Wigan Warriors are no strangers to the final stages of the Betfred Super League, and their ambition for a 2026 treble is firmly entrenched. Having already secured the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders’ Shield this season, the club now has just one hurdle left before they can claim the ultimate prize at Old Trafford.
The upcoming semi‑final, scheduled for Saturday 26 September and broadcast live on Sky Sports, pits Wigan against a rejuvenated Wakefield Trinity side. Wakefield earned their place in the match after a convincing victory over Leigh in the eliminators, and they will arrive at the game looking to prove they belong among the competition’s elite. For head coach Matt Peet, the encounter is a chance to move beyond the disappointment of last year’s Grand Final loss. In 2025, Peet suffered his first defeat as a head coach at Old Trafford when Hull KR swept the club of every trophy on offer, including a 24‑6 Grand Final drubbing that saw Brad O’Neill sin‑binned for a dangerous tackle.
That painful experience has become a source of motivation rather than a lingering regret. "We’ve been through this situation a few times now and learned a lot from it," Peet told Sky Sports.
"It’s not that everything we did last year was wrong – we had our moments – but we simply weren’t good enough on the night. This season we’re focused on doing what’s right for the squad at this point in our journey. It’s about looking forward, not looking back." Peet’s perspective is refreshingly pragmatic. He emphasizes that the next trophy – whichever one it may be – is the only one that truly matters.
"It’s not about the tally of trophies I’ve collected since taking charge in 2022; the next one is always the one we need to win," he added. "Our priority is to play well in the semi‑final and not get ahead of ourselves thinking about Old Trafford or the final.
Wakefield are a determined, confident side who have just earned a fantastic win, so we’ll focus on that challenge." Should Wigan emerge victorious, it would represent Peet’s tenth piece of silverware in just four years, an astonishing rate of success for a coach still relatively early in his tenure. Yet he downplays the statistics, insisting the focus remains on the match at hand. One player who is eager to rewrite the narrative of 2025 is Brad O’Neill.
The forward has enjoyed a standout season, earning a place in the Super League Dream Team and becoming a key figure in Wigan’s attacking arsenal. O’Neill reflected on the previous year’s disappointment and expressed a personal desire to set the record straight.
"Going away together before the semi‑final, when we have that week off, is a great chance to do some work on the field and also to bond as a group," O’Neill explained to Sky Sports. "We’ve done it for the last few years and everyone seems to enjoy it.
Last year was a tough one for me personally and for the club at Old Trafford. To right those wrongs would mean a lot to all of us. We’ve given ourselves the best possible opportunity – now we just need to commit and get through this semi‑final." The schedule leading up to the semi‑finals underscores the intensity of the playoff run. On Friday 18 September, Wakefield Trinity beat Leigh Leopards 26‑16, while Warrington Wolves dispatched Hull KR 35‑12 on the 19th.
The semi‑finals themselves are set as follows: Leeds Rhinos face Warrington Wolves on Friday 25 September at 8 pm, and Wigan Warriors meet Wakefield Trinity on Saturday 26 September at 5.30 pm, both live on Sky Sports. Wigan’s preparation has been methodical. The coaching staff has stressed the importance of maintaining a routine that balances physical readiness with mental clarity.
Training sessions have focused on sharpening defensive structures, improving handling under pressure, and rehearsing set‑piece variations that could prove decisive against a Wakefield side known for its resilience. Beyond the tactical aspects, the atmosphere within the squad is one of quiet confidence. Players speak of a shared belief that the work put in throughout the season has positioned them perfectly for this moment. The camaraderie fostered during pre‑match trips and team‑building activities is seen as a vital component of their collective mindset.
Wakefield Trinity, for their part, will approach the game with the same hunger that carried them through the eliminators. Their recent win over Leigh showcased a blend of robust defense and opportunistic attack, qualities that could test Wigan’s defensive line. Coach Daryl Powell’s side will be looking to exploit any complacency from the Warriors, knowing that a single lapse could swing the tie. The broader context of the Super League playoffs adds an extra layer of drama.
The competition, broadcast live on Sky Sports, will continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Fans across the country are eagerly anticipating which team will emerge from the semi‑finals to contest the coveted trophy. In summary, the Wigan Warriors enter the semi‑final against Wakefield Trinity with a clear objective: deliver a performance that reflects their season‑long dominance and secure a place in the Grand Final. With the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield already in the cabinet, a victory would keep their treble aspirations alive.
The match promises to be a clash of experience versus determination, and for Wigan, it is an opportunity to turn past heartbreak into future glory.