Jon Wilkin argued that even some of the most celebrated squads in Super League history would have struggled to overcome Wakefield Trinity on Saturday evening, as Daryl Powell’s men secured a remarkable victory over the Wigan Warriors and clinched a place in the Grand Final. A cascade of tries in the second half saw Trinity bring an end to Wigan’s 16‑match winning run, leaving Matt Peet’s side bewildered by the sheer speed and physicality displayed by the visitors.
Wigan were reduced to 12 men after 45 minutes when Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a tip‑tackle. Wakefield seized the opportunity with ruthless efficiency, crossing the line three times while the Australian five‑eighth served his time off the pitch. The visitors had looked competitive in the opening exchanges, matching Wakefield’s intensity and even taking the lead when Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense first fifteen minutes.
However, the League Leaders’ Shield winners, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, faltered once the interval arrived. "Wigan were poor, but that was entirely a result 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 today could have held a candle to Wakefield." He went on to add, "I would even say that some of the great teams we’ve seen in 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 from close range for a second score. Within seven minutes, Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and crashed over for a third try, while Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point haul with a try assisted by a brilliant pass from Jake Trueman. Post‑match, 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," he said.
"All the credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑played, out‑coached and out‑scored on every level.
It hurts, but the night belongs to them." With this win, 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’s coaching journey has been a rapid ascent. 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 appearance.
In October 2023 he was appointed head coach of Wakefield, and within a single season he has lifted the club from the Championship to its inaugural Super League Grand Final, delivering arguably one of the best campaigns in the club’s modern era. Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact, saying, "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 that with style and class. Wakefield play with risk and they play the game beautifully." Owner Matt Ellis also showered the team with accolades.
"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 came out 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 the showcase of the season, airing live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, 3 October at 5 pm. Fans can also stream the match contract‑free via NOW.