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Warrington Wolves stun Leeds 14-12 to reach Grand Final

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 2:41 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Warrington Beats Leeds

Warrington Wolves beat Leeds Rhinos 14-12 in the Super League semi-final at Headingley.
Referee upheld Ewan Irwin’s penalty after James McDonnell was penalised for escorting George Williams, despite Leeds’ challenge.
Warrington reaches its first Grand Final since 2018 and first league title since 1955.
Warrington will meet either Wigan Warriors or Wakefield Trinity at Old Trafford on October 3.

Summary

Hankinson Signs Extension

Warrington will keep the same starting 13 that beat Hull KR, benching Sam Powell for Leon Hayes.
Leeds will start 20-year-old Fergie McCormack at full-back after injuries to Handley, Miller and Bird.
Chris Hankinson signed a contract extension through the end of 2028 and will shift to centre.
Ash Handley is ruled out with a disc-bulge injury.
Jack Bird misses out with a hamstring problem.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the Rugby Football League approved a £77 million Murdoch-backed deal that reshaped British rugby league, switching the top tier from a winter First Division to a summer Super League launched in 1996 with twelve clubs—including Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos—and a Sky Sports broadcast contract. The format introduced playoffs at Old Trafford, a structure echoed today as Warrington meets Leeds in the Headingley semi-final.

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Warrington Beats Leeds

Warrington Wolves beat Leeds Rhinos 14-12 in the Super League semi-final at Headingley.
Referee upheld Ewan Irwin’s penalty after James McDonnell was penalised for escorting George Williams, despite Leeds’ challenge.
Warrington reaches its first Grand Final since 2018 and first league title since 1955.
Warrington will meet either Wigan Warriors or Wakefield Trinity at Old Trafford on October 3.

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