Jon Wilkin argued that many of the most celebrated squads in Super League history would have struggled to defeat Wakefield Trinity on Saturday night, as Daryl Powell’s side pulled off a remarkable upset against the Wigan Warriors to secure a place in the Grand Final. A cascade of second‑half tries saw Trinity bring an end to Wigan’s 16‑match winning run, leaving Matt Peet’s visitors bewildered by the sheer speed and physicality displayed by Wakefield. Wigan were reduced to 12 men after 45 minutes when Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a tip‑tackle. Wakefield seized the opportunity, crossing the line three times while the Australian five‑eighth served his penalty.
The hosts started brightly, matching Wakefield’s intensity in the opening exchanges. Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense first fifteen minutes, giving the Warriors an early lead. However, the League Leaders’ Shield holders, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, began to falter once the second half got underway. "Wigan were poor, but that was entirely a result of what Wakefield threw at them," Wilkin told Sky Sports.
"It was a clinical display packed with power, pace, energy, enthusiasm and flawless execution. No side in the Super League could have competed with Wakefield today." He went on to add, "I would even say that some of the great teams we’ve seen throughout Super League history would have struggled to match the 80 minutes of rugby that Wakefield produced." After Keighran’s dismissal, Tom Johnston dived into the corner for a try, followed shortly by Jack Sinfield, who powered past Junior Nsemba from close range.
Within seven minutes, Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and smashed over the line, completing a rapid hat‑trick of scores for the Trinity side. The final try came from Ky Rodwell, who finished a slick passing move from Jake Trueman, sealing a 27‑point victory. Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield’s performance, acknowledging that his own side had been well prepared but were simply outclassed on the night. "Wakefield were outstandingly good," Peet said.
"All credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑coached, out‑played and ultimately beaten. It hurts, but the night belongs to them." With the win, Wakefield have guaranteed a fresh name on the Super League trophy and will meet Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Powell’s coaching journey has been noteworthy.
He left Castleford Tigers at the end of the 2021 season after guiding them to a Challenge Cup final and their first Super League Grand Final. He took over at Wakefield in October 2023 and has been pivotal in lifting the club from the Championship to its inaugural Super League Grand Final, marking one of the most successful seasons in the club’s recent history. Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact, stating, "The jury was still out after his spell at Castleford, but there’s no doubt Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise a group of players and drive them to success.
He’s done it with style and class. Wakefield play with flair and take risks, producing beautiful rugby." Owner Matt Ellis also lavished praise on his team after the match. "It still hasn’t sunk in. Over four and a half thousand fans were still singing after the final whistle – what a performance.
It’s the best display I’ve seen in my time owning the club. I’m incredibly proud. We nailed it tonight, didn’t we?
I never imagined we’d be four scores ahead. I had a good feeling all week; the pressure was on us, but we went in confident. It’s a happy group, and now an even happier one.
Three years after relegation, we’re here, and there are so many great stories to tell." The upcoming Betfred Super League Grand Final will be the showcase event of the season, airing live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, from 5 p.m. Fans can watch via a Sky Sports subscription or stream contract‑free on NOW.