Three-time Super League Grand Finalist Mike McMeeken has experienced some of the biggest occasions the game has to offer – but leading Wakefield Trinity out at Wigan Warriors will be right up there.

Trinity are gearing up for their first-ever semi-final after enjoying the best Super League season in their history.

For all his previous experience at the business end of the competition, McMeeken is determined to savour the significance of the occasion before contemplating another trip to Old Trafford.

"It'd be incredible," said the Wakefield captain. "But it's special for me this week to play a semi-final at Wigan, a massive club with so much history and success.

"To lead these boys out on Saturday will be a real big achievement for me. We'll take it minute by minute and see what happens.

"It will take a team effort and everyone from one to 17 being a nine or 10 out of 10. This is what all the cold mornings in pre-season and all the hours you put in out on the training field and in the gym are for.

"It all comes down to big games like this."

McMeeken took something of a leap of faith when he agreed to join Wakefield shortly after their relegation to the Championship.

Mike McMeeken is relishing the chance to lead Wakefield out in a semi-final. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Mike McMeeken is relishing the chance to lead Wakefield out in a semi-final. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

The former Castleford Tigers forward linked up with Trinity following their promotion at the end of 2024 and has helped the club scale new heights.

Daryl Powell's side earned a play-off place for the first time in 13 years in their return campaign and have built on that this season with a highest-ever finish of fourth.

McMeeken is convinced this is just the start for the West Yorkshire outfit after living through the first part of Matt Ellis' long-term vision.

"It's certainly what I envisioned in terms of the direction the club were going in," said the England international.

Wakefield claimed a memorable win over Leigh last week. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

"To happen so quickly, it's not so much a surprise but a pleasant experience to be a part of.

"To be 80 minutes away from a final is a massive achievement, especially considering a couple of years ago a fair few of these boys were playing in the Championship.

"When I first spoke to Matt and Powelly, they told me that this club wanted to go somewhere and didn't just want to be around for two or three years having a bit of success – they want to build success for the long haul.

"To be a part of that is massive."