The Betfred Super League and NRL Grand Finals are now set! A dramatic weekend of semi-final action delivered shocks, standout performances and plenty for England head coach Brian McDermott to consider, with the Men’s World Cup squad set to be announced in just one week.
Wakefield Trinity produced one of the biggest shocks in Play-Off history on Saturday, stunning League Leaders Wigan Warriors on their own turf to book their place at Old Trafford.
Daryl Powell’s side will contest their first-ever Super League Grand Final — and several England hopefuls played starring roles.
Caleb Hamlin-Uele made a huge impact during a game-changing 41-minute spell from the bench, leading the charge through the middle for Trinity. The front rower, who has been included in England’s World Cup performance programme as he pushes for international selection for the first time, was a constant threat.
Hamlin-Uele ran for 141 metres from 18 carries, including 60 post-contact metres, while also producing three offloads, four tackle breaks and a line break assist. He added 15 tackles in a powerful display that will certainly have caught the eye of the England coaching staff.
Has Hamlin-Uele done enough to force his way into McDermott’s World Cup squad?
Jake Trueman also underlined his international credentials with a composed display at the Brick Community Stadium. The Trinity halfback expertly controlled proceedings, finishing with a try assist, two line break assists and 327 kick metres as Wakefield ended the game with an impressive 95% completion rate.
Warrington Wolves edged past Leeds Rhinos to secure their place in the Betfred Super League Grand Final.
The clash provided an intriguing head-to-head between two of the competition’s — and England’s — standout pivots, with incumbent England half and skipper George Williams facing off against Jake Connor.
Williams emerged victorious on the night, but both players left their mark.
Connor crossed for a try, while Williams played a key role in Warrington’s comeback, setting up the try that brought the game level before the Wolves went on to seal their Grand Final place.
Elsewhere, Ben Currie put in another industrious display through the middle. The loose forward and 2026 Dream Team inductee was relentless in defence, making a huge 51 tackles, while adding 82 metres from 14 carries.
For Leeds, Kallum Watkins continued to keep his name firmly in the England conversation. The veteran centre set up a try and produced a typically committed defensive effort, making 39 tackles.
In the NRL, England hopefuls were also making their presence felt as their Grand Final picture took shape.
A Victor Radley-inspired Sydney Roosters secured a strong victory over the Dolphins to book their place in the Big Dance.
The loose forward was at the heart of the Roosters’ performance, scoring a try and setting up another while producing two line breaks, three tackle busts and 33 tackles during a typically uncompromising 59-minute spell.
Then, in the second semi-final, Dom Young and the Newcastle Knights defied the odds once again to reach their first Grand Final since 2001.
Young continued his impressive Finals run by crossing for another try, while also recording three tackle busts, a line break assist and 143 metres from 17 carries.
With just one week to go until England’s World Cup squad is announced, the pressure is building — and performances like these could prove crucial as McDermott makes his final calls.
England’s 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign kicks off in Perth on Saturday 17 October against Tonga. Follow their World Cup journey across England RL digital channels, YouTube and the Our League app.
