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 against the Wigan Warriors and secured a place in the Grand Final. A barrage of second‑half tries saw Trinity snap Wigan’s 16‑match winning run, leaving Matt Peet’s side reeling in the face of 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 time off the pitch.
The visitors began the match 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, faltered in the second half. "Wigan were poor, but that was entirely a result of what Wakefield threw at them," Wilkin told Sky Sports.
"It was a clinical display full of power, pace, energy, enthusiasm and flawless execution. No team in the Super League could have competed with Wakefield today." Wilkin went even further, stating, "I would say that some of the great teams we’ve seen throughout Super League history would not have stood a chance against the 80 minutes of rugby that Wakefield produced." After Keighran’s sin‑bin, Tom Johnston finished a diving effort in the corner, and shortly after Jack Sinfield powered past Junior Nsemba from close range for another score. Within seven minutes the trio had added a third try, with Corey Hall sprinting down the wing and crashing over the line. Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point haul, benefitting from a superb pass from Jake Trueman.
Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield, acknowledging that his own side were "well prepared" but fell short on the night. "Wakefield were outstandingly good," he said.
"All credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑played, out‑coached and ultimately beaten. Credit to them – it hurts, but the night belongs to Wakefield." With this victory, a new name is guaranteed on the Super League trophy.
Wakefield will now face Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Powell 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 maiden Super League Grand Final, delivering arguably one of the best seasons in the club’s modern history.
Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact, saying, "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 men 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 we’d be four scores up.
I had a good feeling all week; the pressure was on them, we came here confident. It’s a happy group, now an even happier group. Three years after relegation we’re here!" 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 pm. Fans can watch via a Sky Sports subscription or stream contract‑free on NOW.