Warriors v Trinity | Semi-Final 2 Preview

The race to Old Trafford continues this Saturday as Wigan Warriors host Wakefield Trinity in Semi-Final 2 of the Betfred Super League Play-Offs on Saturday, live on BBC Two and Sky Sports (K.O. 5.30pm).

The Warriors, who are the League Leaders' Shield winners, return to action at The Brick Community Stadium after a week off, having secured top spot and extended their remarkable winning run to 15 matches.

Awaiting them are a Trinity side full of confidence after producing a memorable home Eliminator victory over Leigh Leopards to book their place in the club's first ever Super League Semi-Final.

With Wigan chasing a third successive Grand Final appearance and Wakefield looking to continue a season of historic achievements, a huge crowd is expected for what promises to be an epic encounter between two of the competition's most entertaining teams.

Semi-Final 2 ?@WiganWarriorsRL welcome @WTrinityRL to battle for a place in the Grand Final ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/LP38assBxW

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 19, 2026

Previous Meetings:

Recent history points firmly in Wigan's favour.

The Warriors have won their last 11 home meetings against Wakefield, including fixtures played at Warrington in 2020 and St Helens in 2021.

Trinity's last victory at The Brick Community Stadium came all the way back in May 2017, when they recorded a 42-30 success.

The sides have met three times across league and cup competition this season, with Wigan emerging victorious on each occasion.

Matt Peet's men claimed a 10-48 win at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in June before backing that up with a thrilling 22-26 victory in the Challenge Cup quarter finals.

More recently, Wigan completed the hat-trick with a 26-12 win, most recently in Round 24.

That Challenge Cup clash in April was particularly memorable, with Wakefield pushing the defending champions all the way in a pulsating contest.

Trinity did defeat Wigan 16-10 at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in 2025 and have enjoyed some success on home soil in recent seasons, but travelling to The Brick Community Stadium presents an altogether different challenge.

Few venues have proven tougher to conquer and Wakefield will know they face the biggest test of the campaign on Saturday evening.

Play-Off History:

When it comes to big occasions, the Warriors are right up there.

Saturday's showdown will mark their 24th Super League semi-final appearance as they look to book a place at Old Trafford for a third consecutive year.

Across the Super League era, the Warriors have been involved in countless memorable Play-Off battles.

There was Danny Tickle's dramatic drop goal in a 22-23 win over Leeds in 2003, Pat Richards' heroics in a 30-31 victory at Bradford in 2007, and another classic against Leeds in 2010 which the Rhinos edged 26-27 thanks to a Kevin Sinfield drop goal.

Their 16-12 semi-final win over Warrington in 2014 was another gripping affair, with Joe Burgess scoring the decisive try in front of a jubilant home crowd.

More recently, Wigan have comfortably negotiated Play-Off meetings with Leigh Leopards in each of the last two seasons as they continued their march towards Old Trafford.

The Warriors have featured in 14 Super League Grand Finals and lifted the trophy seven times. Few teams understand the demands of knockout rugby league quite like the Cherry & White.

For Wakefield, the situation is rather different.

While Trinity are enjoying one of the finest campaigns in their history, chances to compete on the Play-Off stage have been relatively rare.

The West Yorkshire club have now qualified for the Play-Offs on five occasions, having previously featured in 2004, 2009, 2012 and 2025 before returning again this year.

This weekend marks the club's first-ever Super League Semi-Final.

Interestingly, Wakefield's first Play-Off campaign in 2004 included a Qualifying Semi-Final meeting with Wigan, with the Warriors edging a feisty encounter 18-14 to book their place in the Elimination Final.

Twenty-two years later, the clubs are set to meet again in knockout rugby league.

Daryl Powell's side may lack the big-game experience of their opponents, but they have repeatedly shown throughout 2026 that they are capable of handling pressure.

Their ability to come through tight contests has been a major feature of an outstanding season and will give them belief heading into Saturday's challenge.

Ones to watch:

The Warriors are littered with stars.

Bevan French remains one of the most dangerous players in Super League, and a real joy to watch. Capable of producing something out of nothing, the Australian will be eager to make his mark on yet another big occasion.

Alongside him, the ever electric Jai Field possesses the pace to change a game in an instant and has consistently been one of Wigan's standout performers throughout their impressive winning streak.

At half-back, Harry Smith's kicking game and organisation will be vital as the Warriors look to dominate early and build pressure.

The rising Zach Eckersley continues to grow in confidence on the edges and has shown an ability to deliver when called upon.

Likewise, hooker Brad O'Neill will be keen to provide his usual spark from dummy-half, while a fired-up Oliver Partington could play also an important role.

For Trinity, they have a group of players willing to work for each other, and aren’t short of quality and talent themselves.

Few players know how to find the try line better than Tom Johnstone, and the winger's finishing ability could be key if opportunities come Wakefield's way.

Half-back Jake Trueman will be central to Trinity's hopes. His creativity, vision and kicking game have helped steer Wakefield throughout the season and will be crucial if they are to upset the odds.

In the forwards, Caius Faatili has earned plenty of admirers with a series of powerful performances, while Isaiah Vagana continues to impress with his work rate and physicality.

Out wide, centres Cameron Scott and Corey Hall have been a major factor in Wakefield's attacking success, with both players capable of troubling even the strongest defences in Super League.

And let’s not forget Tyson Smoothy. The 2025 NRL Grand Final winner has emerged as the heartbeat of Trinity's side in 2026, with the influential hooker driving their attack, setting the tempo around the ruck and consistently coming up with the moments that inspire those around him. This makes him one of the club's most important players heading into this semi-final.

The stage is set:

One team is aiming to continue a dynasty. The other is chasing the greatest achievement in its Super League history.

The Warriors are just 80 minutes away from another Grand Final appearance as they pursue a terrific treble-winning season.

Trinity, meanwhile, have already broken new ground by reaching their first Super League Semi-Final and now have the opportunity to write another unforgettable chapter.

A place at Old Trafford awaits…

Squads:

Warriors: Jai Field, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Brad O'Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis, Sam Walters, Patrick Mago, Oliver Partington, Jack Farrimond, Kian McDermott, Taylor Kerr, Austin Daniel, Shea O'Connor

Trinity: Max Jowitt, Cameron Scott, Corey Hall, Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Mason Lino, Mike McMeeken, Tyson Smoothy, Ky Rodwell, Jazz Tevaga, Jay Pitts, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Caius Faatili, Harvey Smith, Isaiah Vagana, Lachlan Walmsley, Jack Sinfield, Jayden Myers, Josh Rourke, Zac Lipowicz