Jon Wilkin asserted that many of the most celebrated squads in Super League annals would have struggled to overcome Wakefield Trinity on Saturday night, as Daryl Powell’s men produced a remarkable upset over the Wigan Warriors to secure 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 in the face of Wakefield’s ferocious speed and power. The match took a dramatic turn when, after 45 minutes, Wigan were reduced to 12 men 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 field. Wigan had looked sharp in the opening exchanges, matching Wakefield’s intensity and even breaking the deadlock after a tense first fifteen minutes when Brad O’Neill struck first.
However, the League Leaders’ Shield holders, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, began to falter once the second half commenced. "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 could have competed with Wakefield today." He went on to add, "I would even argue that some of the great teams we’ve seen throughout Super League history would have struggled to survive the 80 minutes that Wakefield produced." Following Keighran’s departure to the sin‑bin, Tom Johnston finished off a sweeping move in the corner with a diving try, and shortly after Jack Sinfield powered through Junior Nsemba at close range for a second score.
In the span of seven minutes the Trinity side added a third, as Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and bulldozed his way over the line. Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point triumph, benefitting from a superb pass from Jake Trueman. Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised the opposition, noting that his own side had been "well prepared" but ultimately fell short. "Wakefield were outstandingly good," Peet said.
"All the credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑played, out‑coached and out‑performed in every department. It hurts, but the night belongs to them." With this victory, a new name is guaranteed on the Super League trophy as Wakefield will 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 inaugural Super League Grand Final, took over at Wakefield in October 2023. In less than a year he has been instrumental in propelling the club from the Championship to its first ever Super League Grand Final, delivering one of the best seasons in the club’s modern history.
Wilkin reflected, "There was still some doubt after his time at Castleford, but there is no question that Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise and motivate a group to achieve success. He’s done it with style and class. Wakefield play with risk and they play the game beautifully." Owner Matt Ellis showered his team with accolades after the win: "It still hasn’t sunk in. Four‑and‑a‑half thousand fans were still singing after the final whistle.
That was the best performance in my entire tenure as owner. I’m so proud of the lads – we nailed it tonight, didn’t we? I never imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that we’d be winning by four scores. I had a good feeling all week; the pressure was on them, but we came out confident.
It’s a happy group, and now they’re an even happier group. Three years after relegation, we’re here, and the stories we’re creating are incredible." The upcoming Betfred Super League Grand Final will be the showcase event of the season, with live coverage 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.