Jon Wilkin asserted that many 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 their 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 45 minutes when Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a tip‑tackle.
Wakefield capitalised ruthlessly, crossing the line three times while the Australian five‑eighth served his time off the pitch. The visitors began the game brightly, matching Wakefield’s intensity from the first whistle. Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense opening 15 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 wobble 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 side in the Super League could have competed with Wakefield today." Wilkin went further, claiming that even some of the legendary teams that have defined Super League over the years would have found it impossible to match the 80 minutes of high‑octane rugby that Wakefield delivered. After Keighran’s sin‑bin, Tom Johnston finished a diving effort in the corner, and shortly after, Jack Sinfield slipped past Junior Nsemba to add another try. Within seven minutes the trio had completed a hat‑trick of scores, with Corey Hall sprinting down the wing and powering over the line.
Kyle Rodwell capped the 27‑point victory, converting a superb pass from Jake Trueman to seal the win. In the post‑match interview, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield’s performance while 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‑coached, out‑played and out‑scored. It hurts, but the night belongs to them." With that triumph, a fresh name is now guaranteed on the Super League trophy. Wakefield will meet the Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Powell, who left the Castleford Tigers at the end of the 2021 season after guiding them to a Challenge Cup final and their first Super League Grand Final, was appointed head coach at Wakefield in October 2023. His impact has been transformative, steering the club from the Championship to its inaugural Super League Grand Final in what is being hailed as one of the best seasons in the club’s modern history. Wilkin reflected on Powell’s journey, noting that opinions were divided after his Castleford tenure but that his results at Wakefield have silenced any doubts. "There was still debate after his time at Castleford, but there is no question that Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise a group of players and lead them to success.
He has done that with style and class. Wakefield play with risk and they play the game beautifully," he said. Owner Matt Ellis showered his team with admiration after the match.
"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 entire time owning the club. I’m so proud of them.
We nailed it tonight, didn’t we? I never imagined we’d be four scores ahead.
I had a good feeling all week; the pressure was on us, but we came out confident. It’s a happy group, and now it’s an even happier group. The story is incredible – three years after relegation we’re here!" The excitement builds toward the Betfred Super League Grand Final, which will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, 3 October, from 5 p.m. Fans can also stream the event contract‑free via NOW.
Wakefield’s historic run, driven by Powell’s tactical acumen, Wilkin’s endorsement, and the unwavering support of their fans, sets the stage for a Grand Final that could rewrite the league’s history books.