Wakefield Trinity produced one of their great all-time performances to stun Wigan Warriors and book their place in a first Super League Grand Final courtesy of a seismic upset.

Trinity were playing in the second tier two years ago, but next Saturday, they will walk out at Old Trafford in the biggest game of all after ending Wigan’s bid for aera.

They were practically faultless in a game few gave them a credible chance in, against a Wigan side bidding for a 16th consecutive league victory. However, the Super League leaders were outplayed by a Wakefield side who can now cap their remarkable and rapid rise by claiming a first league title in nearly 60 years.

Roared on by more than 5,000 travelling supporters – more than were watching Wakefield at home when they were relegated in 2023 – they scored five tries to Wigan’s one. It means they will face Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford and, for the second consecutive season, there will be a new name on the Super League trophy.

Trinity have been revitalised since they were taken over by local businessman Matt Ellis in late 2023. He has modernised their Belle Vue home and invested millions into their playing squad. The results have been incredible.

For almost an hour Wakefield were sensational, outplaying Wigan in every facet of the game to build a 30-6 lead. The Warriors had no response.

It was evident from the opening exchanges that Wakefield were not going to roll over. However, they fell behind when Wigan took advantage of Jazz Tevaga being in the sin-bin as Brad O’Neill scampered over from close-range.

By half-time, the visitors were ahead. A probing attack created enough space for Tom Johnstone to touch down in the corner, with Max Jowitt expertly converting in the corner and the full-back added a penalty to make it 8-6. A shock felt possible, but what followed was barely believable.

Wakefield maintained their intensity after the restart and when Adam Keighran was sent to the sin-bin, the game decisively swung Trinity’s way. They scored three tries in seven minutes to all but settle the semi-final.

First, Johnstone claimed his second with another wonderful finish in the corner. Three minutes later, Jack Sinfield looked to have picked the wrong option, but the son of the legendary Sir Kevin Sinfield produced a moment his father would have been proud of, ghosting through the defence to open up a two-score lead. Two minutes after that, Corey Hall punched through the gap where Keighran would have been.

Keighran had left the field with the scoreline 8-6; he returned with his side 24-6 behind and it would only get worse as Ky Rodwell strode through to make it 30-6.

There was nothing from Wigan to suggest a fightback was possible. Instead, Wakefield sealed the win with a Mason Lino drop goal and another Jowitt penalty.