Jon Wilkin contended 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 delivered a stunning upset over the Wigan Warriors and secured a place in the Grand Final. A cascade of second‑half tries saw Trinity bring an end to Wigan’s 16‑match winning run, leaving Matt Peet’s side reeling after being outpaced by Wakefield’s ferocious speed and raw power. Wigan were reduced to 12 men after 45 minutes 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 time off the field.
The visitors had started the match brightly, matching Wakefield’s intensity in the opening exchanges. Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense first fifteen minutes, giving Wigan an early lead. However, the League Leaders’ Shield winners, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, faltered in the second half.
"Wigan were terrible, but that was entirely because 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 team in the Super League could have competed with Wakefield today.
In fact, I would argue that some of the greatest sides ever to play in the competition would have struggled to match the 80 minutes of brilliance that Wakefield produced." After Keighran’s sin‑bin, Tom Johnston dove over in the corner with a spectacular finish, and shortly afterwards Jack Sinfield powered through Junior Nsemba at close range for a second try. Within seven minutes the trio had completed a hat‑trick of scores, as Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and smashed his way over the line. The final try was added by Ky Rodwell, who capped a 27‑point victory with a well‑timed pass from Jake Trueman.
Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield’s performance while acknowledging that his own side had been well prepared but fell short on the night. "Wakefield were outstandingly good," Peet said. "All credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑coached, out‑played and ultimately beaten.
It hurts, but the night belongs to them." The win guarantees a fresh name on the Super League trophy, as Trinity 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 at Wakefield in October 2023. In just a few months he has been pivotal in lifting the club from the Championship to its inaugural Super League Grand Final appearance, marking one of the best 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’s no doubt Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise a group of players and drive 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 accolades after the victory: "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. We nailed it tonight, didn’t we?
I never imagined we’d be four scores up. I had a good feeling all week; all the pressure was on them, but we came out confident. It’s a happy group, an even happier group now. Three years after relegation we’re here, and there are so many good stories to tell." 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, ensuring the climax of the season reaches a wide audience.