Bevan French emerged as the standout performer on his comeback for the Wigan Warriors, who ultimately dismantled St Helens 38‑16 in Friday's Super League derby, further deepening the Saints' crisis. The match unfolded against a backdrop of upheaval for St Helens, who had learned on Thursday that head coach Paul Rowley had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. Despite the off‑field distraction, the Saints began the encounter positively, seizing the lead twice within the first fifteen minutes thanks to tries from Jack Welsby and Jacob Douglas.
French managed to cross the line for Wigan in the interval between those two scores, and the Australian full‑back then orchestrated two more tries for teammate Zach Eckersley before the halftime whistle. The first of those came from a cleverly timed cut‑out pass that sliced through the defensive line, while the second was set up by an exquisite kick‑pass that left the opposition flat‑footed. St Helens appeared to be on the verge of an equaliser when a potential try was disallowed after the Video Referee reviewed the play.
Replays showed Jake Wardle's extraordinary defensive effort preventing Harry Robertson from grounding the ball, thereby nullifying the score. The second half saw Wigan switch into high gear. Oliver Partington struck twice, and in‑form Adam Keighran added his own contribution, with French providing two additional assists.
Harry Smith also produced a spectacular kick‑pass that set up Partington's second try. Although Lewis Murphy managed to cross for St Helens late in the game, the Saints remained well outside the playoff positions and continued to feel intense pressure from both the league table and the recent coaching shake‑up. After the match, St Helens' Jack Welsby spoke to Sky Sports, expressing his disappointment. "We were right in the game at half‑time, but we didn’t start the second half well.
Given everything that’s happening, we can be proud of our effort, yet this is a game we intended to win. Losing by such a margin in a derby against Wigan is a huge let‑down," he said. He added that the team had tried to process the news of Rowley's departure as best they could, noting that a training session and a captain’s run followed the announcement.
"The senior players stepped up and the younger lads followed without needing an invitation. It’s tough news; many of us feel gutted and embarrassed because we let him down. There are positives from the first half, but we have a lot to improve if we want to reach the playoffs," Welsby continued. Welsby also reflected on the broader implications of the coaching change, saying, "Our performances have let him down; he isn’t on the pitch now.
If we had won as many games as Wigan, he wouldn’t be facing dismissal. We need to look inward as a playing group before looking outward, and this weekend is a chance to reflect. We must unite more than ever if we hope to make the playoffs.
The squad has been together all year, but now we need a stronger bond than ever." Interim coach Eamon O'Carroll also addressed the media, stating, "I’m proud, though a bit speechless. I asked the lads to stick together all week, give everything they have, and show intent. I can’t question any of them—they gave it their all.
I’m really proud of how they handled this week. It might sound odd, but I think we’re in a strong position now." He emphasized a game‑by‑game approach, noting the importance of preparation and recovery: "We’ll build it step by step. Our preparation matters as much as the performance on the day. We have a few injured bodies, so we need to get them right and give everyone the chance to perform at their best.
My job is to keep the focus on the present and trust the process. The next challenge is how we turn up against York." Wigan head coach Matt Peet shared his thoughts with Sky Sports, saying, "I’m pleased with the win against our biggest rivals.
There are aspects of our performance that could be better, but tonight shows how far we’ve come as a group. It was an important victory, yet we know we can improve.
At times we didn’t respect the ball and it got a little loose. St Helens were more desperate at certain points, which is credit to them. They made a game of it, but we walk away with two points." Peet went on to discuss the team’s standards and processes: "I’m talking about our processes, our standards, and the way we want to play.
There were elements tonight that weren’t acceptable, and there are reasons for that. We have to be better. We’ll practice hard, and the lads will see the results when they return. There was a looseness in the game; I’m not sure why, but it won’t be me driving that—players will want to improve." Player of the match Bevan French expressed his gratitude, saying, "It was great!
I felt a sense of gratitude and appreciation. It’s been a good year for me off the field, and I’ve tried to stay positive.
In the week leading up to the game I just enjoyed it, and it was lucky it was against St Helens. I’m appreciative." He also praised the younger players: "The young lads stepped up.
We’re blessed with the youth coming through. It’s wonderful to be part of this club, watching everyone grow into the players they want to be. It’s a good place to be.
We strive to be better every day, every year. We’ll have hiccups, we’ve had plenty this season, and we’re still here." In a separate fixture, Wakefield Trinity, fielding only twelve players, thrashed Castleford Tigers 52‑14 in a high‑scoring derby at the DIY Kitchens Stadium. Tom Johnstone and Lachlan Walmsley each recorded a double, while the hosts amassed nine tries to secure their sixth consecutive Super League victory.
The match began with Wakefield taking the lead inside the first minute when Johnstone exploited space on the left, drew his defender, and slipped the ball to Matty Storton, who dived over for the opening try, followed by Max Jowitt’s conversion. Despite being reduced to twelve men early after Storton’s dismissal, Wakefield responded with an attacking onslaught that left Castleford reeling. The Trinity side turned the adversity into motivation, producing a dominant performance that propelled them to second place in the league standings, overtaking Wigan on points difference. Their relentless offense, combined with solid defensive work, underscored their depth and resilience.
Sky Sports confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two games each round shown exclusively live and the remaining five matches available on Sky Sports+. This comprehensive coverage ensures fans can follow the drama of the league, from headline‑grabbing derbies like Wigan versus St Helens to surprise showcases such as Wakefield’s twelve‑man triumph over Castleford.