Warrington Wolves secured their first Super League Grand Final appearance in eight years with a tense 14-12 victory over Leeds Rhinos at AMT Headingley Stadium.
The match was a back-and-forth contest, with both sides trading two tries each before the break, leaving the score level at 12-12. The decisive moment came in the second half when Warrington was awarded a controversial penalty. Eighteen-year-old Ewan Irwin calmly slotted the kick to give the Wolves the slender lead they held until the final whistle.
Leeds, missing several key players including top try scorer Maika Sivo, captain Ash Handley, and Man of Steel nominee Lachie Miller, struggled to maintain consistency. Their problems were compounded when Chris Hankinson was forced out moments before kickoff due to injury, replaced by Ned McCormack.
Warrington capitalised early. After five minutes, England captain George Williams delivered a precise kick that Matty Ashton collected before finding former Rhino James Bentley, who crossed for the opening try. Leeds responded quickly as Brodie Croft’s cut-out pass found Ryan Hall, who scored his 358th career try, equalling Neil Fox’s all-time scoring record. Jake Connor added the conversion to level the scores.
Connor was a constant threat for Leeds, creating a first-half try with an inventive midfield play and combining well with full-back Fergie McCormack. Connor’s kick over the top set up McCormack for a try, with Kallum Watkins assisting. The Rhinos took the lead briefly before Warrington’s prop Luke Yates cut through to score just before halftime, with Irwin tying the game again with the conversion.
The second half was marked by strong defensive efforts from both teams. Warrington’s James McDonnell was penalised for an off-the-ball challenge on Williams, leading to the penalty that Irwin converted. Leeds pushed hard in response, with Keenan Palasia blocking a kick near his own line and Bentley making a crucial tackle that forced a knock-on.
In the closing minutes, Connor executed a remarkable 40/20 kick, but a knock-on by Palasia nullified the advantage. Connor had a chance to send the game into golden point with a long-range goal attempt in injury time but fell short. Williams ended the match by kicking the ball into touch, sealing Warrington’s win to the relief of their travelling fans.
The Wolves will now face either Wigan Warriors or Wakefield Trinity at Old Trafford next Saturday, aiming for their first Super League title since 1955.
Leeds’ lineup included Fergie McCormack, Ned McCormack, Newman, Hall, Croft, Connor, Oledzki, O’Connor, Lodge, Watkins, McDonnell, and Palasia. Warrington fielded Josh Thewlis, Albert Hopoate, Arron Lindop, King, Ashton, Williams, Irwin, Byrne, Walker, Harrison, Bentley, Stone, and Currie.
This result leaves Warrington just one victory away from the Super League crown.
According to BBC Sports.