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 men produced a stunning upset against the Wigan Warriors and secured a place in the Grand Final. The match turned into a second‑half fireworks display, with Trinity halting Wigan’s 16‑match winning run and leaving Matt Peet’s side bewildered by the sheer speed and power displayed by the visitors.
Wigan were reduced to 12 men after just 45 minutes when Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a tip‑tackle. Wakefield seized the opportunity with ruthless efficiency, crossing the line three times while the Australian five‑eighth served his time off the field. The early phases of the game had been tightly contested; the Warriors matched Wakefield’s intensity and Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense first 15 minutes.
However, the League Leaders’ Shield winners, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, faltered once the second half began. "Wigan were poor, but that was entirely caused by 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 today could have measured up to Wakefield." Wilkin went further, stating, "I would even say that some of the great teams we have seen in Super League history would not have survived the 80 minutes that Wakefield produced tonight." After Keighran’s dismissal, Tom Johnston finished off a sweeping move with a diving try in the corner, and shortly after Jack Sinfield powered past Junior Nsemba from close range for a second score. Within seven minutes the Trinity side added a third, as Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and crashed over the line. The final try was capped by Ky Rodwell, who completed a 27‑point victory thanks to a superb pass from Jake Trueman. Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield, acknowledging that his own side had been "well prepared" but ultimately fell short.
"Wakefield were outstandingly good," Peet said. "All credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑played, out‑coached and beaten in every department. It hurts, but the night belongs to them." With this win, a new name is guaranteed on the Super League trophy.
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, who left Castleford Tigers after the 2021 season – a tenure that saw him guide the club to a Challenge Cup final and its first ever Super League Grand Final – was appointed Wakefield head coach in October 2023. In less than a year he has helped lift the club from the Championship to its inaugural Super League Grand Final, delivering one of the most impressive seasons in the club’s modern history.
Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact, noting that "the jury was still out after his spell at Castleford, but there is no doubt Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise and motivate a group of players to success. He has done it with style and class.
Wakefield play with risk and they play the game beautifully." Owner Matt Ellis also 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 nailed it today, didn’t we?
I never imagined in my wildest dreams we’d be four scores up. I had a good feeling all week; all the pressure was on them, and we came out confident. It’s a happy group, now an even happier group.
Three years after relegation, we’re here!" The victory not only secured a Grand Final berth but also sparked discussion about the future of the Betfred Super League Grand Final. Fans can watch the showcase event live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, 3 October, from 5 p.m., or stream contract‑free via NOW.
The triumph underscores Wakefield’s rapid rise and sets the stage for a potentially historic showdown at Old Trafford, where they will aim to cap a remarkable season with the ultimate prize.