First-half dominance at Old Trafford
Wakefield Trinity claimed their maiden Super League title and their first English championship since 1968 by defeating Warrington Wolves 23-10 at a sold-out Old Trafford on Saturday. Daryl Powell's side carried momentum from their semi-final victory over Wigan Warriors at the Brick Community Stadium, establishing complete control during the opening forty minutes. Cam Scott opened the scoring in the corner after receiving a flick pass from Lachlan Walmsley, and Max Jowitt kicked the conversion. Eight minutes later, Tom Johnstone gathered a high ball and directed it inside for Isaiah Vagana to cross for Wakefield's second try. In the final five minutes of the half, Jazz Tevaga forced his way over from close range before half-back Jack Sinfield landed a drop goal to make it 19-0.
- Cam Scott scores in the corner from Lachlan Walmsley's flick pass, converted by Max Jowitt.
- Isaiah Vagana touches down from Tom Johnstone's inside pass, with Jowitt converting for 12-0.
- Jazz Tevaga scores from close range and Jack Sinfield lands a drop goal to lead 19-0.
- Corey Hall receives a yellow card before Arron Lindop scores Warrington's opening try.
- Tom Johnstone cuts inside on the wing to score Wakefield's fourth try.
- Arron Lindop scores a second try for Warrington before full time.
Second-half response and Johnstone's decider
Warrington launched a brief comeback early in the second half after Wakefield centre Corey Hall received a yellow card for a forearm smash. Arron Lindop took advantage of the extra space to score Warrington's opening try, with Irwin kicking the conversion to bring the score to 19-6. Trinity prevented further scoring while playing with twelve men, maintaining their defensive structure until returning to full strength. On the hour mark, Johnstone cut inside Lindop on the wing to score Wakefield's fourth try in the corner and extend the margin to 23-6. Lindop crossed again in the closing stages for his second try of the evening, but Warrington were unable to close the gap.
Turnaround under Matt Ellis
The championship completed a two-year turnaround for Wakefield, who suffered relegation in 2023 and competed in the second-tier Championship before returning to Super League. Local businessman Matt Ellis took control of the club in 2023, appointing Powell and re-signing players including Johnstone to rebuild the squad. Seven members of Saturday's Grand Final team played for Trinity in the Championship playoffs two years prior. Trinity became only the sixth distinct club to win the Super League since its inception in 1996. Johnstone, who made his senior debut in 2015 when Wakefield finished bottom of the table with six points, received the Rob Burrow Trophy as player of the match.
Throughout all those times going through rehab, all I ever said was I'm going to get one of those (title) rings, I'm going to win it. Now I've done it, so it means more.
Warrington's fifth Grand Final defeat
Warrington Wolves suffered their fifth defeat in five Super League Grand Final appearances, having previously lost deciders since their last title in 1955. Head coach Sam Burgess, 37, reached Old Trafford in his first season in charge, marking the Wolves' first Grand Final appearance since 2018. Following the match, Burgess confirmed he will remain with Warrington for the 2027 season despite not having signed a formal extension beyond his current term. Burgess noted that Warrington overcame fifteen mid-season injuries by relying on their academy system to sustain their campaign.
I've not signed a contract yet but I've given my word to Simon Moran and that's probably better than any contract.