Wakefield Trinity completed a remarkable rise from relegation to the summit of English rugby league, defeating the Warrington Wolves 23-10 in a sold-out Grand Final at Old Trafford to claim their first top-flight title in 58 years.
Two years after suffering relegation from the top flight in 2023, Wakefield Trinity wrote themselves into the history books by returning to the Super League in 2025 and becoming only the sixth team ever to win the Super League Grand Final, joining a group that includes the Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls, and Hull KR. Their 23-10 victory over the Warrington Wolves on Saturday evening brought an end to a 58-year wait for a league title, a drought stretching back to 1968.
Instead of merely fighting for survival, veteran coach Daryl Powell—who was previously beaten in the 2017 Old Trafford decider with Castleford—guided a squad that finished fourth on the ladder straight to the ultimate prize.
First-Half Dominance at Old Trafford
In front of an electric and sold-out crowd bringing the curtain down on a landmark season, Wakefield showed no trace of big-match inexperience.
Tries from Isaiah Vagana and Jazz Tevaga soon followed, built on the back of a forward pack that consistently won the physical battle and generated sustained pressure. Max Jowitt remained calm under pressure with the boot, while Jack Sinfield—whose father, Sir Kevin, delivered the match ball after completing an ultra-marathon fundraising challenge—added a drop goal with just minutes left in the first half to send Wakefield into the sheds with a commanding 19-0 lead.
Wakefield Weather Warrington Comeback Attempts
Warrington entered the contest aiming to put an end to their own long championship drought, having not won a top-tier title since 1955, and suffering a fifth Old Trafford grand final defeat. Under head coach Sam Burgess, the Wolves had arrived at Old Trafford having won nine of their previous 10 matches, though their sole defeat in that run had come against Wakefield in round 26 of the regular season.
Arron Lindop crossed over twice for Warrington as they sought a comeback, but Wakefield weathered the storm. Once numbers were leveled on the field, Tom Johnstone stepped inside Lindop to score Wakefield’s fourth try on the hour mark, pushing the lead out and putting the result beyond doubt despite a late try from Lindop assisted by Ewan Irwin.
Emotional Departures and Historic Milestones
The victory carried added significance for several figures within the Trinity camp, including seven players who were with the club in the Championship just two years prior.
The occasion also marked poignant farewells for key contributors. Warrington captain George Williams saw his dream of ending his Warrington career with a title dashed before he departs for a second stint in the NRL with the Dolphins next year, while Wakefield stalwart Jay Pitts brought the curtain down on a career that began at the club in 2008, heading into retirement on the ultimate high alongside home-grown star Max Jowitt prior to his move to York.
“It makes it easier (to leave) knowing we’ve had a successful year and brought the club a trophy, but it makes it hard to leave the boys. Such a close group and I’m going to miss them. It’s going to be tough.”
Civic Celebrations and Return to the City Centre
The milestone 2026 season also pushed the Super League past two million spectators across the year for the first time in its history. Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial, noted that selling out the grand final was a fantastic way to finish a landmark season. For Wakefield, the celebrations move quickly from Manchester to home soil, with club owner Matt Ellis and local officials joining the festivities.
Wakefield Council has organized an open-top bus parade for Sunday, October 4. The players and coaching staff will depart Belle Vue at 1.30pm, traveling along Kirkgate, The Springs, Westmorland Street, Northgate, Rishworth Street, Cliff Parade, Drury Lane, Westgate, Marygate, Northgate, Rishworth Street, Cliff Parade, Drury Lane, and Westgate before arriving at Wood Street and Wakefield Town Hall around 3pm for a civic reception. A ticketed fan celebration event will follow at the Wakefield Exchange (WX) from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, giving supporters a chance to welcome home the champions.