Wakefield Trinity secured their first Super League title since 1968 with a 23-10 victory over Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford on Sunday, marking a significant milestone for the club. The win ended Wakefield’s long wait for top-tier success and capped a remarkable rise from the Championship to Super League champions in just two years.
Key to the triumph was 22-year-old scrum-half Jack Sinfield, who contributed a crucial drop goal and celebrated the victory alongside his father, Sir Kevin Sinfield, a rugby league legend and seven-time Super League champion with Leeds Rhinos. Sir Kevin, who had just completed his “7 in 7” ultramarathon challenge, handed over the trophy at the final whistle. Jack Sinfield described sharing the moment with his father as the highlight of the day, emphasizing his pride in Sir Kevin both as a player and as a parent.
Wakefield’s scoring opened early with tries from Cameron Scott, Isaiah Vagana, and Jazz Tevaga, all converted by Max Jowitt. Sinfield’s drop goal extended Wakefield’s advantage to 19-0 by halftime, and winger Tom Johnstone sealed the victory with a try in the 60th minute, maintaining Wakefield’s dominance and quashing any hope of a Warrington comeback.
Jack Sinfield opted to leave Leeds Rhinos last year, despite his father’s storied history there, to join Wakefield under coach Daryl Powell. Sinfield credited his father’s support and Powell’s vision for helping him develop his game. “I’ve loved every minute” of his time at Wakefield, he said, reflecting on the move that contributed to the team’s championship success.
Wakefield’s owner, Matt Ellis, who invested heavily in the club after its relegation two years ago, has been instrumental in the team’s revival. His efforts have drawn comparisons to Leicester City’s unlikely Premier League title run. Among the players seeking contract renewals is Australian winger Lachlan Walmsley, who expressed hope for a new deal soon.
Looking ahead, several Wakefield players are tipped for international duty. Tom Johnstone is expected to be named in England’s World Cup squad, alongside other heritage players like Caleb Hamlin-Uele, whose grandparents are from Somerset. Other notable candidates include NRL Grand Final winner Victor Radley and Billy Smith, while Mikey Lewis and Wigan winger Zach Eckersley are also anticipated to feature in the 23-man squad announced by coach Brian McDermott.
Following the victory, Wakefield’s players and staff celebrated late into the night, with thousands of fans turning out for an open-top bus parade from Belle Vue to the city centre. The club’s director of rugby, Ste Mills, noted the spirited celebrations included “a few sore heads” as the community came together to mark a historic achievement.