Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards verdict as Sam Burgess’ side make it to Challenge Cup Final

Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards faced off looking to make it to the Challenge Cup Final and here’s our verdict on the game.

For a second year in a row, Warrington Wolves will contest the Challenge Cup Final with Sam Burgess’ side winning 21-14 against Leigh in a gritty game in searing conditions at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Ahead of the game, all eyes were on how Warrington would line up in their halves with George Williams out and Marc Sneyd a major concern. Fortunately for Sam Burgess, he has been able to call on Sneyd who now partners with Stefan Ratchford for the first time since 2010 when they did so for Salford.

Leigh are also boosted by the return of players such as David Armstrong, Umyla Hanley, Gareth O’Brien and Jack Hughes, with Adrian Lam’s side looking to set up a 2023 Challenge Cup Final rematch against Hull KR.

Here’s our verdict on how the game went.

Warrington Wolves return to Wembley after win over Leigh

The game got off to the worst possible start for the Warrington Wolves as Edwin Ipape charged down Marc Sneyd’s clearing kick before scooping up and running 40 metres to score in the corner, giving Leigh the lead after less than 60 seconds.

Warrington hit back quickly though Rodrick Tai who juggled the offload but eventually managed to ground after some great work by Josh Thewlis. Sneyd nailed the conversion to ensure Wire went 6-4 up and they added to that through Paul Vaughan as the powerful forward crashed over.

Sam Burgess’ side started to get into the ascendancy and they’d add to their lead before the half through both a Marc Sneyd penalty and a drop goal to make it 15-4. Burgess’ call to pack the bench with forward on a very hot day looked to pay dividends throughout a draining first half.

The first 20 minutes of the second half was end to end but with no side gaining control but Leigh did get one back through Tesi Niu with the powerful centre breaking through.

Around ten minutes later, Edwin Ipape gave away a penalty close to Leigh’s own line and Warrington shifted the ball wide left for Toby King to score in the corner. Sneyd’s kick made it 21-8 and looks to put the game out of sight, however, Leigh responded immediately.

It was Niu again who powered over in the corner and O’Brien nailed the conversion to make it 21-14 and give Leigh a chance heading into the final ten minutes of the game.

Those final ten minutes saw lots of action and some minor handbags but ultimately no points, meaning Warrington clung on to progress to a second consecutive Challenge Cup Final.

Good day for

Sam Burgess’ side were favourites for the game with the bookmakers but plenty had tipped Leigh to progress with questions over Warrington’s spine as well and their form in 2025. Warrington proved all the doubters wrong as they put in a very strong performance to make it to Wembley for a second year in a row.

Bad day for

Lachlan Fitzgibbon left the field in the second half and appeared to be in agony with the forward appearing to grasp his ribs. The second-rower missed plenty of time last year with a back issue and Sam Burgess will hope that there’s no such re-occurrence.

Star man

Matt Dufty continues to terrorise defences whenever he takes to the field but he was much improved defensively today. The full-back is pure box office with the ball in hand and after being exposed defensively against Wigan Warriors, he was back on top form against the Leopards.

Teams

Warrington Wolves XIII: Matt Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Rodrick Tai, Toby King, Matty Ashton; Stefan Ratchford, Marc Sneyd; Paul Vaughan, Sam Powell, Luke Yates; Adam Holroyd, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Ben Currie

Interchanges: Joe Philbin, Jordy Crowther, Arron Lindop, James Harrison

Leigh Leopards XIII: David Armstrong; Darnell McIntosh, Tesi Niu, Umyla Hanley, Josh Charnley; Gaz O’Brien, Lachlan Lam; Robbie Mulhern, Edwin Ipape, Owen Trout; Jack Hughes, Ethan O’Neill, Isaac Liu

Interchanges: Matty Davis, Joe Ofahengaue, Bailey Hodgson, Ben McNamara

🤩 Who will take the last place in the @Betfred #ChallengeCup Final?

👀 Catch @WarringtonRLFC take on @LeighLeopardsRL live at 16:15 on @BBCTwo! pic.twitter.com/135A3PmVXh

— Betfred Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) May 11, 2025