Wakefield Trinity wins 2025 rugby league title after 57 years
Wakefield Trinity clinched their first Super League Grand Final title since 1968 by defeating Warrington Wolves 23-10 at Old Trafford.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Wakefield Trinity defeated Warrington Wolves 23-10 to win the Super League Grand Final
- This marks the club's first top-flight league title since 1968, ending a 57-year wait
- Owner Matt Ellis and head coach Daryl Powell spearheaded the club's rapid revival
Wakefield Trinity's triumph in the Super League Grand Final mirrors the iconic 1939 cinematic moment when Dorothy steps out of monochrome and into technicolour in 'The Wizard of Oz'. By beating Warrington Wolves 23-10 at Old Trafford on Saturday, the club swapped decades of black-and-white archive history for glorious new silverware, capturing their first top-flight league title since 1968 when legends like Derek 'Rocky' Turner and Neil Fox MBE ruled the sport.
Belle Vue, now known as the DIY Kitchens Stadium, has hosted memorable nights before, such as their dramatic win to relegate Castleford in 2006. However, survival is vastly different from ultimate success. The club's trajectory shifted dramatically when wealthy kitchen magnate Matt Ellis took over as owner, injecting not only financial investment but also hands-on dedication to stadium renovations and a clear strategic vision.
Ellis appointed Daryl Powell as head coach almost immediately after taking control, initiating a near-perfect partnership that secured promotion back to the Super League, an 1895 Cup victory at Wembley, and consistent playoff appearances leading up to Old Trafford glory. Powell surrounded himself with trusted staff members, including assistant Michael Shenton and recruitment mastermind Ste Mills, rebuilding the club's internal foundation.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
On the pitch, Powell assembled a formidable squad by uniting with experienced talents like Mike McMeeken from Catalans Dragons, alongside physical powerhouses such as Ky Rodwell, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Caius Faatili nicknamed 'Captain Chaos', and Samoa international Jazz Tevaga, who brought vital NRL grit to the forward pack.
Wakefield Trinity's resurgence stands out as one of the most compelling modern stories in British rugby league. The combination of visionary ownership, astute coaching appointments, and a balanced roster demonstrates that sustained success requires much more than financial backing alone—it demands cultural alignment, long-term planning, and unwavering community support.
Finishing fourth in the regular season, Wakefield defeated Leigh in the eliminator before staging a stunning upset against treble-chasing Wigan in the semi-finals. More than 30,000 traveling fans packed Old Trafford as part of a sold-out crowd exceeding 71,000 spectators, witnessing the historic crowning of a new champion.
"This is an unbelievable story,"
Daryl Powell
After the final hooter sounded, club captain Mike McMeeken admitted he was overcome with emotion witnessing the sheer joy of the club's loyal supporters who waited 58 years since 1968 to taste champagne in Manchester. As Wakefield celebrates its momentous return, the ultimate challenge for everyone at the club is ensuring they remain at the summit of the sport.
Source: BBC Sport
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