Wigan Warriors are no strangers to the final stages of the Betfred Super League, having earned their place at the Grand Final on numerous occasions. Their experience has forged a clear routine as they chase a possible treble in the 2026 season. So far, the club has already lifted two pieces of silverware – the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders' Shield – and the Grand Final now feels within arm's reach. The next hurdle comes in the form of a semi‑final clash against Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, 26 September, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Wakefield earned their spot by beating Leigh in the eliminator, and they will enter the game with confidence and a hard‑won momentum. For Wigan, the task is to stay focused on the immediate challenge while keeping an eye on the larger prize. Head coach Matt Peet, who suffered his first defeat as a Wigan head coach in the 2025 Old Trafford final against Hull KR, has turned that disappointment into motivation.
"We have been through this experience a few times now, learned some lessons, and it is exciting," Peet told Sky Sports. He emphasized that the team is not dwelling on past shortcomings but rather building on what worked and correcting the few things that fell short.
"It is not a case of everything we did last year was wrong; some things we got right, we just weren't good enough on the evening. We will do what is right for this year's team for this moment on their journey and our journey. It is more about looking forward than back," he added.
If Wigan can secure a victory in the semi‑final, it would represent Peet’s tenth trophy since taking over the reins of his hometown club in 2022 – an astonishing rate of success. Yet, the coach downplays the significance of the tally, insisting that the only trophy that matters is the one directly in front of them. "It is not about that, the next one is always the one," he said.
"We just want to play well in the semi‑finals. Not thinking too much about Old Trafford or the trophy or talking about that. We know we are going to be up against a very determined and capable team in the semi‑finals who have just had a fantastic win.
They will be battle‑hardened and confident so we just have to concern ourselves with that." The 2025 season was a mixed bag for Wigan under Peet. While they reached the final stages of every competition, Hull KR swept the honours, leaving Wigan empty‑handed.
The Grand Final ended in a 24‑6 defeat, a game in which Brad O'Neill was sent to the sin‑bin for a dangerous tackle. O'Neill has since enjoyed a standout 2026, earning a place in the Super League Dream Team, and he is eager to put the previous year’s disappointment behind him. O'Neill spoke about the team’s preparation ahead of the semi‑final, highlighting a pre‑match getaway that the squad uses to bond and recharge. "I feel like going away together pre the semi‑final when we get the week off is a great opportunity to get some work in but also a good time to bond as well and get away and fresh.
Just to enjoy each other's company," he explained. He recalled how painful the 2025 loss at Old Trafford had been for both himself and the club, adding, "To put those wrongs right would mean a lot to us all. We have given ourselves the best opportunity to do it, we just have to commit now and get through this semi‑final first." The schedule leading up to the semi‑finals shows a busy fortnight of high‑stakes matches: Wakefield Trinity defeated Leigh Leopards 26‑16 on Friday 18 September, while Warrington Wolves beat Hull KR 35‑12 on Saturday 19 September. The semi‑finals are set as follows: Leeds Rhinos versus Warrington Wolves on Friday 25 September at 8 pm, and Wigan Warriors versus Wakefield Trinity on Saturday 26 September at 5.30 pm, both on Sky Sports.
As the playoffs progress, the atmosphere across the league is electric, with fans and pundits alike speculating on which side will emerge victorious and claim a place at Old Trafford for the Grand Final on 3 October. For Wigan, the immediate goal is clear: execute their game plan, neutralise Wakefield’s battle‑hardened edge, and secure a win that will keep their treble ambitions alive. The team’s blend of seasoned experience, fresh talent, and a hunger to rectify past setbacks provides a compelling narrative heading into what promises to be a tightly contested semi‑final. In summary, Wigan Warriors are poised to face a formidable Wakefield Trinity side that has shown resilience and confidence in recent weeks.
Coach Matt Peet’s focus on forward‑looking preparation, combined with Brad O'Neill’s personal drive to amend the previous year’s disappointment, sets the stage for a high‑intensity encounter. The outcome will determine whether Wigan can add another trophy to Peet’s rapidly growing collection and keep the dream of a 2026 treble alive.