Warrington edge past Leeds to reach Grand Final
Warrington Wolves secured their first Super League Grand Final appearance in eight years with a narrow victory over an injury-depleted Leeds Rhinos side at Headingley. The Wolves now stand just one win away from claiming their first league title since 1955, with the Grand Final scheduled for Old Trafford next Saturday against either Wigan Warriors or Wakefield Trinity. The match proved pivotal for both sides, with Warrington ultimately prevailing in a tense encounter that was decided by a controversial penalty award in the second half.
The semi-final was evenly balanced throughout, with both teams trading tries to reach 12-12 at half-time. The decisive moment came after the break when James McDonnell was penalised for an off-the-ball challenge, allowing 18-year-old Ewan Irwin to kick Warrington ahead. Leeds, hampered by injuries to key players including top try scorer Maika Sivo, captain Ash Handley and Lachie Miller, mounted a spirited response but ultimately fell short. Half-back Jake Connor was instrumental for Leeds, scoring 10 points and orchestrating several attacking moves, though his final 62-metre goal attempt fell short in the match's dying moments.
- Warrington reach first Grand Final in eight years after narrow semi-final victory
- 18-year-old Irwin's controversial penalty kicked them to victory over injury-hit Leeds
- Wolves need one more win for first league title since 1955