Warrington seal home play-off spot as Wakefield also book post-season place

Warrington Wolves withstand late Hull FC fightback to win and guarantee home play-off; Wakefield Trinity beat York Knights to confirm their own post-season spot; watch round 26 of Super League from Thursday, live on Sky Sports

Warrington guaranteed a home play-off spot after withstanding a late Hull FC fightback to claim a 16-14 Betfred Super League win at the MKM Stadium.

Sam Burgess's side looked to be cruising to a sixth straight win after back-to-back tries from Leon Hayes and Matty Ashton put them well in control towards the end of the first half.

The hosts had more than matched their opponents in the opening stages and looked set to reach the interval level after Warrington captain George Williams and Hull's Aidan Sezer traded early penalties, but hesitation under two high kicks cost the home side dear and Warrington went in 10 points clear.

When Josh Thewlis crossed for Warrington's third try 10 minutes into the second half it looked all over, but the Black and Whites, playing their last home game of the season, belatedly stirred.

Quick converted tries from Ethan O'Neill and Tom Briscoe, who is preparing to bring his 17-year career to a close, thrust them back into contention and left the visitors clinging on to seal a top-four slot.

Victory may also have come at a price for Warrington after Aaron Lindop failed a head injury assessment while Burgess lost both Luke Thomas and Joe Philbin to apparent leg injuries.

"We controlled the game for large parts, and I was a bit disappointed that they were able to score two tries towards the end," said Burgess, speaking to Sky Sports .

"I'm proud of them, they're a joy to coach. We're getting tough which is an important part of our journey - to be able to manage these periods and just get on with the job."

Hull FC head coach Andy Last praised his side's fighting spirit and paid tribute to Briscoe, who shared some emotional moments with the supporters after the final whistle.

"I'm disappointed with the results but I'm really proud of the performance," he said. "We were up against a really good team who are in good form, and we went toe to toe with them for 80 minutes.

"Tom Briscoe, a remarkable performance for him today, and great that he was able to score that try in front of the home fans."

Wakefield came on strong in the second half to beat struggling York 28-12 and guarantee a place in the post-season play-offs.

Daryl Powell's side had to survive a scare as the visitors briefly hauled level early in the second period before tries from Jayden Myers, Max Jowitt and Lachlan Walmsley got the job done.