Former One New Zealand Warriors Jazz Tevaga and Isaiah Vagana were try scorers as Wakefield Trinity produced an emotion-charged 23-10 win over Warrington to clinch the Super League crown for the first time on Saturday.
Playing in front of a sold-out crowd of 71,728 at the iconic Old Trafford, the Wildcats scripted a remarkable fairytale story for long-suffering Wakefield fans and all sporting romantics.
Promoted from the second-tier championship only last season, they finished fourth in the regular season before eliminating the Leigh Leopards 26-16 and then stunning favourites the Wigan Warriors 33-6 to reach the grand final for the first time.
With former Warriors halfback Mason Lino also in the squad, Wakefield was 19-0 ahead at halftime, Vagana crossing in the 25th minute and Tevaga surging over from dummy half in the 35th minute.
While Warrington fought back into the contest the Wildcats added a fourth try midway through the second half to seal victory. It was Wakefield’s first major trophy since the 1960s when the club was in its pomp in the days of the former first division.
As well as Lino two other New Zealanders – Auckland-born Caleb Hamlin-Uele and Christchurch-born Caius Faatili - were on Wakefield’s interchange.
The success was especially poignant for Vagana as he emulated his father and rugby league legend Joe Vagana by becoming a Super League champion. Warriors great Joe won three grand finals with the Bradford Bulls in 2001, 2003 and 2005.
The result was a special thrill for a host of former One New Zealand Warriors who have played for Wakefield – and now for just-departed club legend Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who links up with the Wildcats next year.
Ex-Warriors who have had stints with Wakefield have been Tony Tatupu (Warrior #12), Marty Moana (17), Willie Poching (20), Aaron Whittaker (48), David Bailey (49), Ali Lauitiiti (55), Frank Watene (57), Monty Betham (61), Motu Tony (90), Nathan Wood (91), Vince Mellars (106), Tevita Latu (107), Tony Martin (109), Kevin Locke (152), Isaac John (154) and Bill Tupou (160).
Other New Zealanders who have been on Wakefield’s books include the legendary Mark Graham, James Leuluai, Jeremy J Smith, Kevin Proctor and Tinirau Arona while Australian immortal Wally Lewis also had a stint with Wakefield.
