Warrington Wolves will face Hull KR in a decisive match for a spot in the Super League Grand Final, after Sam Burgess's team managed to survive a thrilling playoff tie against St Helens, advancing their journey towards Old Trafford. The game ended in a 22-22 draw after 80 minutes, with Jon Bennison's last-minute try for St Helens and Mark Percival's remarkable touchline conversion forcing the game into golden point extra time.
However, the Wolves maintained their composure during the crucial moments, securing their progression to the second week of the playoffs and eliminating the Saints in a dramatic fashion. George Williams, the England captain, stepped up to kick the winning drop goal, setting up a winner-takes-all clash against second-placed Hull KR next Friday. The other semi-final will feature Leigh Leopards against local rivals Wigan Warriors.
The evening was filled with intense drama from the first tackle in Warrington, starting with Tommy Makinson's dropped kick-off for St Helens. Three tackles later, Toby King exploited a gap in the Saints' right edge to score, making it 4-0 for the Wolves. Initially, it seemed that the Saints, who had been struggling with confidence for weeks, might crumble. Instead, they dominated most of the first half, taking a 6-4 lead with Makinson's world-class, one-handed finish in the corner, converted by Percival.
Percival then scored a fantastic try, doubling the Saints' lead, followed by Makinson's second try, making it 16-4. However, Percival's missed conversion attempt left the gap at two scores rather than three. Warrington capitalized on this, halving the deficit with Matty Ashton's try in the corner, converted by Josh Thewlis, making it 16-10 at halftime.
In the second half, a penalty for Warrington led to George Williams' stunning pass, allowing King to score his second try, leveling the scores. The drama continued with Daryl Clark's error, leading to Ashton's second try and a six-point lead for the Wolves. Despite a frantic final ten minutes, St Helens scored a remarkable try through Bennison, and Percival's touchline conversion sent the game into extra time.
In the end, it was Williams who delivered the winning drop goal, ensuring Warrington's season continued for at least another week.
