It was a semi-final that had it all: hard-hitting rugby, controversy and a late dash of attempted heroics. It started as expected with two big packs going at each other, the likes of Keenan Palasia and Ben Currie standing up for their sides as they have all season.

It hit the crunch point with 14 minutes remaining when James Mc Donnell was penalised for an escort on George Williams. That allowed Ewan Irwin to break the deadlock and send over the two points that sealed Warrington's spot in the Grand Final for the first time in eight years.

For Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur it is not the type of decision that should be deciding a semi-final. "That penalty should not be deciding a game of that magnitude," Arthur told Sky Sports.

"I don't think strictly that is a penalty," said Sky Sports Rugby League's Jon Wilkin. "It is just such a softie, and there's not enough contact to knock George over. George's biggest contribution tonight in a poor performance for him was that."