Bevan French proved to be the standout performer on his comeback appearance, helping the Wigan Warriors dismantle St Helens 38-16 in Friday's Super League showdown and further deepening the Saints' crisis. The match unfolded against a backdrop of turmoil for St Helens, who entered the derby still reeling from the abrupt departure of head coach Paul Rowley the previous day. Despite the off‑field drama, the Saints began brightly, seizing the lead twice within the first fifteen minutes thanks to tries from Jack Welsby and Jacob Douglas. French, however, quickly made his presence felt.
He crossed the try‑line for Wigan between the two Saints scores and then set up two more tries for Zach Eckersley before the halftime whistle. The first of those came from a cleverly timed cut‑out pass that sliced through the defense, while the second was the result of a superb kick‑pass that left the St Helens backline flat-footed.
A potential equalising effort for the Saints was overturned by the Video Referee at the end of the first half when replays showed Jake Wardle’s defensive effort preventing Harry Robertson from grounding the ball. The second half saw Wigan unleash a relentless offensive onslaught. Oliver Partington struck twice, and in‑form Adam Keighran added his own try, each assisted by French, who recorded two more assists after the break.
Harry Smith also contributed a dazzling kick‑pass that set up Partington’s second score. The Saints managed a consolation try from Lewis Murphy, but the damage was done; they remain outside the playoff places and are under mounting pressure to turn their season around. After the match, Saints centre Jack Welsby spoke to Sky Sports about the disappointment. He admitted the team was competitive at the break but faltered after the interval, saying, "We just didn't start well in the second half.
With everything going on, we can be proud of our efforts but ultimately this is a game we came to win. The margin of defeat in a Saints versus Wigan derby is especially hard to swallow." Welsby also reflected on the shock news of Rowley's exit, noting that the squad had to process the announcement quickly, hold an impromptu training session, and rally under the captain's leadership. He expressed remorse at letting the coach down and stressed the need for unity and a stronger bond if the Saints hope to secure a playoff berth. Interim coach Eamon O'Carroll also addressed the media, emphasizing his pride in the players' response to a difficult week.
He said, "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 and, although it might sound daft, I think we're in a strong position now." O'Carroll highlighted the importance of taking the season one game at a time, focusing on preparation, injury management, and maintaining concentration on the immediate challenges, such as the upcoming fixture against York.
Wigan head coach Matt Peet offered a measured assessment of his side's performance. While pleased with the victory over their biggest rivals, he acknowledged that certain aspects could improve. "There are elements of our performance that could be better, but tonight shows how far we have come as a group.
It was an important win, but we know we can be better," Peet explained. He pointed out moments when the Warriors failed to respect the ball, leading to a degree of looseness, and stressed that the players themselves would need to drive the required improvements in training. Player of the match Bevan French described his feelings after the game as a mixture of gratitude and appreciation.
He spoke about staying positive during his time away from the field and relished the chance to perform against St Helens. French also praised the emerging youth within the club, noting that the younger players had stepped up and that the environment at Wigan fosters growth and development. In a separate fixture, Wakefield Trinity posted a dominant display despite being reduced to twelve men.
Tom Johnstone and Lachlan Walmsley each recorded double tries as the Trinity side racked up nine tries to crush Castleford Tigers 52-14 in the West Yorkshire derby. The match began with Wakefield taking the lead within 45 seconds when Johnstone exploited space on the left, drew his defender, and passed to Matty Storton, who scored before Max Jowitt added the conversion. Although the Tigers briefly threatened a comeback after Storton's early dismissal, Wakefield's relentless attacking style proved too much. The Trinity side continued to press, ultimately securing their sixth consecutive Super League win and moving into second place on points difference, overtaking Wigan in the standings.
Both games underscore the volatility and excitement of this Super League season. While Wigan's French and his teammates celebrated a decisive derby victory that could bolster their confidence heading into the playoff race, St Helens must regroup quickly under interim leadership and address both on‑field inconsistencies and off‑field upheaval. Meanwhile, Wakefield's ability to dominate despite being a man down demonstrates the depth and resilience present in the competition, promising more thrilling encounters as the season progresses.