Wakefield Trinity reached their first ever Super League semi-final with a 26-16 victory over Leigh Leopards in the Eliminators.
Trinity were thrown a spanner in the works in the second half when Emre Guler was shown a red card for what appeared to be a punch in a tackle with Owen Trout, reducing the home team to 12 players.
However, Wakefield had done enough prior to that to see them over the line and continue their incredible rise since returning back to the top flight in 2024.
Wakefield had a narrow half-time lead 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 the half-time hooter through David Armstrong and a conversion from Adam Cook to bring the score to 12-6.
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Take a look at the best of special guest Chris Kamara at the Super League Eliminators semi-final between Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards.
However, early in the second half, Wakefield took charge through their forward pack, with converted tries from Isaiah Vagan and Caius Faatili moving them way ahead.
Guler’s card then halted their control and Leigh hit back through Lachlan Lam and, later on, Innes Senior.
Despite Leigh giving it their all, a Jowitt penalty kept the visitors at arm’s length and secured their biggest win to date.
Wakefield will now wait to find out whether they will face Wigan Warriors or Leeds Rhinos in the semi-finals. Their opponent depends upon the winner of Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, which is live on Sky Sports on Saturday 19 September, with kick-off at 5.30pm.
More to follow…
Super League play-offs results and schedule
Eliminators
Friday September 18: Wakefield Trinity 26-26 Leigh Leopards
Saturday September 19, Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, KO 5.30pm on Sky Sports
Semi-finals
Semi-Final 1 – Friday September 25, Leeds Rhinos vs TBC, 8pm 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 under way, live on Sky Sports, and continues all the way through until the Grand Final from Old Trafford on October 3.
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