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 over the Wigan Warriors and secured a place in the Grand Final. A cascade of second‑half tries saw Trinity halt Wigan’s 16‑match winning run, leaving Matt Peet’s side reeling after being out‑paced by Wakefield’s ferocious speed and raw power.
The match turned dramatically when, after 45 minutes, the Warriors were reduced to twelve men when Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a dangerous tip‑tackle. Wakefield seized the opportunity, crossing the line three times while the Australian five‑eighth served his punishment. Wigan had begun the encounter on an even footing, matching Wakefield’s intensity in the opening exchanges. Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense first fifteen minutes, giving the visitors an early lead.
However, the League Leaders’ Shield holders, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, appeared to lose steam after the interval. "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 today could have stood up to Wakefield." He went further, stating, "I would even suggest that some of the great teams we’ve seen throughout Super League history would not have survived the 80 minutes that Wakefield delivered." Following Keighran’s sin‑bin, Wakefield’s Tom Johnston dived into the corner for a spectacular try, and shortly after, Jack Sinfield powered past Junior Nsemba from close range to add another. Within seven minutes the Trinity side completed a hat‑trick of scores when Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and crashed over the line.
The final try was secured by Ky Rodwell, who finished off a superb passing move from Jake Trueman, sealing a 27‑point victory. After the final whistle, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield’s performance, 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‑played, out‑coached and beaten in every department. It hurts, but the night belongs to them." With this win, Wakefield has guaranteed a new name on the Super League trophy as they prepare to meet the Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Powell’s coaching journey adds further intrigue to the story.
He departed Castleford Tigers at the end of the 2021 season after guiding them to a Challenge Cup final and their first Super League Grand Final. In October 2023 he was appointed head coach at Wakefield, and his impact has been immediate: he has helped lift the club from the Championship into its inaugural Super League Grand Final, delivering one of the best seasons in the club’s modern history.
Wilkin reflected on Powell’s credentials, noting, "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’s done it with style and class. Wakefield play with risk and they play the game beautifully." Owner Matt Ellis also lavished praise on his team 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 us, but we stayed confident.
It’s a happy group, an even happier group now. Three years after relegation, we’re here!" The upcoming Betfred Super League Grand Final will be a showcase of the sport’s highest level, with the showpiece event airing live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, from 5 pm.
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