Jon Wilkin argued that several of the most celebrated squads in Super League history would have struggled to overcome Wakefield Trinity on Saturday night, as Daryl Powell’s men pulled off a spectacular upset against the Wigan Warriors to secure a place in the Grand Final. A barrage of second‑half tries saw Trinity snap Wigan’s 16‑game winning run, leaving Matt Peet’s side reeling after being out‑paced by Wakefield’s relentless speed and brute force. Wigan were reduced to twelve men after 45 minutes 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. The visitors began the match brightly, matching Wakefield’s intensity from the first whistle. Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense opening fifteen minutes, giving the Warriors 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 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." He added, "No team in the Super League could have matched Wakefield today. Not a single side." Wilkin went even further, stating, "I would say some of the great teams we’ve seen throughout Super League history would not have survived the eighty minutes that Wakefield produced." After Keighran’s sin‑bin, Tom Johnston dived into the corner for a spectacular try, and shortly afterwards Jack Sinfield slipped past Junior Nsemba to add another score. Within seven minutes Wakefield had a third try, as Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and powered over the line.
Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point haul, benefiting from a superb pass from Jake Trueman. Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield’s performance, acknowledging that his own side had been well prepared but simply fell short on the night. "Wakefield were outstandingly good," Peet said. "All credit goes to them and to Daryl.
We were out‑played, out‑coached and ultimately beaten. 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 the Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Powell’s journey to this moment began when he left Castleford Tigers at the end of the 2021 season after guiding them to a Challenge Cup final and their first ever Super League Grand Final.
He was appointed head coach of Wakefield in October 2023 and has been pivotal in elevating the club from the Championship to its inaugural Super League Grand Final appearance, delivering one of the best seasons in the club’s modern history. Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact, 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 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." Wakefield owner Matt Ellis showered the team with praise 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?" Ellis continued, "I never imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that we’d be four scores ahead. I had a good feeling all week; all the pressure was on them, but we came in confident.
It’s a happy group, now an even happier group. Three years after relegation, we’re here!" 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 via NOW.