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 against the Wigan Warriors and secured their 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 power displayed by Wakefield. The turning point arrived early in the second half when Wigan were reduced to twelve men after Adam Keighran received a sin‑bin for a tip‑tackle at the 45‑minute mark.
Wakefield seized the opportunity with ruthless efficiency, crossing the try line three times while the Australian five‑eighth was forced to watch from the bench. Wigan had started the encounter strongly, matching Wakefield’s intensity from the first whistle. Brad O'Neill broke the deadlock after a tense opening fifteen minutes, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope.
However, the League Leaders’ Shield holders, who had enjoyed a two‑week break before the semi‑final, began to wobble once the second half got underway. "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 side in the Super League could have competed with Wakefield today." He went on to say, "I would even argue that some of the great teams we’ve seen in Super League history would have struggled to match the 80 minutes of relentless intensity that Wakefield produced." Following Keighran’s sin‑bin, Tom Johnston finished a spectacular dive in the corner, and Jack Sinfield soon after slipped past Junior Nsemba to add another try. Within seven minutes, Corey Hall sprinted down the wing and powered over the line, completing a rapid hat‑trick of scores for Trinity.
The final try came from Ky Rodwell, who capped the 27‑point victory with a try assisted by a superb pass from Jake Trueman. Post‑match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Wakefield’s performance, acknowledging that his own side had been well prepared but simply fell short on the night.
"Wakefield were outstandingly good," Peet said. "All credit goes to them and to Daryl. We were out‑played, out‑coached and ultimately beaten.
It hurts, but the night belongs to them." With this win, a new name is guaranteed on the Super League trophy as Wakefield will meet Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Powell’s journey to this point has been noteworthy. He left his position at Castleford Tigers after the 2021 season, having guided them to a Challenge Cup final and their first Super League Grand Final appearance. Appointed head coach of Wakefield in October 2023, Powell has been instrumental in elevating the club from the Championship to its inaugural Super League Grand Final, delivering arguably one of the best seasons in the club’s modern history.
Wilkin added, "There was still some doubt after his spell at Castleford, but there is no question that Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach who can organise a group of players and steer them to success. He has done that 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 of them. 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, but we came out confident. It’s a happy group, and now an even happier group. Three years after relegation, we’re here!" Looking ahead, the question on everyone’s mind is which side will lift the Betfred Super League Grand Final trophy.
Fans can watch the marquee event live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, from 5 pm, or stream it contract‑free via NOW.