Jon Wilkin argued that even some of the most celebrated squads in Super League annals would have struggled to overcome Wakefield Trinity on Saturday night, as Daryl Powell’s men delivered a stunning upset over the Wigan Warriors, securing their place in the Grand Final. The match turned into a second‑half fireworks display, with Trinity halting Wigan’s 16‑game winning run and leaving Matt Peet’s side reeling under the sheer speed and physicality displayed by the visitors. The turning point arrived early in the second period when Wigan were reduced to twelve men after Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a dangerous tip‑tackle at the 45‑minute mark.

Wakefield seized the advantage with ruthless efficiency, crossing the try line three times while the Australian five‑eighth served his time on the bench. Wigan had started brightly, matching Wakefield’s intensity from the opening whistle. Brad O'Neill broke the deadlock after a tense opening fifteen minutes, giving the Warriors a fleeting 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 team in the Super League could have matched Wakefield today." Wilkin went further, stating, "I would even say that some of the great teams we’ve seen throughout Super League history would have struggled to compete with the 80 minutes of rugby that Wakefield produced." After Keighran’s dismissal, Tom Johnston dived into the corner for a spectacular try, followed shortly by Jack Sinfield who outmuscled Junior Nsemba in close quarters.

Within seven minutes, Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and powered over for a third try, while Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point haul with a try set up by Jake Trueman’s deft handling. Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield’s performance, acknowledging that his own side had been "well prepared" but ultimately fell short. "Wakefield were outstandingly good," Peet said.

"All the credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑coached, out‑played and out‑scored.

It hurts, but the night belongs to them." The victory guarantees a fresh name on the Super League trophy as Wakefield will now meet Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Powell’s journey to this moment began after he left Castleford Tigers at the end of the 2021 season, having guided them to a Challenge Cup final and their first Super League Grand Final appearance. 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 modern history.

Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact, noting, "The jury was still out after his spell at Castleford, but there’s no doubt Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise and inspire a group of players to success. He’s done it with style and class. Wakefield play with risk and they play the game beautifully." Owner Matt Ellis showered the team with praise after the match: "It still hasn’t sunk in.

Four‑and‑a‑half thousand fans still singing. What a performance.

That was the best performance in my time owning the club. I’m so proud of them. We just nailed it today, didn’t we?

I never imagined we’d be four scores up. I had a good feeling all week; the pressure was on them, we came in confident.

It’s a happy group, an even happier group now. Three years after relegation, we’re here!" The upcoming Betfred Super League Grand Final promises to be a showcase event, with live coverage on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, from 5 pm.

Fans can also stream the match contract‑free on NOW, ensuring the climax of the season is accessible to a wide audience.