Leeds Rhinos arrive at the Super League semi-finals carrying momentum from their regular-season dominance, yet they have stumbled at precisely the wrong moment. The club dominated much of 2026 but finished the campaign with consecutive defeats that cost them the League Leaders' Shield and forced them to settle for second place despite leading the standings for the majority of the year.
A heavy loss to Wigan Warriors in the penultimate round proved decisive, followed by a disappointing display against Hull FC in the final fixture. Those back-to-back reversals mean Leeds enter the play-offs on a downward trajectory, though they have secured a week to recover, reset and prepare for their semi-final challenge.
The Rhinos will face Warrington Wolves in the first semi-final on Friday 25 September 2026, with the match kicking off at 8pm at AMT Headingley Stadium and broadcast live on Sky Sports. Warrington earned their place by defeating Hull KR 35-12 in the eliminator, setting up a trip to Yorkshire for the knockout tie.
The biggest challenge facing head coach Brad Arthur is managing the loss of fullback Lachie Miller, whose hamstring injury will sideline him for 10 to 12 weeks. Miller sustained the damage in the opening minutes of the 40-8 defeat to Wigan and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. The fullback made 23 appearances for Leeds in 2026 and scored four tries before the injury struck.
To plug the gap, Arthur has promoted in-form centre Ash Handley to the fullback position, creating a new defensive combination alongside Brodie Croft and Jake Connor. Handley will play at fullback for only the second time this season, but the versatile performer has already proven his ability to excel in multiple positions.
Despite his disappointment at missing the play-offs, Miller remains convinced that Leeds possess the quality to navigate their way to the Grand Final. Speaking to Sky Sports, the injured fullback reflected on his situation and backed his teammates to deliver when it matters most.
I am alright, I had a couple days to myself. It is one of those things. It is a tough sport we play and everyone has been through it at some stage it just wasn't great timing. I have just got to move my focus to the team and what they need.
Miller was particularly complimentary about Handley's ability to adapt to the demands of a new position. The centre has already proven himself as one of the competition's elite performers in multiple roles, and Miller believes he will make a seamless transition to fullback.
The beauty of Ash (Handley) is he is just a class player. On the wing, he was one of the best wingers in the competition. He moved to centres and is one of the best centres. He will probably now be one of the best fullbacks if he stays there.
Despite the setback of losing their star fullback and finishing the regular season poorly, Miller expressed absolute confidence in his side's ability to bounce back when the stakes are highest. He emphasised that the Rhinos have been formidable at home throughout the year and simply need to rediscover that form.
I have no doubt. We have been really good all year at home except for the last couple. I have no doubt that the boys will turn up. They have to get up for one game, focus for one game, concentrate for one game, and I have no doubt that they can.
Handley himself is embracing the challenge of stepping into the fullback role, despite acknowledging that it represents a significant positional shift. The 28-year-old has already overcome considerable pressure when moving from wing to centre and is determined to prove his versatility once again.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Handley outlined his approach to the new responsibility and his commitment to executing Arthur's tactical instructions.
It is a big change, obviously I have not played there for years. I will take on the challenge. Brad (Arthur) thinks that this is what is going to be best for the group and I will never turn around and say I am not doing it.
Handley reflected on his previous positional transition and the pressure that accompanied it, suggesting that his experience moving to centre has prepared him mentally for this latest challenge.
I had a lot of pressure on my shoulders when I moved from wing to centre. I will give it my best shot. He is pretty clear of what he expects from everybody in each position, I just need to go out and execute it.
The play-off schedule and road to Old Trafford
The Super League play-offs are now underway, with the eliminators having already been contested. Wakefield Trinity defeated Leigh Leopards 26-16 on Friday 18 September, while Warrington's 35-12 victory over Hull KR on Saturday 19 September set up their semi-final trip to Leeds.
Leeds' semi-final against Warrington will be the first of the two semi-finals, with Wigan Warriors facing Wakefield Trinity in the second semi-final on Saturday 26 September 2026 at 5:30pm, also live on Sky Sports.
The winners of both semi-finals will meet in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday 3 October 2026. That showpiece event will determine the 2026 Super League champions and provide the ultimate prize for the six teams that have battled through the play-offs.
Miller's prognosis offers some encouragement for the longer term. The fullback is expected to return to training early in pre-season and does not require surgery, meaning he should be available for Leeds' 2027 campaign once he completes his rehabilitation.
What happens next
Leeds will host Warrington Wolves at AMT Headingley Stadium on Friday 25 September 2026, with kick-off at 8pm. Victory will secure their place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where they will face either Wigan Warriors or Wakefield Trinity depending on the outcome of the second semi-final.
