Jon Wilkin argued that even some 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 triumph over the Wigan Warriors and booked their place in the Grand Final. A barrage of second‑half scores saw Trinity snap Wigan’s 16‑match winning run, leaving Matt Peet’s side bewildered by the sheer speed and physicality on display. Wigan were reduced to 12 men after 45 minutes when Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a tip‑tackle. Wakefield capitalised ruthlessly, crossing the line three times while the Australian five‑eighth served his time off the field.
The visitors had started brightly, matching Wakefield’s intensity in the opening exchanges. Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense first fifteen minutes, giving Wigan an early foothold. However, the League Leaders’ Shield holders, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, faltered once the second half began. "Wigan were poor, but that was entirely caused by 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 today could have measured up to Wakefield." He went on to add, "I would even say that several of the great teams we’ve seen over the history of the Super League would have struggled to survive the 80 minutes of football Wakefield produced." Following Keighran’s dismissal, Tom Johnston dived into the corner for a try, and shortly after Jack Sinfield powered through Junior Nsemba at close range to add another.
Within seven minutes the trio completed a hat‑trick of scores, with Corey Hall sprinting down the wing and crashing over the line. Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point victory, benefitting from a superb pass from Jake Trueman. After the final whistle, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield, acknowledging 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‑matched in every department. It hurts, but the night belongs to them." With this win, a new name is guaranteed on the Super League trophy as Trinity will meet the Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Powell, who left the 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, took over at Wakefield in October 2023.
He has been pivotal in lifting the club from the Championship and steering them to their inaugural Super League Grand Final during what is already being hailed as one of the best seasons in the club’s modern history. Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact, stating, "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 lead them to success. He’s done that with style and class.
Wakefield play with risk and they play the game beautifully." Owner Matt Ellis showered the team with admiration after the match: "It still hasn’t sunk in. Four‑and‑a‑half thousand fans still singing. What a performance. That was the best display I’ve seen in my time owning the club.
I’m so proud of them. We nailed it tonight, 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 came in confident. It’s a happy group, now an even happier group.
Three years after relegation we’re here, and there are so many good stories to tell." 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, October 3 at 5 pm. Fans can also stream the match contract‑free via NOW.