The 35-year-old, who scored the second of nine Trinity tries under the arch after Anthony Thackeray opened the scoring for Mark Aston’s team, received the Ray French Award for player of the match.
Oliver Pratt, Josh Gryphon, and Jermaine McGillvary all scored twice in a Wakefield victory that began after Championship top try-scorer Lachlan Walmsley levelled the game.
“I thought it could have gone to any number [of people],” Gale stated upon receiving the individual award.
“Shenny [Wakefield assistant coach Michael Shenton] said it was because I was wearing orange boots, and they noticed me more!
“Caleb [Uele], Jerry [McGillvary], and everyone else were fantastic. I believe Doyley [Thomas Doyle] transformed the game when he came on. He scored the try, and I thought he was fantastic.
“It was an excellent team performance. I didn’t think I was amazing. The rewards go to halfbacks and other vital positions.
Saturday’s success was Gale’s second at Wembley, having won the Challenge Cup in the capital with Leeds Rhinos in 2020 following a 17-16 victory over Salford Red Devils that was played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I was a bit cheesed off that Richie Myler won it [the Lance Todd Trophy for player of the match] in 2020,” joked the scrum-half.
“I thought if you kick a winning drop-goal, surely you get the Lance Todd! He got that one, but I got this one.”
The future looks bright for Wakefield, who have also won ten from ten in the Championship this term, and it is clearly an enjoyable place to be right now.
“It’s just a great group of guys.” I enjoy going to training every day, and I love my job. We show up to training with smiles on our faces.
“It’s been terrific since Matt [Ellis, Wakefield’s owner] came in and brought some ambition to the club.
“He promised to overhaul the club and has followed through. Powelly [coach Daryl Powell] has arrived with his staff, and the lads have backed him.
“It’s been amazing, and this was the first item on our list. But there are a few more to go.
First published in the League Express newspaper, issue 3,434 (June 10, 2024).
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