Wakefield Trinity will face Warrington Wolves in the Super League Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October at 18:00 BST. The match represents the club's first appearance in a Grand Final and an opportunity to win the Super League trophy for the first time since 1968.
The achievement marks a rapid turnaround for the club. Winger Tom Johnstone, who has been at Wakefield for several years, said head coach Daryl Powell used a simple but powerful motivational message with the squad.
"Daryl put a Powerpoint presentation on the screen, and said 'You could be legends of this club', and that was it," Johnstone told BBC Radio 5 live. "He didn't really go any further into it, he just put a seed in the back of your mind and just gave you that little nugget."
Johnstone added that becoming champions would secure the players' place in the club's history. "I've been at this club for so long now and if we can be the first ones to bring success back to this club we will go down in history forever, not just at Wakefield but everywhere," he said.
Ownership and Recent Changes
Owner Matt Ellis, a wealthy kitchen magnate and longtime club fan, has overseen significant changes at Wakefield since taking control. His involvement has extended beyond financial investment to hands-on work, including stadium renovation standards and finish. Former custodians Michael Carter and John Minards had previously begun work on the stadium.
Ellis was instrumental in bringing Powell to the club as head coach following his takeover. According to Johnstone, the transformation has been comprehensive. "Everything has changed from the top to the bottom," he said.
Broadcast Details
BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Radio Merseyside, BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Sounds will carry commentary of the match. Highlights will be shown on BBC iPlayer from 23:00 BST on Saturday, 3 October, and on BBC Two on Sunday at 13:45 BST.