Betfred Super League Elimination Playoff

Friday 26 September 2025

Leopards Den (8pm)

Leigh Leopards 26-10 Wakefield Trinity

Leopards reached their second successive Betfred Super League semi-final – and another trip to Borough rivals Wigan- after a dominant display against Wakefield at an exuberant Leopards Den.

Playing their first home playoff tie in the top flight in the summer era, Leopards thrilled the majority of a noisy 10,011 crowd amid a fantastic atmosphere of smoke and bubble machines, lasers, pyros and the return of Elvis to the AB Sundecks stage.

Leopards played near perfect playoff football, dominating the first half in terms of possession and territory and scoring three clinical tries, all converted from the boot of Gareth O’Brien.

Keanan Brand and Josh Charnley crossed on either flank sandwiched by the tremendous footwork and determination of Isaac Liu for his superb solo try.

Trinity got on the scoresheet with a Jayden Myers try in the corner but O’Brien’s penalty and a barnstorming close range finish by Alec Tuitavake sealed the Leopards’ success.

Cam Scott, once a loan player from Hull FC for the then Centurions five years ago, scored a superb individual try to sent Trinity’s massive following home with some reward.

Two years ago Trinity looked down and out as they lost at LSV and suffered relegation to the Championship. Since then they have rebuilt magnificently under new owner Matt Ellis and enjoyed a great season back in the top flight.

For the Leopards the prospect of a first-ever Grand Final appearance is only 80 minutes away.

Leopards

Bailey Hodgson; Keanan Brand, Umyla Hanley, Tesi Niu, Josh Charnley; Gareth O’Brien; Lachlan Lam; Joe Ofahemgaue. Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern, Frankie Halton, Owen Trout, Isaac Liu

Bench:

Jack Hughes, Alex Tuitavake, Matt Davis, Brad Dwyer. 18th player: Ethan O’Neill (not used)

Tries:

Brand (11), Liu (24), Charnley (28), Tuitavake (62)

Goals:

O’Brien 5/ 5

Trinity

Josh Rourke; Jayden Myers, Cameron Scott, Oliver Pratt, Tom Johnstone; Jake Trueman, Mason Linu; Mike McMeekin, Liam Hood, Cauis Faatili, Josh Griffin, Matty Storton, Jay Pitts

Bench:

Ky Rodwell, Seth Nikotemo, Renouf Atoni, Harvey Smith. 18th player: Mathieu Cozza (not used)

Tries:

Nyers (44), Scott (71)

Goals:

Lino 1/ 2

Scoring sequence:

6-0, 12-0, 18-0 (ht) 18-4, 20-4, 26-4, 26-10

Referee: Liam Moore

Touch judges: R Cox & J Roberts

Reserve referee: Aaron Moore

M Com: Keith Leyland; Video referee: Tom Grant; Reserve touch judge: R Thompson; Timekeeper: A Smith

Attendance: 10,011

Penalty count: 2-3

GLDO: 0-2

Main Match sponsor: ESS (CE) Ltd

Player of the Match sponsor: PSL Plumbing & Heating (awarded to Joe Ofahengaue)

Mach Ball sponsor: Vaylia Integrated Security

Champagne Moment sponsor: Little Village Saddleworth (awarded to Alec Tuitavake’s try)

Retail & kit partner: Reebok