Jon Wilkin argued that even some of the most celebrated squads in Super League history would have struggled to overcome Wakefield Trinity on Saturday night, as Daryl Powell’s men produced a stunning upset over the Wigan Warriors to secure 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 after being overrun by Wakefield’s relentless speed and physicality.
Wigan were reduced to 12 men after the 45‑minute mark 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 early stages had seen the Warriors match Trinity’s intensity, with Brad O’Neill breaking the deadlock in the first fifteen minutes, but the League Leaders’ Shield holders, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, faltered once the second half began.
"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." Wilkin went further, stating, "I would even say that some of the great teams we’ve seen throughout Super League history would not have survived the 80 minutes that Wakefield delivered." After Keighran’s sin‑bin, Tom Johnston finished a diving effort in the corner, and shortly after Jack Sinfield powered through Junior Nsemba for another try. Within seven minutes, Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and forced his way over the line, while Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point triumph with a try assisted by a deft pass from Jake Trueman.
Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised the opposition, noting his own side had been well prepared but ultimately fell short. "Wakefield were outstandingly good," he said.
"All the credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑coached, out‑played and beaten in every department. It hurts, but the night belongs to them." With this victory, a new name will be etched on the Super League trophy as Wakefield prepares to meet Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Powell’s coaching journey adds further intrigue.
He left Castleford Tigers after the 2021 season, having guided them to a Challenge Cup final and their first Super League Grand Final. Appointed Wakefield head coach in October 2023, Powell has been pivotal in elevating the club from the Championship to its inaugural Super League Grand Final appearance, marking one of the most successful campaigns in the club’s modern era. Wilkin reflected, "The jury was still out after his spell at Castleford, but there is no doubt Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise a group of players and lead them to success.
He has 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 win: "It still hasn’t sunk in. Four‑and‑a‑half thousand fans were still singing after the final whistle.
That was the best performance in my time owning the club. I’m so proud.
We 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, now an even happier group. Three years after relegation we’re here, and the stories we’re writing are incredible." The upcoming Betfred Super League Grand Final will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3 at 5 pm, with streaming options available via NOW.
This showdown promises to be a showcase of the sport’s highest drama, as Wakefield aims to cap off a historic season with the ultimate prize.