Wakefield Trinity reached the first Super League semi-final with a 26-16 win over Leigh Leopards in the Eliminators.
Trinity were thrown into action in the second half when Emre Guler was shown a red card for what appeared to be a punch to Owen Trout, reducing the home side to 12 men.
However, Wakefield had done enough before that to see them over the line and continue their incredible rise since returning to the top flight in 2024.
Wakefield took a narrow lead at half-time thanks to a Max Jowitt penalty, plus tries from Tyson Smoothy and Tom Johnstone, with Jowitt converting one of the two for their 12 points.
Leigh hit back just before half-time with David Armstrong and a conversion from Adam Cook to make it 12-6.
However, early in the second half, Wakefield took the lead through their forward pack, with converted tries from Isaiah Vagan and Caius Faatili putting them well ahead.
Guler’s brace then halted their grip and Leigh hit back through Lachlan Lam and, later, Innes Senior.
Despite Leigh giving it their all, a Jowitt penalty kept the visitors at bay and secured their biggest win to date.
Wakefield will now wait to find out if they will face Wigan Warriors or Leeds Rhinos in the semi-finals. Their opponent depends on the winner of Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, which is live Sky Sports on Saturday September 19, starting at 5:30 p.m.
More to follow…
Results and schedule of the Superliga play offs
qualifiers
Friday September 18: Wakefield Trinity 26-26 Leigh Leopards
Saturday 19th September, Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, KO 5.30pm Sky Sports
semifinals
Semi Final 1 – Friday 25 September, Leeds Rhinos vs TBC, 20:00 KO on Sky Sports
Semi Final 2 – Saturday 26 September, Wigan Warriors v TBC, 5.30pm KO on Sky Sports
The Super League play-offs are underway, live on Sky Sports, and continue until the grand final from Old Trafford on October 3.
