Jon Wilkin argued that many of the most celebrated squads in Super League annals would have struggled to overcome Wakefield Trinity on Saturday night, as Daryl Powell’s men pulled off a sensational triumph over the Wigan Warriors and secured their place in the Grand Final. A cascade of second‑half scores saw Trinity snap Wigan’s 16‑match winning run, leaving Matt Peet’s side reeling after being out‑paced by the visitors’ 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 visitors had looked sharp in the opening exchanges, matching Wakefield’s intensity and even breaking the deadlock after a tense first fifteen minutes when Brad O’Neill struck first. However, the League Leaders’ Shield holders, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, faltered when the second half began. "Wigan were poor, but that was entirely because of what Wakefield threw at them," Wilkin told Sky Sports. "It was a clinical display, brimming with power, speed, enthusiasm and flawless execution.
No side in the Super League could have matched Wakefield tonight." He went further, stating, "I would even say that some of the great teams we’ve seen throughout Super League history would have been outclassed by the 80 minutes of rugby that Wakefield produced." After Keighran’s sin‑bin, Tom Johnston finished off a sweeping move with a diving try in the corner, and shortly after Jack Sinfield powered through Junior Nsemba from close range for a second score. Within seven minutes the trio completed a hat‑trick of tries when Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and bulldozed his way over the line. Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point haul, converting a well‑timed pass from Jake Trueman.
Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised the opposition, acknowledging that his 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‑played, out‑coached and beaten in every department.
Credit to them – it hurts, but the night belongs to them." With the victory, a new name is now guaranteed on the Super League trophy. Wakefield will 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 point has been remarkable. He departed Castleford Tigers at the end of the 2021 season after guiding them to a Challenge Cup final and their inaugural Super League Grand Final. In October 2023, he took the helm at Wakefield and has been pivotal in elevating the club from the Championship to its first ever Super League Grand Final, delivering one of the most impressive campaigns in the club’s recent history.
Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact, noting, "There was still some doubt after his spell at Castleford, but there is no question that Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise a group of players and steer them to success. He has done that with style and class. Wakefield play with flair and take risks, producing beautiful rugby." Owner Matt Ellis showered his team with praise after the match: "It still hasn’t sunk in. Over four and a half thousand fans were still singing – what a performance.
That was the best display I’ve seen in my time owning the club. I’m so proud of them. 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, but we came out confident. It’s a happy group, and now they’re an even happier group. Three years after relegation, we’re here!" The upcoming Betfred Super League Grand Final promises to be a showcase of elite rugby league, and fans can watch the showdown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, from 5 p.m.
Those without a subscription can stream the match contract‑free via NOW.