Wakefield thrashed Wigan 33-6 in the Super League play-off semi-final to book their place in a first Grand Final, where they will face Warrington at Old Trafford next Saturday.
Key facts
- Wakefield beat Wigan 6-33 in the Super League semi-final.
- Wakefield will face Warrington at Old Trafford next Saturday.
- It is Wakefield's first Super League Grand Final.
- The club was playing in the second tier just two years ago.
- Coach Daryl Powell was appointed in 2023 by owner Matt Ellis.
Wakefield produced what the Guardian described as one of their great all-time performances to stun Wigan and book their place in a first Super League Grand Final. The Super League play-off semi-final finished 6-33 in Wakefield’s favour.
The result completes a remarkable rise for a club that, according to the Guardian, was playing in the second tier just two years ago. Next Saturday they will walk out at Old Trafford to face Warrington in what the outlet called the biggest game of all.
The turnaround traces back to 2023, when new owner Matt Ellis appointed Daryl Powell as coach with an initial remit to secure promotion back to Super League. Ellis, described as a local kitchen magnate who has followed Wakefield all his life, had far greater ambitions for the club he had just purchased.
Powell recalled this week the message Ellis delivered when he arrived: “When I came, Matt said to me: ‘I want you to turn black and white into colour’.” The Guardian noted the corridors of Wakefield’s Belle Vue ground are lined with black and white photos of the club’s heyday in the 1960s, when Trinity were last a rugby league force.
With a Grand Final place secured, the Guardian reported there is only one colour on the club’s mind now: gold. Wakefield’s meeting with Warrington at Old Trafford is set for next Saturday.
Why it matters
Reaching a first Super League Grand Final marks the completion of a rapid rise for Wakefield, who were in the second tier only two years ago. It highlights how new ownership and coaching investment can transform a historic club's fortunes in a short space of time.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in the Wigan v Wakefield semi-final?
Wakefield beat Wigan 6-33 in the Super League play-off semi-final, according to the Guardian.
Who will Wakefield play in the Grand Final?
Wakefield will face Warrington at Old Trafford next Saturday.
Who owns and coaches Wakefield?
Wakefield is owned by local kitchen magnate Matt Ellis, who appointed Daryl Powell as coach in 2023.