Wakefield Trinity delivered one of the most remarkable upsets ever recorded in the Super League playoffs, dispatching Wigan Warriors with a commanding 33-6 scoreline to earn their inaugural berth in the Grand Final. The League Leaders Shield holders, Wigan, entered the match on the back of an unbeaten run of sixteen games across all competitions and were widely tipped to book a place in their third consecutive Grand Final. Instead, they were left reeling by a ferocious Wakefield side that had only two seasons ago been competing in the Championship.
The encounter began with a tightly contested first half, each team matching the other's intensity. Early on, Wakefield’s Jazz Tevaga was penalised for a trip on Liam Marshall and spent time in the sin‑bin, giving the Warriors a brief advantage. Wigan responded through Brad O'Neill, who powered over for a try, but Wakefield quickly answered with Tom Johnstone finishing a sweeping move in the corner. A penalty for a ruck infringement later saw Trinity claim a two‑point lead at the interval.
The second half opened with the same level of pressure from both sides, but a pivotal moment arrived when Wigan’s play‑maker Adam Keighran was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Isaiah Vagana. The Warriors were reduced to twelve men, and Wakefield seized the opportunity with ruthless efficiency.
Within seven minutes of Keighran’s dismissal, Trinity crossed the line three times. Johnstone struck again, exploiting a mismatched defence to score another spectacular corner try.
Shortly after, Jack Sinfield bulldozed his way past Junior Nsemba for a third try, and Corey Hall sprinted down the wing to complete the quartet of scores. Jake Trueman continued to impress throughout the match, delivering a deft off‑load to Ky Rodwell, who capped the onslaught with the final try.
The result was a 27‑point margin that left Wigan stunned and Wakefield jubilant. Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell reflected on the performance, saying, "We were superb.
We completed the second half at 100 per cent, the first half at 94 per cent, and we only made one error all game. Wigan have had an unbelievable season, but we were unbelievable tonight.
Once we found our rhythm we never looked back. It’s a special group of boys and we now have an amazing opportunity next week." Wigan coach Matty Peet, speaking after the loss, acknowledged the impact of Keighran’s sin‑bin but insisted the result was not defined by that incident alone. "They had to be very good to punish us when we lost Adam," he said.
"No way is this game about that. We were well beaten. Wakefield deserved it.
We were prepared and motivated, but they were simply better on the day. Credit to Wakefield – it hurts, but the night belongs to them." With the semi‑final victory secured, Wakefield will face Warrington Wolves in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday. The match promises to be a historic occasion for the Trinity club, which will be looking to cap a meteoric rise from the second tier to the pinnacle of the sport in just two years. Fans can watch the showdown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, from 5 p.m., or stream it contract‑free via NOW.
The stage is set for a thrilling climax to a season that has already delivered one of its most unforgettable moments.