WHEN Wakefield Trinity were relegated from Super League at the end of the 2023 season, many supporters felt it was the end of the world.

But it turned out to be a massive blessing in disguise.

They were off the pace all throughout 2023, finishing in last place with just four wins. They failed to win a single game away from home, and now they have picked up one of their most famous wins on the road. 

They dominated the Championship and came straight back up, and not even the most diehard Trinity fan could have imagined the ride they have been on since.

Wakefield took their punishment and regrouped in the lower division and came back with a more optimistic fan base and an owner in Matt Ellis who was willing to back his team, his coach and even improve their facilities to create a venue they are proud to call home.

The arrival of experienced coach Daryl Powell was what they needed to ensure their stay in the Championship was a short one.

Their first season back in the top flight saw them finish sixth on the league ladder before falling at the first hurdle with defeat away at Leigh.

This season they got revenge on the Leopards to set up a semi-final trip to League Leaders’ Shield winners Wigan Warriors. They travelled over the Pennines in their thousands with hope and came away with a lot more.

Wakefield produced an amazing second half performance with tries from Tom Johnstone, Jack Sinfield and Corey Hall in a 10-minute period while Adam Keighran was in the sin bin.

Trinity deserved their win and now they are just 80 minutes away from writing their name in the history books.

After waiting years for a new name to be added to the list of Grand Final winners, we will now have a sixth team crowned and the second new team in 12 months.

Hull Kingston Rovers became the first team since 2004 to win the Grand Final that was not Wigan, St Helens, Bradford Bulls or Leeds Rhinos. 

On Saturday, Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves will meet in the Grand Final for the first time with both teams looking for that first title. 

The transformation of a team that could not fill their ailing ground in previous years, to having a decent place to call home and now taking thousands to Old Trafford this week is quite remarkable.

You have to feel happy for Wakefield and their fan base. For years, they have been in the doldrums and seen by many as the whipping boys of Super League.

Well, everyone is taking them seriously now, and the reaction of owner Matt Ellis behind the press box when Ky Rodwell went over to secure the victory shows how much it means to him.

He was punching the air and screaming with delight after seeing his wildest dreams come true, and when he entered the field of play after the game to do his trademark fist pump celebration with his fans, you could tell it meant the world to those supporters as well.

It has been a long time since Wigan were dominated like that, and especially at home. Wakefield did not allow the Warriors to breathe after the break and took their chances and gave Wigan none. 

Whether or not Wakefield continue their fairytale journey with victory at Old Trafford on Saturday, they have won a lot of supporters over and this will go down as their best campaign of the summer era. 

The scenes in the away end with thousands of Trinity fans – young and old – in tears, dancing and singing showcased what our sport is about, and it was great to see.