Super League play-off ties confirmed as Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity record contrasting results
Leeds Rhinos will host St Helens on the opening weekend of the Super League play-offs after a final-round defeat at Wigan Warriors.
The Rhinos travelled to the Brick Community Stadium with an outside chance of claiming third place but must settle for fourth following back-to-back losses.
A week on from a shock home reverse against Catalans Dragons, Leeds had no answer to the in-form Warriors in a 22-6 defeat.
Bevan French scored a double and there were also tries for Abbas Miski and Jake Wardle as Wigan took advantage of a depleted Rhinos backline.
Leeds, who responded late on through Chris Hankinson, are set to welcome back the likes of Jake Connor, Lachie Miller and Ryan Hall for next Saturday's eliminator against Saints.
Paul Wellens' side warmed up for the play-offs with a 26-24 win over Castleford Tigers.
St Helens had lost their previous three games but got over the line against Castleford despite a late fightback from the visitors.
Will Tate claimed a hat-trick for the Tigers, while Sam Wood and Liam Horne were also on the scoresheet.
Wakefield Trinity will face Leigh Leopards for a place in the semi-finals after overcoming a slow start to hammer Salford Red Devils 52-16.
Trinity, who were already assured of a first play-off appearance since 2012 following Hull FC's defeat to Catalans Dragons on Thursday, scored nine tries to make it a miserable final night in Super League for Salford.
Cameron Scott helped himself to a hat-trick, Tom Johnstone finished with a brace and Renouf Atoni, Liam Hood, Ky Rodwell and Harvey Smith also crossed.
Wakefield will travel to the Leopards next Friday without full-back Max Jowitt after he failed a head injury assessment in the early stages.
Leigh stepped up their preparations for the eliminator with a fifth straight win as Huddersfield Giants' season ended in defeat.
Lewis Jagger, Jake Bibby and Tom Burgess scored for the Giants but they went down 30-16.