Wigan Warriors’ treble dream over after Wakefield Trinity seal Grand Final spot
Wigan Warriors’ treble hopes were ended as Wakefield Trinity produced a dominant second-half display to secure a 33-6 victory in Saturday’s Super League play-off semi-final.
The Warriors went into the clash having already secured the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield this year, with a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford the final piece of their treble bid.
But there was to be no clean sweep for Matt Peet’s side as Wakefield produced a clinical display to book their place in the Super League Grand Final for the first time in their history.
They will face Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford next Saturday, with neither side having previously lifted the Super League trophy.
The opening quarter was a tight affair, with neither side able to find a way through before Wakefield’s Jazz Tevaga was sent to the sin-bin for a trip on Liam Marshall after 15 minutes.
Wigan took advantage four minutes later as Brad O’Neill scooted from dummy-half and powered over from close range, with Adam Keighran adding the conversion to put the hosts 6-0 ahead.
Wakefield hit back after 31 minutes when the ball was moved down the left to Tom Johnstone, who finished in the corner. Max Jowitt converted to level the scores.
The visitors then edged ahead two minutes later after a successful captain’s challenge, with Wakefield awarded a penalty for a tackle off the ball. Jowitt opted to take the two points and put Trinity 8-6 ahead. That was how the sides went into half-time, with Wakefield holding a narrow lead after a closely fought opening 40 minutes.
Wigan were reduced to 12 men early in the second half when Keighran was sin-binned for a tip tackle on Isaiah Vagana.
Wakefield immediately capitalised on the extra man, moving the ball through quick hands for Johnstone to finish in the corner and extend their lead to 12-6.
Trinity then took control of the contest. Jack Sinfield broke through a couple of Wigan defenders to reach over the line after 51 minutes, with Jowitt converting to make it 18-6.
Three minutes later, Corey Hall went over down the left side and Jowitt again added the extras.
Wakefield were in again on 58 minutes when Jake Trueman laid a flat ball to Ky Rodwell, who went over to put Trinity 30-6 ahead.
Mason Lino added a drop goal with six minutes remaining before Jowitt completed the scoring with a late penalty goal.
The full-time hooter confirmed a 33-6 victory for Wakefield, ending Wigan’s hopes of completing the treble.
Wakefield will now face Warrington in next Saturday’s Grand Final, with a new name guaranteed to be added to the Super League trophy at Old Trafford.
Wigan: Jai Field; Austin Daniel, Adam Keighran, Zach Eckersley, Liam Marshall; Bevan French, Harry Smith; Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Ollie Partington, Kaide Ellis. Subs: Liam Farrell, Sam Walters, Patrick Mago, Taylor Kerr. 18th man: Kian McDermott.
Tries: O’Neill | Goals: Keighran 1/1
Wakefield: Max Jowitt; Lachlan Walmsley, Cameron Scott, Corey Hall, Tom Johnstone; Jake Trueman, Jack Sinfield; Mike McMeeken, Tyson Smoothy, Ky Rodwell, Zac Lipowicz, Isaiah Vagana, Jazz Tevaga. Subs: Mason Lino, Jay Pitts, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Caius Faatili. 18th man: Harvey Smith.
Tries: Johnstone (2), Sinfield, Hall, Rodwell | Goals: Jowitt 6/7 | Drop Goals: Lino 1
Referee: Liam Moore | Attendance: 16,724