Wakefield Trinity survived the sending off of Emre Guler to progress to the semi-finals of the Super League playoffs for the first time after proving to be far too strong for Leigh Leopards.
Trinity, so long one of Super League’s perennial strugglers, have been revitalised under the ownership of Matt Ellis and the head coach Daryl Powell. In just three years, they have taken the club from the Championship to within 80 minutes of a first appearance in the Super League Grand Final.
Even the dismissal of Guler with 20 minutes remaining couldn’t derail Wakefield’s push as they had far too much quality for a Leigh side who simply couldn’t live with the skill and physicality of a Trinity team who look well equipped to go again next week. They will face either Wigan Warriors or Leeds Rhinos for a place at Old Trafford on the line.
Wakefield, roared on by a full house in West Yorkshire, began with the greater intent and purpose. They took a deserved lead from the boot of Max Jowitt after Joe Ofahengaue’s late hit on Mason Lino, the least their early dominance deserved. It was clear even from such an early stage that the Leopards were struggling with the pace of the game, which was being dictated by the hosts.
They were then unpicked as the midway point of the half approached with a piece of brilliance from Trinity’s star hooker, Tyson Smoothy. It was the Australian’s 40-20 which put Wakefield on the front foot again and with their next meaningful attacking opportunity they scored the first try of the night, as Smoothy dummied over from close range to make it 8-0.
The game was already threatening to spiral away from Leigh, and that was emphasised further on the half-hour mark. Smoothy was again influential, his pass opening up the space for Trinity to execute a pinpoint set move, giving Tom Johnstone just enough room to touch down in the corner despite pressure from Umyla Hanley.
Jowitt couldn’t convert that second Wakefield try but 12-0 seemed like a scoreline which felt huge given the prize at stake, as well as underlining Trinity’s dominance to that point. One more score before the break may well have swung the tie emphatically their favour but as half-time struck it was Leigh who delivered their own decisive moment.
Lachlan Lam’s imperious work close to the ruck afforded the space for a rare Leopards break downfield and from it David Armstrong was set free and had the pace to beat the chasing Wakefield defenders. Adam Cook converted and suddenly, a game that felt like it was only heading one way was back in the balance, with Wakefield ahead by just six.
The first score was crucial. And just like in the first half, Wakefield not only started the stronger of the two sides, but they were the side to claim the next points. First a superb carry from Caleb Hamlin-Uele gave Smoothy the chance to gain a quick play-the-ball and from it Trinity exploited Leigh’s right edge and Isaiah Vagana forced his way over the line under pressure.
That restored their 12-point advantage and four minutes later another of Trinity’s interchange forwards, Caius Faatili, burst through after more good work from Smoothy to make it 24-6. The tie felt as good as done but as the hour mark struck Guler produced a moment of madness, striking out at Owen Trout in the tackle and being sent off. From nowhere Leigh had chance in a game that felt as though had already passed them by.
It briefly looked as though a grandstand finale was on the cards when Lam scored to narrow the arrears. But Trinity dug deep and withstood further Leigh pressure, with a penalty from Jowitt heading into the final ten minutes giving them valuable breathing space.
Innes Senior scored a late consolation for Leigh, but their season is over. Wakefield’s, however, rolls on .
