Betfred Super League Round 14
Sunday 15 June 2025 (2:30pm)
DIY Kitchens Stadium, Belle Vue
Wakefield Trinity 20-24 Leigh Leopards
Leopards earned their fifth away win of the Betfred Super League season in a thrilling game played out on an emotional Father’s Day at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.
Joe Ofahengaue was the match-winner with a dramatic close range try six minutes from time.
Watched by his father Steve, who has just recently vacated the coaching role at Catalans, Ben McNamara played another crucial role with the assist to confirm his Player of the Match award.
In the dying seconds Keanan Brand, Umyla Hanley and Davey Armstrong combined in a brilliant tackle to deny Trinity dangerman Max Jowitt a try in the left corner.
Played on a warm afternoon at a ground that has been transformed into a fantastic arena for the sport, the game was dedicated to Trinity head coach Daryl Powell’s grandson Clarke. The brave toddler has been receiving treatment for leukaemia, and he led the teams out when he was carried on to the pitch by his mother. Players from both teams took to the field accompanied by their children to add to the occasion.
Leopards started strongly with Armstrong showing his class with two incisive finishes and Darnell McIntosh completing a brilliant length-of-the field counterattack, Lachlan Lam with a sublime pass for the assist. McIntosh, dangerous throughout, was denied what looked like another certain try after Jowitt’s last ditch tackle.
McNamara’s inside pass for Armstrong’s second try was as good approach play as you’ll see and the stand-off, playing his 50th senior game, has settled quickly into his halfback partnership with Lam.
Trinity’s huge pack, with England international Mike McMeekin to the fore and ex-Leigh favourite Liam Hood calling the shots at dummy half takes some containing.
It needed a big effort from the Leopards forwards and Edwin Ipape, playing his 100th senior game, and his pack mates rose to the occasion.
Powell’s side are also hugely dangerous in the backs, especially when the outstanding Jowitt joins the attack. They outflanked the Leopards defence on the right to briefly take the lead early in the contest, then hauled themselves to within six points at the interval when Oliver Pratt sliced over on the left.
After the compelling action of a frenzied first half the second half was a cagier affair with Trinity edging to within two points through Jowitt’s penalty before regaining the lead when Corey Hall leapt the highest to claim Jake Trueman’s pinpoint kick.
Leopards found the way to win it when Ofahengaue struck from close range to steal it inside the final few minutes, McNamara adding his fourth goal.
Streamed live on BBC2 this game was Super League at its best between two sides clearly on the up.
Leopards now head to the South of France after two great away wins, their top four place thoroughly deserved.
Trinity
Max Jowitt; Tom Johnstone, Corey Hall, Oliver Pratt, Matty Russell; Jake Trueman, Mason Lino; Mike McMeekin, Liam Hood, Isaiah Vagana, Jack Croft, Josh Griffin, Jay Pitts
Bench:
Mathieu Cozza, Josh Rourke, Harvey Smith, Caius Faatili. 18th player: Seth Nikotemo
Tries:
Jowitt (9), Pratt (38), Hall (64)
Goals:
Jowitt 4/4
Leopards
Davey Armstrong; Keanan Brand, Umyla Hanley, Tesi Niu, Darnell McIntosh; Ben McNamara, Lachlan Lam; Joe Ofahengaue, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern, Frankie Halton, Owen Trout, Isaac Liu
Bench:
Jack Highes, Alec Tuitavake, Matt Davis, Bailey Hodgson (not used). 18th player: Josh Charnley
Tries:
Armstrong (4, 23), McIntosh (33), Ofahengaue (74)
Goals:
McNamara 4/6
Scoring sequence: 0-4, 6-4, 6-6, 6-12, 6-14, 6-18, 12-18 (ht) 14-18, 20-18, 20-24
Referee: Jack Smith; Video referee: Liam Moore; Touch-judges: D Bowmer & N Horton; Reserve referee: M Clayton; Timekeeper; D Milburn; M Com: P Crashley.
Attendance: 7,147
Penalty count: 9-8
GLDO: 1-2
