Warrington Wolves made it through to the Super League Grand Final with a 14-12 victory over Leeds Rhinos, a controversial penalty proving the difference at Headingley Stadium.

It marks Warrington’s first Grand Final since 2018 and they have never been victors in the big dance before. Leeds, meanwhile, are left waiting once again, with their last Grand Final victory coming all the way back in 2017.

The flashpoint of the match came in the 66th minute when James McDonnell was pinged for an escort on George Williams. It appeared as though Williams had potentially run into the Leeds man’s line, but despite the Rhinos using their Captain’s Challenge the decision was upheld and Ewan Irwin sent over the conversion to win the game.

Remarkably, with no time remaining on the clock, Jake Connor attempted to send over a penalty for Leeds from 62 metres out to level the game but could not get enough power on it.

The game was level at 12-12 at the break in what was an enthralling contest. Leeds Rhinos had got onto the scoreboard through converted tries from Ryan Hall and Jake Connor, while Warrington had gone over through James Bentley and Luke Yates.

Warrington will find out their opponent for the Grand Final on Saturday when Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity, live on Sky Sports, with kick-off at 5.30pm.

The Super League Grand Final then takes place on Saturday October 3, with kick-off at 6pm, live on Sky Sports.

Penalty the difference as Warrington into big dance for first time since 2018

The strategies of both teams became clear early on. Leeds, rocked by the losses of backs Lachie Miller, Maika Sivo, Ash Handley and Jack Bird, put their emphasis through the middle, relying on their pack to win the attritional battle.

Meanwhile, Warrington put their focus on an aerial bombardment of Hall at the end of their sets. That paid dividends as early as the fifth minute when Matty Ashton out-jumped the try-scoring legend and found Toby King, who passed in field to Bentley for the former Rhino to open the scoring.

But Leeds would hit back 12 minutes later. Hall would get the better of Ashton this time as the Warrington flier made a defensive misread and slipped, giving Hall the space to score from Brodie Croft’s cut-out pass.

Warrington wasted a gilt-edged chance soon after, with Albert Hopoate unable to ground a Williams grubber despite having no Leeds defenders around him.

The Rhinos punished them within minutes. It was a try crafted and finished by Connor. The current Man of Steel kicked over the Warrington defence, Ned McCormack got there first, passed to Kallum Watkins, who drew the last defender and put Connor away for a score. His two conversions gave Leeds a 12-6 lead.

That, however, was nullified before the break. Williams’ flat pass found Luke Yates, who wriggled out of Cooper Jenkins’ grasp to score by the sticks. Irwin’s second goal put the game level at half-time.

The second half was an attritional battle, with neither side giving an inch. They both made errors with the ball but were unrelenting in defence.

The breakthrough eventually came, in controversial circumstances. McDonnell was adjudged to have taken out Williams while chasing a kick, albeit it appeared harsh. Leeds’ Captain’s Challenge was unsuccessful and Irwin slotted over the penalty for a two-point lead.

The drama wasn’t over though. While Warrington handled the closing period well, there were moments. Connor thought he’d come up with a clutch 40/20 out of nothing, only for Warrington to successfully overturn the call as Keenan Palasia had offloaded after the tackle was completed.

Then, with the final play of the game, Leeds received a penalty, and Connor opted to go for two to level the game from 62 metres out.

Headingley held its breath, but his kick fell short, allowing Warrington to kick the ball dead and secure their passage to Old Trafford.

Just 12 months earlier in the play-offs St Helens had a penalty from 60 metres out with no time remaining but opted to kick to touch and stunned Leeds with their ‘Left to Wright’ finish. The Rhinos will never know if they could have done the same.

Arthur: That penalty call should not deciding game of this magnitude | Burgess: There’s nothing to celebrate about yet

Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur to Sky Sports:

“It’s a tough loss. I’m extremely proud of the boys.

“Everything that could go wrong probably did this week. But we didn’t use it as an excuse.

“We fought really hard, and I’m really disappointed. I feel like the game has been decided by a really tough penalty.

“That penalty should not be deciding a game of that magnitude.

“There was plenty of fight, but in the end it wasn’t enough. The only thing we could control was our attitude, and ours was excellent.

“We didn’t want it to end this way. It would have been nice to let the two teams decide the result I reckon.”

Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess to Sky Sports:

“There’s nothing to celebrate about yet.

“It’s out of our hands in that moment [Connor’s penalty], so what was going to be was going to be.

“I’d composed myself either way. You’ve got to save the emotion.

“I was nervous, and I wanted us to experience this as a group together, getting to the final week of the season.

“We want to enjoy this week and make the most of it. And get our best performance onto the field. We want to do eveyrthing that will help that.”

Eliminators

Friday September 18: Wakefield Trinity 26-16 Leigh Leopards

Saturday September 19: Warrington Wolves 35-12 Hull KR

Semi-finals

Semi-Final 1 – Friday September 25: Leeds Rhinos 12-14 Warrington Wolves

Semi-Final 2 – Saturday September 26: Wigan Warriors v Wakefield Trinity, 5.30pm KO on Sky Sports

The Super League play-offs are under way, live on Sky Sports, and continue all the way through until the Grand Final from Old Trafford on October 3.

Reports claim that an independent tribunal has reached decisions in Manchester City’s 115 charges case. Sky Sports analyses what could happen next in the inquiry…

What is the appeals process?

If any of the breaches are proven, it is highly likely Manchester City will appeal. In this case, both sides can appeal within 14 days of the judgment.

Any appeal would be heard by a new three-person commission.

A judgement can be appealed on grounds such as fraud, misconduct, or gross unfairness by the arbitrator. City cannot appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In 2014, City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak said he would rather spend £30m on the best 50 lawyers in the world and sue UEFA for the next 10 years than agree a financial penalty for alleged Financial Fair Play breaches.

Premier League rules on appeals and role of the Appeal Board

A party to the proceedings that wishes to challenge a decision of the Commission may do so under Section W of the Premier League Rules.

An Appeal Board is appointed by the chair of the independent judicial panel, Sir Gary Hickinbottom, and must have three members, one of whom should have held judicial office, and would sit as the chair of the Appeal Board.

The proceedings of the Appeal Board are confidential and heard in private.

The Appeal Board has wide discretion in respect of the appeal, and may allow it, dismiss it, or make any order that it deems fit (including varying the order of Commission).

What are the potential punishments?

There are a range of sanctions available to the independent commission which include fines, points deductions and other sporting sanctions.

The Premier League do not have set sanctions for financial rule breaches. Clubs decided not to have them because there were fears clubs would break the rules and just take the punishment if they knew what the punishment was going to be.

In February 2025, Richard Masters said the Premier League were looking at having a Sanctions Grid – setting out agreed sanctions for different rules breaches.

Everton were deducted six points on appeal during the 2023/24 season and then two points for profit and sustainability rules (PSR) breaches. Nottingham Forest were deducted four points in the same season.

In the 2008/09 season, Luton Town were deducted 30 points (10 points for illegal payments to agents and 20 points for exiting administration without a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA).

In 2021/22 seson, Derby County were deducted 21 points (12 points for entering administration and nine points for financial irregularities).

Can sanctions be imposed while an appeal is under way?

There would be a separate hearing to determine sanctions.

Would the appeal be the end of the matter?

The appeal would be the end of this part of the process. No appeal to CAS would be possible.

There would likely to be more legal cases though, with clubs potentially taking action against City over missing out on trophies and Champions League qualification.

It was a semi-final that had it all: hard-hitting rugby, controversy and a late dash of attempted heroics.

It started as expected with two big packs going at each other, the likes of Keenan Palasia and Ben Currie standing up for their sides as they have all season.

It hit the crunch point with 14 minutes remaining when James McDonnell was penalised for an escort on George Williams. In truth, it looked like Williams ran into the Leeds man’s line, but even with a Captain’s Challenge the decision was upheld.

That allowed Ewan Irwin to break the deadlock and send over the two points that sealed Warrington’s spot in the Grand Final for the first time in eight years.

Whether it was a penalty or not will be debated and discussed. For Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthue it is not the type of decision that should be deciding a semi-final.

“It’s a tough loss. I’m extremely proud of the boys,” Arthur told Sky Sports.

“Everything that could go wrong probably did this week. But we didn’t use it as an excuse.

“We fought really hard, and I’m really disappointed. I feel like the game has been decided by a really tough penalty.

“That penalty should not be deciding a game of that magnitude.

“There was plenty of fight, but in the end it wasn’t enough. The only thing we could control was our attitude, and ours was excellent.

“We didn’t want it to end this way. It would have been nice to let the two teams decide the result I reckon.”

“I don’t want McDonnell wearing that because he did nothing wrong,” Arthur later added.

“McDonnell’s eyes were not on him.”

Was there even enough contact to knock Williams over? Most say no. What is agreed on is that Williams “played the game” and got the reward.

“I don’t think strictly that is a penalty. I don’t think it is,” said Sky Sports Rugby League’s Jon Wilkin.

“I think James McDonnell is running back, looking where the ball is going, in line with the ball.

“He’s not aware of where George Williams is, but George Williams knows where McDonnell is, let me tell you that.

“It is just such a softie, and there’s not enough contact to knock George over.

“George’s biggest contribution tonight in a poor performance for him was that. It’s smart, it’s experienced, and it won his side two points.

“In a game like this, Brad Arthur is right to some extent that it was crucial. They [Leeds] also missed chances.

“But I am completely aligned with Brad Arthur that that isn’t a ‘penalty.'”

The fight referenced by Arthur was clear to see as the clock ticked down. Connor was trying for 40/20s and 20/40s all over the park.

He thought he had one with a minute on the clock but then Warrington used their Challenge and it was ruled that the tackle on Palasia was complete before he passed it off the ground.

Then, there were seconds remaining on the clock as Connor decided that he would try for the conversion from a penalty awarded. He was 62 metres out and it fell eight metres short.

It was the latest ‘what if’ moment for Leeds as they have to lick their wounds and go through another strong season with nothing to show for it.

Now, it is for Arthur and his squad to try and find a way to overcome controversy and rise once again.

That will not bother Warrington though, who are now 80 minutes from the biggest win in the club’s history.

Semi-finals

Semi-Final 1 – Friday September 25: Leeds Rhinos 12-14 Warrington Wolves

Semi-Final 2 – Saturday September 26: Wigan Warriors v Wakefield Trinity, 5.30pm KO on Sky Sports

The Super League play-offs are under way, live on Sky Sports, and continue all the way through until the Grand Final from Old Trafford on October 3.