Wigan Warriors are no strangers to the grand stage of the Betfred Super League, having repeatedly earned their place in the Grand Final and even boasting a T‑shirt to prove it. This season, they have already secured two major pieces of silverware – the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders' Shield – and now they are poised to chase a historic treble in 2026.
The next hurdle is the semi‑final clash against Wakefield Trinity, scheduled for Saturday 26 September and broadcast live on Sky Sports. Wakefield earned their spot after a convincing victory over Leigh in the eliminators, and they will arrive in Wigan’s backyard eager to prove they belong among the elite.
The Warriors, under head coach Matt Peet, will be looking to add another trophy to a cabinet that is already brimming with success. Peet, who suffered his first Grand Final defeat as a head coach when Wigan fell to Hull KR at Old Trafford in 2025, has turned that disappointment into motivation. He told Sky Sports, "We have been through this experience a few times now, learned some lessons, and it is exciting. It is not a case of everything we did last year was wrong; some things we got right, we just weren't good enough on the evening.
We will do what is right for this year's team for this moment on their journey and our journey. It is more about looking forward than back." The coach’s focus is clear: stay present, keep the team grounded, and concentrate on the immediate task at hand.
He dismissed any temptation to look ahead to Old Trafford, insisting that the next trophy is always the one directly in front of you. "It is not about that, the next one is always the one," Peet added. "We just want to play well in the semi‑finals. Not thinking too much about Old Trafford or the trophy or talking about that.
We know we are going to be up against a very determined and capable team in the semi‑finals who have just had a fantastic win. They will be battle‑hardened and confident so we just have to concern ourselves with that." Should Wigan triumph, it would represent Peet’s tenth trophy since taking the reins of his hometown club in 2022 – an astonishing rate of achievement.
Yet, for Peet, the numbers are secondary to the pursuit of the next prize. The coach’s mantra is simple: one game at a time, one trophy at a time. One player eager to help the Warriors rewrite the narrative of last season’s disappointment is forward Brad O'Neill.
In 2025, O'Neill was sin‑binned for a dangerous tackle during a Grand Final that ended in a 24‑6 loss to Hull KR. Since then, he has enjoyed a standout 2026, earning a place in the Super League Dream Team and emerging as a key figure in Wigan’s attack.
Speaking to Sky Sports, O'Neill explained how the team is preparing mentally and physically for the semi‑final. "I feel like going away together pre the semi‑final when we get the week off is a great opportunity to get some work in but also a good time to bond as well and get away and fresh.
Just to enjoy each other's company," he said. "We have done it for the last few years and everyone seems to like it. I feel like it would mean a lot.
Last year was a tough one to take at Old Trafford for myself personally and for the club. To put those wrongs right would mean a lot to us all. We have given ourselves the best opportunity to do it, we just have to commit now and get through this semi‑final first." The Warriors’ schedule leading up to the semi‑final has been a whirlwind of high‑stakes fixtures. On Friday 18 September, Wakefield Trinity edged Leigh Leopards 26‑16, while a day later Warrington Wolves dispatched Hull KR 35‑12.
The play‑offs continue with two semi‑finals on the weekend: Leeds Rhinos versus Warrington Wolves on Friday 25 September at 8 p.m., and Wigan Warriors versus Wakefield Trinity on Saturday 26 September at 5.30 p.m., both on Sky Sports. The Super League play‑offs have already delivered drama, excitement, and the promise of more to come. Fans can follow every moment live on Sky Sports as the competition builds toward the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October.
For Wigan, the immediate focus is on neutralising a battle‑hardened Wakefield side, executing their game plan, and keeping their eyes firmly on the prize that lies just one match away. In summary, Wigan’s journey this season is defined by a blend of experience, ambition, and a relentless desire to improve upon past setbacks.
With a seasoned coach, a motivated squad, and a clear strategy that prioritises the present over past glories, the Warriors are ready to take on Wakefield Trinity and, if all goes to plan, add a third trophy to their impressive 2026 haul.