On Sunday, June 15, 2025, the DIY Kitchens Stadium is set to host a compelling clash between Wakefield Trinity and Leigh Leopards, two teams with clear playoff ambitions in the Super League. This encounter marks the third meeting between these sides in 2025, with each having claimed one victory so far. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30 PM and the match will be broadcast live on BBC Two, SuperLeague+, and SkySports+, offering fans multiple ways to catch the action.
The rivalry between Wakefield and Leigh has already heated up this year. In April, Leigh edged out Wakefield in the Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-finals, a significant win that propelled them forward in the tournament. However, just a week before that, Wakefield stunned the Leopards with a dominant away victory in the Super League, showcasing their resilience and capability to challenge the top teams.
Both teams arrive at this fixture with much to play for. Wakefield, currently sitting seventh in the table, see this as a prime opportunity to push closer to the playoff spots. Meanwhile, fourth-placed Leigh, just three points ahead, aim to maintain pressure on the top three, particularly third-placed Leeds Rhinos. The stakes are high, and the intensity on the pitch promises to reflect that.
Wakefield boss Daryl Powell has made a single change to his squad from their previous outings. Jake Trueman returns to the lineup after recovering from a back issue, replacing Thomas Doyle, who is sidelined with a groin injury. This adjustment sees Mason Lino paired with Trueman in the halves, while Max Jowitt shifts to full-back, and Josh Rourke moves to the bench. The forward pack features Isaiah Vagana starting at prop alongside Mike McMeeken, with Jack Croft and Josh Griffin operating in the second row. Cult hero Caius Faatili starts among the substitutes, ready to make an impact off the bench.
The Wakefield Trinity starting XIII reads: Max Jowitt, Matty Russell, Corey Hall, Oliver Pratt, Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Mason Lino, Mike McMeeken, Liam Hood, Isaiah Vagana, Jack Croft, Josh Griffin, and Jay Pitts. Interchanges include Mathieu Cozza, Josh Rourke, Harvey Smith, and Caius Faatili.
Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has also made one notable change. Winger Josh Charnley, who has been in and out of the side this season and has been the subject of transfer speculation, is named only as the 18th man and does not feature in the matchday squad. Keanan Brand steps in on the wing, while David Armstrong returns to the starting lineup. The halfback pairing remains Ben McNamara and Lachlan Lam, with Gareth O’Brien and Ethan O’Neill sidelined due to injuries. The bench includes forwards Jack Hughes and Alec Tuitavake, as well as hooker Matt Davis and Bailey Hodgson.
Leigh Leopards’ starting lineup consists of David Armstrong, Darnell McIntosh, Tesi Niu, Umyla Hanley, Keanan Brand, Ben McNamara, Lachlan Lam, Joe Ofahengaue, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern, Frankie Halton, Owen Trout, and Isaac Liu. Their interchanges are Jack Hughes, Alec Tuitavake, Matt Davis, and Bailey Hodgson.
One player to watch closely is hooker Edwin Ipape, who is set to make his 100th career appearance in this fixture. The Papua New Guinea international is known for his dynamic playstyle, often acting as both an extra half-back and a powerful forward near the try line. Betting markets have him as an anytime tryscorer at attractive odds of 11/4, reflecting his knack for finding the try line despite his position.
Betting odds currently favor Wakefield as slight favorites at 5/6 to win, with Leigh priced at 21/20 and the draw available at 18/1. A handicap 3-way alternative gives Leigh a -2 start at 11/8, highlighting the tight nature of this contest. The betting landscape mirrors the competitive balance on the field: Wakefield have impressed with a series of dominant wins in May, including a 72-10 thrashing of Salford, a 40-10 victory over Warrington, and a 32-8 success at Castleford. Despite a narrow 22-18 loss to Leeds in their latest outing, Wakefield’s form has been strong since their promotion back to the top tier.
Leigh, on the other hand, are viewed as the more established side, currently holding a higher league position and boasting a squad depth that can challenge any opponent. Their recent success in the Challenge Cup quarter-final against Wakefield is a testament to their capability in knockout scenarios.
This fixture also carries a heartfelt significance beyond the competition. It doubles as a fundraiser for Candlelighters, a charity supporting families through the cancer journeys of their loved ones. Wakefield’s coach Daryl Powell has a personal connection to the cause, with his grandson Clarke battling a form of leukemia. This adds an emotional layer to the match, with both teams rallying behind the charitable effort.
Fans can expect a high-energy, closely fought encounter. The history between these two sides in 2025 has been marked by narrow margins and intense battles, and this Sunday’s game is unlikely to be any different. Wakefield’s home advantage and recent form suggest they can push for a victory, but Leigh’s experience and squad strength make them formidable opponents.
As the match unfolds, all eyes will be on key players like Edwin Ipape, Jake Trueman, and Mason Lino for Wakefield, while Leigh’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of their halfbacks and forward pack to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities. The atmosphere at the DIY Kitchens Stadium promises to be electric, with supporters eager to see which side can claim bragging rights in this pivotal Super League showdown.
With playoff positions hanging in the balance and the added motivation of supporting a worthy cause, this game encapsulates the spirit and passion of rugby league. Whether Wakefield can continue their impressive run or Leigh will assert their dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: fans are in for a thrilling rugby league spectacle.
