In a commanding performance at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, the Warrington Wolves secured a comprehensive 23-6 triumph over the Wigan Warriors in Round Nine of the Super League. The win was highlighted by tries from Josh Thewlis and Albert Hopoate, and it marked Wigan's fourth consecutive defeat – the longest losing run the club has endured under head coach Matt Peet. Warrington entered the match without several key figures. Captain George Williams was sidelined with a serious neck injury that will require surgery, while James Harrison, Luke Yates, Toff Sipley and Adam Holroyd were also unavailable.
Mid‑fielder Cai Taylor‑Wray was forced off during the game with an injury of his own. Wigan, meanwhile, were missing the prolific Bevan French and were also without Harry Smith and Sam Walters, who were serving bans. Early in the first half the two sides tested each other cautiously, each committing errors and conceding penalties. The atmosphere inside the packed stadium was electric, but the opening ten minutes were largely a battle of nerves rather than a showcase of attacking flair.
The deadlock was broken in the 11th minute when Wigan winger Liam Marshall suffered a hamstring injury, clutching his leg and limping off the field. His departure forced Wigan to reshuffle their backline, a disruption that would later be reflected in a spate of penalties against them, particularly on the right side where Matty Ashton was repeatedly penalised. Warrington seized the initiative shortly after.
Ewan Irwin delivered a precise pass back inside to Josh Thewlis, who found a gap between Patrick Mago and Ethan Havard and dived over for the opening try. Marc Sneyd added the conversion, and a subsequent penalty goal gave the home side an 8‑0 lead at the break.
The second half began with Wigan showing renewed intent. Zack Eckersley appeared to have scored on 49 minutes when he grounded a loose ball, but the try was disallowed after officials ruled a push by Warrington’s Keighran. Despite the setback, Wigan managed to breach Warrington’s defense six minutes later when Eckersley broke through the line, evaded several tacklers and sprinted 60 metres to the try‑line.
Keighran’s conversion narrowed the deficit to 12‑6 and sparked a brief resurgence for the Warriors. Warrington, however, responded swiftly.
After a knock‑on by Junior Nsemba, the Wolves capitalised on their territorial advantage. Albert Hopoate collected a well‑timed pass and finished with a brilliant try on the edge of the try‑line. Although Sneyd missed the conversion, the score moved to 12‑0 with just 25 minutes remaining.
The Wolves continued to pile pressure. In the 67th minute, a penalty awarded to Warrington saw Thewlis step up from just ten metres out and slot his second try, with Sneyd converting to make it 18‑6. Sneyd then added his 50th Super League one‑point drop goal of the season, extending the lead to 19‑6.
Hopoate completed his brace shortly thereafter, diving over for his second try and sealing a 23‑6 victory for Warrington. The result moved Warrington just two points behind the league leaders, with a game in hand, while Wigan’s slump deepened, marking their worst run of form under Peet. Both coaches reflected on the match in post‑game interviews.
Matt Peet admitted the performance was “tough to watch at times” but praised his squad’s effort, noting that the team had missed opportunities and needed to avoid lapses in future fixtures. He emphasized the importance of unity and resilience as they work through the challenging period.
Sam Burgess, Warrington’s head coach, highlighted the team’s composure in the second half and praised the defensive effort, especially after losing Cai Taylor‑Wray early. He expressed confidence in the development of 18‑year‑old Ewan Irwin, acknowledging his potential and urging patience as the youngster gains experience. Overall, the match showcased Warrington’s ability to adapt to injuries, execute their game plan, and maintain discipline, while Wigan will have to address their defensive frailties and penalty discipline if they hope to halt their losing streak. The Wolves’ victory not only provides a morale boost but also positions them as serious contenders in the race for the top of the Super League table as the season progresses.