Jon Wilkin argued 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 side produced a remarkable upset against the Wigan Warriors and secured a place in the Grand Final. The match turned into a second‑half fireworks display, with Trinity halting Wigan’s 16‑game winning run and leaving Matt Peet’s side bewildered by the sheer speed and power displayed by the visitors. Wigan were reduced to twelve men after 45 minutes when Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a tip‑tackle. Wakefield seized the opportunity with ruthless efficiency, crossing the try‑line three times while the Australian five‑eighth served his time off the field.
The opening exchanges were competitive, with the Warriors matching Trinity’s intensity. Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense first fifteen minutes, giving Wigan an early lead. However, the League Leaders’ Shield holders, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, began to falter once the second half got underway. "Wigan were poor, but that was entirely because 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 side in the Super League could have stood up to Wakefield today." He went further, stating, "I would even say that some of the great teams we have 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 Jack Sinfield followed by beating Junior Nsemba at close range. Within seven minutes, Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and powered over for a third try. The final try came from Ky Rodwell, who capped the 27‑point triumph after a brilliant 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 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, Wakefield is guaranteed a new name on the Super League trophy as they prepare to meet Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Powell’s coaching journey adds further context to the achievement. He 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. Appointed head coach of Wakefield in October 2023, Powell has been instrumental in lifting the club from the Championship to its inaugural Super League Grand Final, delivering one of the most successful seasons in the club’s modern history. Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact, noting that "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 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: "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 in my wildest dreams we’d be four scores up.
I had a good feeling all week; all the pressure was on them, we came here confident. It’s a happy group, but now they’re even happier.
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 at 5 pm. Fans can watch via a Sky Sports subscription or stream contract‑free on NOW.