Wakefield Trinity Triumph in Physical Disability Rugby League Grand Final

Wakefield Trinity celebrated an unforgettable weekend by clinching their first-ever Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) Grand Final title.

A dominant Finals Day performance saw them sweep past both Wigan Warriors and Castleford Tigers to claim the crown at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Saturday.

Dominant start on finals day

Wakefield, having already secured their third consecutive League Leaders’ Shield, began their Finals Day campaign with a resounding 24-0 victory over Wigan Warriors. This commanding performance laid the groundwork for their successful push towards Grand Final glory.

The opening score came from Chris Mitchell, who powered down the right edge to break the deadlock. Not long after, Michael Brown followed up with a fantastic solo effort, scoring under the posts following a 40-metre sprint.

Lee Whiteley and Darren Dean then combined for a well-worked try, with Whiteley’s short pass allowing Dean to cross the line. In a reverse of roles, Whiteley became the scorer after an impressive interchange with Dean, showing the fluidity and coordination in Wakefield's attack.

Adam Fleming was flawless from the kicking tee, converting all four of his attempts to seal the game. The precision in their execution and tight defence set the tone for what would be a monumental day for Wakefield.

Grand final victory over Castleford Tigers

Wakefield carried their momentum into the Grand Final against Castleford Tigers, cruising to a 22-6 win to cap off their unbeaten season. Fleming once again starred, scoring the opening try on the right flank before converting his own effort.

Brown played a key role in setting up the next try, sending Callum Parkinson down the left touchline with an accurate pass. A swift shift play to the right then enabled captain Alex Dickinson to feed Chris Mitchell, who completed the move with another try.

The final score for Wakefield came from Elliot Dixon-Griffiths, who broke free from 20 metres out to cross the whitewash. Despite Castleford's late consolation try, Wakefield's lead remained unassailable.

Coach Ben Nicholson's reflections on the victory

Wakefield's Player-Coach, Ben Nicholson, reflected on the significance of the win for the club and the team, which had previously fallen short in four Grand Final appearances. Speaking after the game, he said,

“This is a culmination of a long and hard road for a lot of the boys, some of whom have been here for a number of years.”

Nicholson acknowledged the weight of past disappointments, noting,

“That old saying, ‘Always the bridesmaid, never the bride,’ has been mentioned before as I think this is our fifth attempt at the Grand Final.”

However, he attributed their success to meticulous preparation and a relentless commitment to their game plan:

“We just got everything right, from our preparation to the games themselves, and we got our just rewards.”

Professionalism and Defence as Key to Success

Nicholson highlighted the professionalism displayed by his team throughout the season, which had seen them go undefeated.

"One of the biggest things that we’ve preached all year is about being professional. We know that on our day, teams can struggle to live with us."

He was particularly proud of Wakefield’s defensive strength, which he credited as the foundation of their double trophy-winning season.

“In the Wigan game, we showed a lot of steel in our defence,”

Nicholson said.

"I think it’s our defence that has won us the two trophies this year. I think we’ve only conceded about 20 points over the course of an unbeaten season which tells its own story."

What's next for Wakefield Trinity

The victory represents a significant milestone for Wakefield Trinity in PDRL, highlighting the team's resilience and growth over recent seasons. With an unbeaten run and both the League Leaders’ Shield and Grand Final title secured, Wakefield has cemented its status as one of the dominant forces in the league.

The team’s focus on professionalism, teamwork, and rock-solid defence will likely serve as a blueprint for future success as they look to build on their remarkable achievements this season.

For fans of the club and the PDRL community, Wakefield’s Grand Final win is not just a triumph on the day, but the start of what promises to be an exciting new chapter for the team.