Warrington edge Leeds in semi-final thriller to reach Super League Grand Final
Warrington held their nerve for a 14-12 win over Leeds at Headingley to book a first Grand Final trip since 2018.
Warrington Wolves held on for a tense 14–12 victory over Leeds Rhinos in Friday’s Super League play-off semi-final at Headingley, booking their first trip to the Grand Final at Old Trafford since 2018.
With the scores locked at 12–12, Ewan Irwin converted the decisive penalty in the 65th minute. Referee Chris Kendall penalised Leeds’ James McDonnell for an escort on George Williams, a call upheld by video referee Liam Rush, and Irwin held his nerve to make it 14–12.
Warrington defended their two-point lead through the final quarter-hour to end Leeds’ 2026 season in heartbreaking fashion at the Leeds venue.
Leeds head coach Brad Arthur was furious with the decisive call after the game. “I’m really disappointed that I feel like the game’s been decided by a very, very tough penalty. That penalty should not have been decided in a game of that magnitude,” he said.
The result means Leeds’ season is over while Warrington march on to the Grand Final on Saturday 3 October. They will face the winner of Saturday’s other semi-final, Wigan Warriors v Wakefield Trinity, which kicks off at 5.30pm.
The Guardian framed it as a night on which Irwin held his nerve to sink Leeds and send Warrington through.
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