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 side delivered a stunning upset against the Wigan Warriors and secured their place in the Grand Final. A cascade of second‑half tries saw Trinity snap Wigan’s 16‑match winning run, leaving Matt Peet’s men reeling in the face of Wakefield’s ferocious speed and raw power.

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 begun the encounter on an even footing, matching Wakefield’s intensity from the first whistle.

Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense opening 15 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 terrible, 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 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 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 for a close‑range score.

Within seven minutes the trio had added a third try, as Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and smashed his way over the line. Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point triumph, benefitting from 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," he said. "All the 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 victory, 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 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 of Wakefield in October 2023. In just a few months he has helped lift the club from the Championship to its inaugural Super League Grand Final, marking one of the most successful seasons in the club’s modern history.

Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact: "The jury was still out after his spell at Castleford, but there is no doubt that Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise a group of players and steer them to success. He’s 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. What a performance. That was the best performance in my time owning the club. I’m so proud of the lads – 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, but now it’s an even happier group. Three years after relegation, we’re here!" The upcoming Betfred Super League Grand Final will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, from 5 pm.

Fans can also stream the match contract‑free on NOW if they have a Sky Sports subscription.