Jon Wilkin argues that many of the most celebrated squads in Super League history would have struggled to overcome Wakefield Trinity on Saturday night, as Daryl Powell’s men secured a remarkable victory over the Wigan Warriors and booked their 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 out‑paced 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 dangerous tip‑tackle. Wakefield seized the opportunity, crossing the line three times while the Australian five‑eighth served his suspension.
The visitors had started brightly, matching Wakefield’s intensity in the opening exchanges. Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense first 15 minutes, giving Wigan an early foothold. However, the League Leaders’ Shield holders, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, faltered in the second half. Wilkin told Sky Sports, “Wigan were poor, but that was entirely a result of what Wakefield threw at them.” He added, “It was a clinical display, packed with power, pace, energy, enthusiasm and flawless execution.” He continued, “No team in the Super League could have competed with Wakefield tonight.
Not a single one.” Wilkin went further, stating, “I would even say that some of the great teams we’ve seen in Super League history would have struggled to survive the 80 minutes of rugby 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 past Junior Nsemba for a second score. Within seven minutes, Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and bulldozed his way over the line for a third try. Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point triumph, benefitting from a deft pass from Jake Trueman.
Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield, acknowledging that his own side had been well prepared but were ultimately out‑performed. “Wakefield were outstandingly good,” he said.
“All the credit belongs to them and to Daryl. We were out‑coached, out‑played and beaten in every department. It hurts, but the night belongs to them.” With this win, a new name will be added to the Super League trophy list as Trinity prepares to meet Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Powell 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 took over at Wakefield in October 2023 and has been instrumental in elevating the club from the Championship to its inaugural Super League Grand Final appearance, marking one of the most successful seasons in the club’s modern history. Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact, saying, “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 it with style and class.” He added, “Wakefield play with flair, they take risks, and they play the game beautifully.” 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 entire tenure as owner. I’m so proud of the lads. We nailed it today, didn’t we?
I never imagined we’d be four scores ahead. I had a good feeling all week; the pressure was on us, but we went in confident.
It’s a happy group, now an even happier group. Three years after relegation we’re here, and there are so many great 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. Viewers can also watch via NOW without a contract.