The 2026 Betfred Super League play-offs burst into life over the weekend, with two high-octane Elimination Finals determining who keeps their Grand Final dream alive.
Only winning performers from the opening round of post-season action feature in this week’s line-up after Wakefield Trinity overcame a second-half red card to defeat Leigh Leopards 26-16, while Warrington Wolves dethroned Hull KR 35-12.
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Super League team of the week
Full-back: Max Jowitt (Wakefield Trinity) A masterclass in goal-kicking composure under the post-season spotlight. Jowitt punished Leigh’s indiscipline at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, slotting five crucial goals and providing an assist to guide Trinity through.
Wing: Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves) The undisputed player of the round. Ashton produced a lethal hat-trick performance at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, scoring three tries to blow the game open and send Warrington into the semi-finals.
Centre: Toby King (Warrington Wolves) A towering performance out wide against Hull KR. King combined slick handling with relentless running and capped off Wire’s dominant night by crossing for a late second-half try.
Centre: Corey Hall (Wakefield Trinity) Put in a massive shift in the backline at home. Hall produced disciplined edge defense to shut down Leigh’s outside threats and made vital ground out of backfield.
Wing: Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity) A constant menace on the wing, Johnstone displayed elite finishing to cross for a crucial first-half try that helped build Wakefield’s early control.
Stand-off: Ewan Irwin (Warrington Wolves) Stepped up on the big stage alongside George Williams. Irwin was practically flawless off the tee, kicking five conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking away from the Robins.
Scrum-half: Jake Trueman (Wakefield Trinity) Showed calm, veteran direction in a tense play-off environment. Trueman controlled Wakefield’s attacking sets and used his kicking game to pin Leigh deep in their own territory.
Prop: Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves) A captain’s effort from the front. Currie set the physical tone early for Warrington, crashing over for the opening try of the match in just the third minute.
Hooker: Tyson Smoothy (Wakefield Trinity) A pivotal performance from dummy-half. Smoothy burrowed over for a key 17th-minute try and marshalled Trinity’s defensive line after they were reduced to 12 men in the second half.
Prop: Ky Rodwell (Wakefield Trinity) Rolled up his sleeves during an intense middle battle. Rodwell provided the front-row muscle Wakefield desperately required after Emre Guler’s red card.
Second-row: Isaiah Vagana (Wakefield Trinity) A tireless worker on the edge for Daryl Powell’s side. Vagana rewarded Trinity’s early second-half pressure by powering over for a try to extend their lead.
Second-row: James Bentley (Warrington Wolves) Brought relentless energy and aggression to Warrington’s back-row. Bentley won the physical battle on the fringe, restricting Hull KR’s pack and winning vital field position.
Loose-forward: Jazz Tevaga (Wakefield Trinity) Pure work-rate through the middle. Tevaga provided the physical steel required to hold off Leigh’s late fightback, leading from the front in a grueling Elimination Final.
