Hull KR moved to within 80 minutes of a maiden Grand Final with an upset 19-0 Betfred Super League play-off victory at Warrington, while Leeds secured a semi-final berth of their own with an 8-0 win at Wigan.
The Robins' shock result, masterminded by former Wolves coach Tony Smith, brought to an abrupt end the four-year reign of his successor Steve Price, who will return to Australia with the big prize still eluding him.
The Robins’ reward is a semi-final against League Leaders’ Shield winners Catalans Dragons in Perpignan next Thursday while defending champions St Helens will host Leeds 24 hours later to determine the make-up of the October 9 title decider at Old Trafford.
Hull KR defied the absence of nine senior players to condemn the Wolves to a third successive home play-off defeat and leave them still looking for a first Grand Final triumph.
Their hero was former Hull and London Broncos half-back Jordan Abdull, who underlined his Man of Steel credentials with a masterful display, capped by a try, three goals and a drop goal.
Mikey Lewis and Jimmy Keinhorst scored KR's other tries.
Winger Ash Handley scored the only try of the game at the DW Stadium as Leeds kept alive their hopes of winning the title from fifth place for the third time.
Wigan’s defeat brought Adrian Lam’s tenure as head coach to an end and took the Rhinos a step closer to an 11th Grand Final.
The first half was packed with aggression but little flair, with neither side able to break down some tight defence, and the last-tackle kicking game was poor from both teams.
A rare handling error by Leeds full-back Richie Myler early in the second half gifted the home side a perfect attacking position but they could not capitalise and Myler quickly got the opportunity to make amends.
He got a hand to the ball from Kruise Leeming’s high kick and palmed it back for Handley to break the stalemate on 49 minutes.
Rhyse Martin added the extras and later kicked the goal that sealed it.
Betfred Super League Play-Off Results:
Wigan Warriors 0-14 Leeds Rhinos
Warrington Wolves 0-19 Hull KR
