Jon Wilkin argued that many of the most celebrated squads in Super League history would have struggled to defeat Wakefield Trinity on Saturday night, as Daryl Powell’s men produced a stunning upset against 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 reeling under the sheer speed and physicality displayed by the visitors.
Early in the second half, Wigan were reduced to twelve men when Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a tip‑tackle, and Wakefield seized the opportunity with ruthless efficiency. While the Australian five‑eighth served his time off the field, Trinity crossed the line three times, turning the momentum decisively in their favour. Wigan had started the game strongly, matching Wakefield’s intensity and intensity in the opening exchanges.
Brad O’Neill broke the deadlock after a tense first fifteen minutes, giving the Warriors a glimmer of hope. However, the League Leaders’ Shield holders, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, appeared to lose steam after the interval. "Wigan were poor, but that was entirely a result of what Wakefield threw at them," Wilkin told Sky Sports.
"It was a clinical display full of power, pace, energy, enthusiasm and flawless execution. No side in the Super League could have stood up to Wakefield today.
Not a single team could have matched the intensity they delivered for the full 80 minutes." Following Keighran’s dismissal, Tom Johnston finished off a sweeping move with a diving try in the corner, and shortly after, Jack Sinfield powered through Junior Nsemba at close range for a second score. Within seven minutes, a third try was added when Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and crashed over the line. The final try of the night came from Ky Rodwell, who capped a 27‑point victory thanks to a superb pass from Jake Trueman.
In the post‑match interview, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield’s performance while acknowledging his own side had been well prepared but simply outclassed on the night. "Wakefield were outstandingly good," Peet said.
"All credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑coached, out‑played and ultimately beaten on every front. It hurts, but the night belongs to them." With this win, a new name is guaranteed 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.
The triumph marks a remarkable turnaround for a club that only recently returned to the top flight after a period in the Championship. Powell’s coaching journey adds further context to the achievement. 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. Appointed as Wakefield’s head coach in October 2023, Powell has been instrumental in lifting the club from the second tier and steering them to their inaugural Super League Grand Final appearance, a season that will rank among the best in the club’s modern history.
Wilkin reflected on Powell’s impact, noting that some observers were still uncertain about his tenure at Castleford but that his results at Wakefield speak for themselves. "There is no doubt Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise a group of players and drive them to success.
He has done that with style and class. Wakefield play with risk and they play the game beautifully," he said. Owner Matt Ellis also showered his 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 the lads – we nailed it today, didn’t we? I never imagined in my wildest dreams we’d be four scores ahead. I had a good feeling all week; the pressure was on them, we came in confident.
It’s a happy group, but now they’re an even happier group. Three years after relegation, we’re here!" The victory not only secures a place in the Grand Final but also cements Wakefield’s reputation as a side capable of producing high‑octane, attacking rugby.
Their ability to combine blistering pace with physical dominance, especially when playing with a numerical advantage, has become a hallmark of Powell’s strategy. The team’s depth, with players like Johnston, Sinfield, Hall, Rodwell and Trueman stepping up at crucial moments, demonstrates a well‑balanced squad that can adapt to different phases of play. Looking ahead, the upcoming Grand Final against Warrington will test Wakefield’s resilience once more. Both teams have shown they can handle pressure, but Wakefield’s recent form suggests they have the confidence and momentum to challenge for the title.
Fans can tune in to Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, at 5 pm, or stream the match contract‑free via NOW, to witness whether this underdog story will culminate in a historic championship win.