Warrington reach Grand Final after penalty drama and Leeds' last-kick miss

Warrington Wolves are into the Grand Final for the first time since 2018; The two points came from a penalty for an escort on George Williams; The play-offs are under way, live on Sky Sports, and continue through until the Grand Final from Old Trafford on October 3

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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 68th 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 .

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.

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.