

The defeat ends Hull KR's season and their reign as Super League champions under head coach Willie Peters.

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