The defending engage Super League champions claimed a thrilling 18-14 win over Wigan to set up a repeat of last year's Grand Final with St Helens at the Theatre of Dreams next Saturday.

''It feels great to be back at Old Trafford,'' said Leeds forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan, who was outstanding for the Yorkshire side.

''This club needs to be getting to finals and competing for trophies. We're a top-class side with a lot of world-class players.''

Although clearly the superior team, Leeds were frustrated by a gritty Wigan defence which scrambled superbly to keep their line intact for most of a ferocious second half.

Former Leeds favourite Mark Calderwood pulled off four try-saving tackles in all - two of them on Jones-Buchanan - in a valiant last appearance for the Warriors before moving on to Hull.

''Wigan came here and were flying high,'' said Jones-Buchanan.

''They are a tough side. But the lads dug deep and I think we were probably unlucky not to score two or three more tries.

''Mark Calderwood saved three or four. He's done really well for Wigan. I think we could have rolled them over if it had not been for him.

''He's a Bramley lad and we've grown up together. I wish him all the luck in the world.''