{
  "id": 9744519,
  "title": "Old hands or new blood? Wigan & Wakefield vie to reach Grand Final",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/old-hands-or-new-blood-wigan-wakefield-vie-to-reach-grand-final",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T09:46:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/old-hands-blood-wigan-wakefield-094626624.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As Wigan Warriors and Wakefield Trinity face off in a Super League play-off semi-final, the stakes are high for both teams hoping to reach the Grand Final. Wigan, long-established in the league, are viewed as grizzled old hands entering the match, while Wakefield, known as fresh new blood, have made a significant comeback after previously being a Championship side in 2024. The play-offs come just 80 minutes into the Grand Final's history, setting the stage for an intriguing contest. Wigan's recent intensity and lack of setbacks, despite key injuries and mid-season challenges, have fueled the team's motivation, as highlighted by player Harry Smith. Meanwhile, Wakefield's resurgence, led by coach Daryl Powell, has revitalized the club after a hiatus in success. With a strong belief in their abilities, the team is eager to further their achievements on the field, with players like Tyson Smoothy acknowledging the importance of this opportunity. While Wigan possesses a clear edge in form, Wakefield's inner confidence and smart recruitment are factors that could prove pivotal in the upcoming clash.",
  "summary": "Wigan have substantial play-off experience coming into Saturday's Super League semi-final, but it is new territory for opponents Wakefield.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Standing room only as AFL Grand Final parade kicks off",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/standing-room-only-as-afl-grand-final-parade-kicks-off",
        "published": "2026-09-25T02:15:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}