Bevan French returned to the Super League spotlight and quickly became the man of the match as the Wigan Warriors dismantled St Helens 38‑16 on Friday night, deepening the Saints' crisis. The win came just days after the shocking announcement that St Helens head coach Paul Rowley had been dismissed with immediate effect, a development that hung over the team like a dark cloud. The derby began with St Helens showing promise. Within the first 15 minutes they seized the lead twice, first through a try by Jack Welsby and then by Jacob Douglas.
French, however, answered each of those scores. He crossed for a try between the two Saints scores and then set up two more tries for teammate Zach Eckersley before the interval. One of those assists came from a clever cut‑out pass that sliced through the defence, while the other was a perfectly timed kick‑pass that left the opposition scrambling.
The Saints thought they might have pulled one back just before the break, but the Video Referee ruled the effort out after a replay showed Jake Wardle’s defensive effort preventing Harry Robertson from grounding the ball. The decision left the score at 16‑6 in favour of Wigan at halftime. The second half saw Wigan turn the match into a showcase of attacking flair.
Oliver Partington scored twice, and in‑form Adam Keighran added his own try, all set up by French, who recorded two more assists. One of those came from a spectacular kick‑pass by Harry Smith that found Partington for his second score.
St Helens managed a consolation try through Lewis Murphy, but it was too little, too late. The defeat leaves the Saints outside the playoff places and under intense scrutiny as the club grapples with the fallout from Rowley’s departure. After the match, Saints centre Jack Welsby spoke to Sky Sports about the disappointment.
He admitted the team were competitive at the break but faltered after the interval. "We were right in the game at half‑time, but we didn’t start well in the second half," he said. He also reflected on the emotional toll of the coaching change, noting that the squad had only one training session after learning of Rowley’s exit. "The senior boys nailed it and the younger lads didn’t need an invitation to follow.
It’s tough news to take, a lot of us are gutted and embarrassed because we’ve let him down," Welsby added, emphasizing the need for unity if the Saints hope to recover. Interim coach Eamon O'Carroll also addressed the media, expressing pride despite the loss. He praised the players for their effort and resilience, saying, "I can’t question any of them. They gave it in bucketloads.
I’m really proud of the group for how they’ve handled this week." O'Carroll highlighted the importance of taking the season one game at a time, focusing on preparation, injury management and the mental approach required to bounce back. Wigan’s head coach Matt Peet was equally measured in his comments. While delighted with the win over their biggest rivals, he acknowledged that there were aspects of the performance that needed improvement.
"There were moments when we didn’t respect the ball and it got a little loose. St Helens were more desperate at certain points, which is a credit to them," Peet said.
He stressed that the team must continue to work hard in training and tighten up the loose play that crept in during the match. Bevan French, who collected the Player‑of‑the‑Match award, summed up his feelings in a brief interview. "It was great! I felt a sense of gratitude and appreciation," he said.
French spoke about the importance of staying positive during his time away from the field and praised the young talent emerging at the club. "The young boys stepped up. We’re really blessed with the youth that’s coming through. It’s a good place to be," he added, noting that the club’s future looks promising if they continue to develop their home‑grown players.
In a separate fixture, Wakefield Trinity delivered a dominant performance against Castleford Tigers, winning 52‑14 despite having to play most of the match with only twelve men. Tom Johnstone and Lachlan Walmsley each scored two tries as the Trinity side racked up nine tries in total, securing their sixth consecutive Super League victory and moving them up to second place in the league table, ahead of Wigan on points difference. The game started dramatically when Wakefield surged ahead inside the first minute.
Johnstone exploited space on the left wing, drew his defender and slipped the ball to Matty Storton, who crossed for the opening try. Max Jowitt added the conversion, putting the hosts up 6‑0. Although Castleford briefly threatened after Storton’s early dismissal, Trinity’s relentless attack never waned. Their ability to maintain pressure while a man down demonstrated both depth and tactical discipline.
The win not only reinforced Wakefield’s status as a top‑four contender but also highlighted the squad’s resilience and attacking depth. Their ability to adapt after a red card, combine quick ball movement with powerful forwards, and keep the scoreboard ticking over will be crucial as the season progresses.
Both matches underline the shifting dynamics within the Super League. Wigan’s victory over St Helens, a traditional powerhouse, signals a potential power shift, while Wakefield’s emphatic derby win showcases their growing consistency and ambition. As the league moves deeper into the campaign, teams will need to manage coaching changes, injuries and form fluctuations, all while striving for the coveted playoff spots.
Fans can look forward to more live coverage this season, with Sky Sports broadcasting every Super League game. Two matches per round will be shown exclusively live, and the remaining five fixtures each week will be available on Sky Sports+, ensuring supporters have ample opportunity to follow the drama as it unfolds across the competition.