Full Breakdown
Wakefield Trinity’s Shock Semi-Final Victory Over Wigan Warriors
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 26, Wakefield Trinity defeated league-leaders Wigan Warriors 33-6 at the Brick Community Stadium, securing the club’s first ever appearance in a Betfred Super League Grand Final. The win ended Wigan’s 16-game winning streak and halted their bid for a domestic treble.
Background & Context
Wakefield had been relegated from the Super League at the end of the 2023 season. Since the 2024 promotion from the Championship, the club has progressed rapidly, culminating in the 2026 semi-final upset.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Wakefield Trinity 33, Wigan Warriors 6.
- Tries (Wakefield): Tom Johnstone 2, Jack Sinfield, Corey Hall, Ky Rodwell.
- Goals: Max Jowitt 6 (conversion), Mason Lino 1 (drop-goal).
- Wigan’s only points came from a try by Brad O’Neill and a goal by Adam Keighran.
- Wigan entered the match on a 16-game winning run across all competitions and held the League Leaders’ Shield and Challenge Cup.
Official Statements & Responses
- Head coach Daryl Powell said his side executed a tight first-half plan and then “were exceptional” in the second half, praising the defensive discipline that limited Wigan’s attack.
- Wigan coach Matt Peet acknowledged his team were “out-coached” and that “the night belongs to them.”
- Owner Matt Ellis described the result as “unreal” and expressed pride in the club’s transformation, noting the performance exceeded even his own high expectations.
- The Rugby Football League confirmed Wakefield’s place in the Grand Final, where they will meet Warrington Wolves on October 3 at Old Trafford.
Why It Matters / Impact
Wakefield’s triumph marks the first Grand Final appearance for a club that last won the top-flight title in 1968. The victory also represents the first Grand Final since 2011 that does not feature either Leeds, Wigan or St Helens, signalling a potential shift in the league’s power balance. The win validates Ellis’s investment strategy and Powell’s coaching, while providing a historic narrative for supporters who have endured years of lower-table finishes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our mentality was always we thought we could come here and win despite what people said,” — Daryl Powell, wakefield head coach
- “It's something I've dreamed about for years and it used to be a bit of a pipe dream,” — Tom Johnstone
- “I’m obviously delighted. I thought the performance from the boys was exceptional,” — Daryl Powell, wakefield head coach
- “I thought it would be a tight game. The first half looked that way, and we’re just in front at half-time. The second-half performance was exceptional,” — Daryl Powell, wakefield head coach
- “One week to go. Hopefully we can put some colour on that wall. That is the dream. There are so many good stories; three years after relegation we’re there.. it’ll be a tasty game.” — Matt Ellis
What’s Next
Wakefield Trinity will face Warrington Wolves in the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Both clubs will be seeking their first Super League championship; Warrington last appeared in a Grand Final in 2018, while Wakefield aim to end a 58-year wait for the title. Preparations are underway, with coaches emphasizing enjoyment of the week and focus on delivering their best performance on the day.