Wakefield Trinity became the sixth club to win the Super League title after a dominant 23-10 win over Warrington Wolves at the Betfred Grand Final. The result was a deserved one for a team that defied expectations throughout the season.
A First Half That Set the Game
By halftime, Wakefield held a 19-0 advantage, having seen Cameron Scott, Isaiah Vagana and Jazz Tevaga cross for tries, with Jack Sinfield’s drop goal adding the extras. The team ended the match with 33 unanswered points in a spell at Wigan, extending their run of scoring to 52 points at Old Trafford.
Trinity brought their attacking style forward from the semi-final demolition of Wigan into this match, and the first half confirmed that it still worked. Jake Trueman’s high kick on the last tackle was caught spectacularly by Tom Johnstone above opposite wing Albert Hopoate, who tapped it back for the supporting Vagana to dive over.
Warrington’s Late Hope Fades
Warrington had a moment of hope in the early stages of the second half when Arron Lindop scored his try. The lead did not last, however, and when Johnstone crossed at the opposite end, the match was effectively settled.
Late in the match, Lindop added another goal, while Ewan Irwin failed to land the conversion. As the final whistle approached, Wakefield’s players and staff began counting down the seconds until they could start their celebrations.
A Title 72 Years in Waiting
The Wakefield team has won the title after a long wait, ending a 72-year gap since their last championship, which came in 1968, before the Super League era even existed. Few would have guessed this final match would happen seven days ago, let alone at any point during the whole season.
Wakefield’s rise to Old Trafford has been remarkable. Just two years ago, they claimed the Championship play-off final and earned their spot in Super League through the IMG grading system after being relegated in 2023. Last season they finished sixth, and this time around they improved by two positions, with memorable play-off victories over Leigh Leopards and Wigan.
Daryl Powell urged his players to chase legendary status, knowing that would be their lasting reward if they emerged victorious. His side responded with a display that made Wakefield Trinity champions of England for the first time since 1968.
Warrington’s Long Wait Continues
In the Super League era, Warrington have repeatedly finished second best, with Wigan and St Helens collecting the silverware while they waited. This was their fifth appearance in the Grand Final, and it felt like the moment to end their long wait for a title, which has stretched across a 72nd year.
Sam Burgess’ team had dropped Challenge Cup finals at Wembley in each of the last two seasons under his leadership. They came into this fixture after winning nine out of their last 10, yet they were slow to find a response in the early going, struggling for answers within the first 40 minutes.
Trinity centre Corey Hall was sent off for a high tackle at the start of the second half, and his team were left a player short. That gave Lindop an opportunity to cross the try line and give his side some hope of a late fightback. Despite that momentum, Warrington failed to add to their tally before the end.
Wakefield weathered the storm and worked an opening for Johnstone’s power and pace to deliver the decisive try. The Wolves desperately attacked, but the conversion was missed, sealing Wakefield’s win.
A Season of Surprises
| Team | Result | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Wakefield Trinity | Champions | 52 unanswered points, 19-0 lead |
| Warrington Wolves | Runners-up | Fifth Grand Final, 33 unanswered points conceded |
In just two years, Wakefield has moved from being a Championship underdog to winning the Super League title, a feat without precedent. What was barely a fixture in the top flight now sits as its champion.
The title gives a fitting reward to a side that played with confidence far beyond what it had shown before. Powell’s demand to earn legendary status has been met in the most forceful way possible.
Wakefield Trinity are champions of England once again.
Source material: “Wakefield beat Warrington to win Super League,” the BBC.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.