Warrington edge past Leeds to reach Super League Grand Final

Warrington Wolves have secured a place in the Super League Grand Final after a 14-12 victory over Leeds Rhinos in a tense play-off semi-final at AMT Headingley Stadium.

The match swung back and forth, with each side scoring two tries in the first half to leave the score level at 12-12 at the break. After half-time, Warrington were awarded a contentious penalty, which 18-year-old Ewan Irwin converted coolly to put his side ahead.

Leeds half-back Jake Connor contributed 10 points, including a cleverly created first-half try, and attempted a 62-metre penalty goal with the game's final play, but the kick fell short of the posts.

Leeds entered the semi-final significantly weakened, missing several key players including the competition's top try scorer Maika Sivo, captain Ash Handley, and Man of Steel nominee Lachie Miller. The Rhinos suffered a further blow shortly before kick-off when Chris Hankinson was injured in the warm-up and replaced by Ned McCormack.

Warrington opened the scoring in the fifth minute, as a precise kick from England captain George Williams set up Matty Ashton to help create a try for former Rhino James Bentley. Leeds equalised through Ryan Hall, whose try was the 358th of his career. Late in the first half, Warrington prop Luke Yates scored a second try, which Irwin converted to level the scores heading into the break.

Both defences dominated the second half, and although Connor produced a spectacular 40/20 kick near the end, it was not enough to save Leeds. With the last play of the game, Connor's long-range penalty attempt failed, and Williams kicked the ball into touch to seal Warrington's win.

Warrington will face the winner of Wigan Warriors and Wakefield Trinity in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, with a chance to claim their first league title since 1955.