Jon Wilkin believes some of the best teams in Super League history would not have beaten Wakefield Trinity on Saturday night, as Daryl Powell’s side sealed a huge upset victory against Wigan Warriors to book a spot in the Grand Final.

A flurry of second-half tries saw Trinity end Wigan’s 16-match winning streak, with the visitors leaving Matt Peet’s side stunned by their ferocious pace and power.

Wigan went down to 12 men after 45 minutes, with Adam Keighran being sin-binned for a tip-tackle. Wakefield ruthlessly took advantage, scoring three tries while the Australian five-eighth was off the field.

Wigan did impress in the opening exchanges, matching Wakefield for intensity, with Brad O’Neill breaking the deadlock after a tense first 15 minutes.

But the League Leaders’ Shield winners, who had two weeks off coming into this match, stumbled in the second half.

“Wigan were bad, but that was completely induced by what Wakefield threw at them,” Wilkin told Sky Sports.

“It was a clinical performance that was full of power, pace, energy, enthusiasm and execution.

“Nobody would have competed with Wakefield today. Not one team in Super League.

“I’d go as far as to say some of the great teams we’ve had in the history of Super League wouldn’t have competed with that 80 minutes that Wakefield have dished up.”

After Keighran was sent to the bin, Tom Johnston touched down in the corner with a diving finish, before Jack Sinfield beat Junior Nsemba from close range to score another.

They had a third in seven minutes, with Corey Hall sprinting down the wing before smashing his way over the tryline.

Ky Rodwell wrapped up the 27-point win, thanks to some great hands from Jake Trueman.

After the match, Peet lauded Wakefield, adding his Wigan side were “well prepared” but came up second on the night.

“Wakefield were outstandingly good,” the Warriors coach said. “All the credit in the world to them, to Daryl. We were outplayed, outcoached, and beaten all ends up.

“Credit to them, it hurts, but the night belongs to them.”

A new name on the Super League trophy is now guaranteed, with Trinity to face Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday, which is live on Sky Sports.

Powell lauded as top coach

Powell left his role with Castleford Tigers at the conclusion of the 2021 Super League season, having guided the side to a Challenge Cup final appearance and their maiden Super League Grand Final.

He was appointed head coach at Wakefield in October 2023, and has been instrumental in lifting the club from the Championship to its first Super League Grand Final, after one of their best seasons on record.

“I think the jury was still out after his spell at Castleford,” Wilkin said.

“But there is no doubt that Daryl Powell is an exceptional coach, who can get a group of men organised and directed to success.

“That’s what he’s done, and he’s done it with such style and class.

“Wakefield play with risk and they play the game in a beautiful way.”

Ellis: I didn’t think in my wildest dreams we’d do that

Wakefield owner Matt Ellis heaped praise on his team following the match:

“It’s still not sunk in yet. Four-and-a-half thousand fans still singing away. What a performance.

“That was the best performance in my time owning the club. So proud of them. We just nailed it today, didn’t we?

“I didn’t think in my wildest dreams [we’d be four scores up].

“I had a good feeling all week about it; all the pressure was on them. We came here, we were confident.

“It’s a happy group, but it’s an even happier group right now.

“There’s so many good stories, three years after relegation, and now we’re there!”

Who will win the Betfred Super League Grand Final? Watch the Super League’s showpiece event live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3 from 5pm. Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free on NOW