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 pulled off a stunning upset against the Wigan Warriors and secured their place in the Grand Final. A cascade of second‑half tries saw Trinity snap Wigan’s 16‑match winning run, leaving Matt Peet’s side bewildered by the sheer speed and power on display.
The visitors were reduced to 12 men after 45 minutes when Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a dangerous tip‑tackle, and Wakefield capitalised ruthlessly, crossing the line three times while the Australian five‑eighth served his punishment. Wigan had looked sharp in the opening exchanges, matching Wakefield’s intensity and breaking the deadlock after a tense first fifteen minutes when Brad O’Neill found the try‑line. However, the League Leaders’ Shield holders, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, faltered dramatically after the interval. "Wigan were terrible, but that was entirely because of what Wakefield threw at them," Wilkin told Sky Sports.
"It was a clinical performance, packed with power, pace, energy, enthusiasm and flawless execution. No side in the Super League could have held a candle to Wakefield today." He went on to add, "I would even say that some of the great teams we’ve seen throughout Super League history would have struggled to compete with the 80 minutes of rugby that Wakefield produced." Once Keighran headed to the bin, Tom Johnston finished off a sweeping move with a diving try in the corner, and shortly after Jack Sinfield powered past Junior Nsemba from close range for a second score. A third try arrived within seven minutes when Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and crashed over the line.
Ky Rodwell capped the 27‑point haul, benefiting from a brilliant pass from Jake Trueman. After the final whistle, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised the opposition, acknowledging that his side had been "well prepared" but were ultimately outclassed on the night.
"Wakefield were outstandingly good," he said. "All the credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑played, out‑coached and beaten in every department. It hurts, but the night belongs to them." With that victory, a new name is guaranteed to be etched on the Super League trophy.
Wakefield will now meet Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Powell, who left Castleford Tigers at the end of the 2021 season after guiding them to a Challenge Cup final and their first Super League Grand Final, took over at Wakefield in October 2023. In just a few months he has transformed the club, lifting them from the Championship and steering them to what is arguably one of the best seasons in their history. "The jury was still out after his spell at Castleford," Wilkin remarked, "but there is no doubt Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise a group of players and drive them to success.
He’s done it with style and class. Wakefield play with risk and they play the game beautifully." Owner Matt Ellis showered his team with praise after the semi‑final win. "It still hasn’t sunk in. Four‑and‑a‑half thousand fans were still singing after the final whistle – what a performance.
That was the best performance in my entire time owning the club. I’m so proud of the lads. We nailed it today, didn’t we? I never imagined we’d be four scores up.
I had a good feeling all week; the pressure was on them, we came in confident, and we delivered. It’s a happy group, and now they’re an even happier group.
Three years after relegation we’re back in the Grand Final – what a story!" 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 p.m. Viewers can also stream the match contract‑free via NOW if they do not have a Sky subscription.
The stage is set for a historic showdown, and Wakefield’s remarkable semi‑final triumph will be fresh in the minds of fans and pundits alike as they anticipate what could be a landmark victory at Old Trafford.