Bevan French emerged as the standout performer on his return, guiding the Wigan Warriors to a decisive 38‑16 victory over St Helens on Friday night in the Super League. The win added another layer of difficulty for the Saints, who are already reeling from the abrupt departure of head coach Paul Rowley earlier in the week. St Helens began the derby on a promising note, seizing the lead twice within the first fifteen minutes thanks to tries from Jack Welsby and Jacob Douglas. Between those scores, French crossed for Wigan, and the Australian half‑back then orchestrated two more tries for teammate Zach Eckersley before the interval, using a clever cut‑out pass and a beautifully timed kick‑pass to put the visitors ahead.
A potential equaliser for the Saints was denied in the dying moments of the first half when the Video Referee ruled out a try after replays showed Jake Wardle’s impressive defensive effort preventing Harry Robertson from grounding the ball. The second half belonged to Wigan.
Oliver Partington struck twice, and in‑form Adam Keighran added his own contribution, while French supplied two additional assists. Harry Smith also produced a spectacular kick‑pass that set up Partington’s second try. The only consolation for St Helens came from a late Lewis Murphy try, but the result leaves the Saints outside the playoff positions and under mounting pressure.
Jack Welsby of St Helens spoke to Sky Sports after the match, expressing disappointment despite a strong first‑half performance. He acknowledged the team’s slow start in the second half and the emotional impact of the coaching change, saying, "We reacted to the news about Paul Rowley as best as we could. We found out yesterday and then did a training session and a captain's run.
The senior boys nailed it and the younger lads didn't need an invitation to follow." Welsby admitted the squad felt embarrassed by the loss, noting that a better record would have likely saved Rowley’s job. He emphasized the need for unity and a stronger bond among the players if they hope to reach the playoffs. Interim coach Eamon O'Carroll also addressed the media, expressing pride in his players’ resilience. He highlighted the importance of building momentum game by game and focusing on preparation and recovery, especially with several injured players needing attention.
O'Carroll stressed that the team must concentrate on the present and trust the process as they look ahead to upcoming fixtures, including a crucial match against York. Wigan head coach Matt Peet praised his side’s performance while acknowledging areas for improvement.
He noted moments when the Warriors failed to respect the ball, leading to a “loose” phase of play, but overall he was pleased with how far the group has progressed. Peet emphasized the need for hard work in training and a commitment to higher standards, insisting that any lack of discipline would be addressed by the players themselves. Player of the match Bevan French reflected on his contribution, describing a feeling of gratitude and appreciation. He spoke about staying positive during his time away from the field and enjoying the opportunity to play against his former rivals.
French also praised the youth in the squad, saying the club is fortunate to have emerging talent stepping up and that the environment fosters growth for all players. In a separate fixture, Wakefield Trinity delivered a dominant performance against Castleford Tigers, despite being reduced to twelve men. Tom Johnstone and Lachlan Walmsley each recorded a double, and the team amassed nine tries in a 52‑14 rout, marking their sixth consecutive Super League win.
The match began with Wakefield taking the lead within the first minute when Johnstone exploited space on the left, drew his defender, and passed to Matty Storton for a try, followed by a conversion from Max Jowitt. Although Wakefield faced an early setback when Storton was sent off, the side responded with relentless attacking play, eventually moving into second place on the ladder, ahead of Wigan on points difference. Their performance demonstrated depth and resilience, turning what could have been a precarious situation into a statement victory.
Both matches underscore the shifting dynamics within the Super League. Wigan’s victory over their historic rivals highlights their growing confidence, while St Helens must regroup after a turbulent week that saw a coaching change and a heavy defeat. Meanwhile, Wakefield’s emphatic win, even with a man disadvantage, showcases their ambition and capacity to challenge for top positions. As the season progresses, the ability of each club to adapt, maintain cohesion, and refine their tactical approach will be critical in the race for playoff spots and ultimately the championship.