Jon Wilkin argued 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 produced a remarkable upset over the Wigan Warriors and secured a place in the Grand Final. The match turned into a second‑half fireworks display, with Trinity halting Wigan’s 16‑game winning run and leaving Matt Peet’s side bewildered by the sheer speed and physicality on display. Wigan were reduced to twelve men after just 45 minutes when Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a dangerous tip‑tackle. Wakefield capitalised ruthlessly, crossing the line three times while the Australian five‑eighth served his time off the pitch.
The early stages had seen Wigan matching Wakefield’s intensity, and Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock within the first fifteen minutes, suggesting a tight contest. However, the League Leaders’ Shield winners, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, faltered once the second half began. "Wigan were poor, but that was entirely a result of what Wakefield threw at them," Wilkin told Sky Sports.
"It was a clinical display, brimming with power, pace, energy, enthusiasm and flawless execution. No team in the Super League could have measured up to Wakefield tonight." 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 compete with the 80 minutes of relentless pressure Wakefield delivered." After Keighran’s temporary dismissal, Tom Johnston finished strongly in the corner with a diving effort, and Jack Sinfield followed by slipping past Junior Nsemba for a close‑range try. Within seven minutes, Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and powered over for a third try, while Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point triumph after a brilliant pass from Jake Trueman. Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield’s performance, acknowledging his own side had been well prepared but ultimately fell short.
"Wakefield were outstandingly good," Peet said. "All credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑coached, out‑played and beaten in every department. It hurts, but the night belongs to them." The victory guarantees a new 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’s coaching journey adds further intrigue to the story. He departed Castleford Tigers after the 2021 season, having guided them to a Challenge Cup final and their inaugural Super League Grand Final appearance.
Appointed head coach of Wakefield in October 2023, Powell has been pivotal in elevating the club from the Championship to its first ever Super League Grand Final, delivering one of the most successful seasons in the club’s modern era. Wilkin reflected, "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 men and steer them to success.
He’s done it with style and class. Wakefield play with risk and they play the game beautifully." Owner Matt Ellis also showered the team with praise.
"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 just nailed it today, didn’t we? I never imagined in my wildest dreams we’d be four scores up.
I had a good feeling all week; the pressure was on them, we came out confident. It’s a happy group, an even happier group now.
Three years after relegation, we’re here!" Ellis exclaimed, highlighting the emotional journey from the lows of relegation to the highs of a Grand Final berth. The upcoming Betfred Super League Grand Final will be the showcase event of the season, airing 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.
The stage is set for Wakefield to potentially add their name to the trophy, capping a season that has turned skeptics into believers and cemented Daryl Powell’s reputation as one of the game’s most innovative tacticians.