Brian Noble's side fell one hurdle short of the Old Trafford Grand Final despite a brave performance against the reigning champions.

Late tries by Harrison Hansen and Iafeta Paleaaesina set up a thrilling finale. But from the kick-off with 40 seconds remaining, Stuart Fielden spilled the ball and Wigan's hopes crumbled - setting-up a repeat of last year's Grand Final between Saints and the Rhinos.

Wigan showed great courage throughout the match, but their execution rarely matched their enthusiasm.

After play-off wins against Bradford and Catalans, fans thought they had a genuine chance to win their first league trophy in a decade, but Leeds proved too strong in the qualifying semi-final.

It was a sad way for the departing Trent Barrett, Mark Calderwood, Micky Higham and Liam Colbon to end their time with Wigan.

Headingley had already staged two epics between these two sides this year, Leeds winning 23-16 in the Challenge Cup and Wigan triumphing 14-10 in Super League, and the early stages of this game continued that trend.

The winners knew a place at the Grand Final to face St Helens on October 4 was at stake.

In a fast-tempo opening, Wigan carved out two early chances but the final pass went to ground.

Leeds' Lee Smith was placed on report after Phil Bailey appeared to be kicked in the face while the Rhinos winger was trying to get to his feet.

After a scorching long-range break from Jamie Jones-Buchanan tensions boiled over with a mass brawl sparked by Calderwood interfering with play the ball.

Winger Calderwood was sin-binned for the initial offence and Keith Senior was also shown the yellow card for joining the melee.

Leeds' Kevin Sinfield put the home side 2-0 ahead.
On the half-hour Richards equalised after a high-tackle on Gareth Hock.

But minutes later, two quick-fire penalties allowed the Rhinos easy passage up-field and quick passing allowed Smith to cross for a try that Senior couldn't convert, making it 6-2 at the break.

Livewire halfbacks Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire were a constant threat to Wigan and in the 46th minute their good work almost put the home side further ahead, but Barrett and Calderwood prevented Ali Lauitiiti grounding the ball.

And in the same spot four minutes later, Calderwood was again Wigan's saviour as his desperate tackle bundled Jones-Buchanan into touch as he dived over.

The former Headingley favourite was in fine form, denying Burrow under the sticks, but Leeds were certainly on top.

Jamie Peacock bulldozed past Andy Coley but, after video referee Ian Smith spent nearly five minutes viewing replays, he ruled out a try.

The Rhinos weren't to be denied two minutes later, as Calderwood was unable to stop Senior grounding the ball over the line. Sinfield's goal made it 12-2 and in the 68th minute he extended Leeds' lead to 12 points with a penalty.

But Hansen offered Wigan hope when he crossed for a try in the 74th minute after a neat inside pass from Thomas Leuluai, Richards' goal making it 14-8.

Sensing a fight-back, Sinfield attempted – but missed – with a drop-goal. Winger Smith chipped on a loose ball and beat Richards to the line but that try was cancelled out by a Paleaaesina touchdown with two minutes to go.

Leeds: Webb; Smith, Ablett, Senior, Donald; McGuire, Burrow; Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ellis, Sinfield. Subs: Lauitiiti, Bailey, Scruton, Kirke.

Wigan: Mathers; Calderwood, Phelps, Carmont, Richards; Barrett, Leuluai; Fielden,
Higham, Coley, Hansen, Bailey, Tomkins. Subs: Paleaaesina, Smith, Hock, Colbon.