Bevan French once again proved why he is regarded as one of the premier play‑makers in the Super League when he returned to the field for the Wigan Warriors and helped them dismantle St Helens 38‑16 on Friday night. The victory not only added another win to Wigan’s campaign but also deepened the crisis at the Saints, who are now scrambling for a place in the play‑offs.
The match began under a cloud of uncertainty for St Helens. Just a day earlier the club announced the sudden departure of head coach Paul Rowley, a move that sent shockwaves through the squad and the wider rugby league community. Despite the turmoil, the Saints started the derby brightly, taking the lead twice within the first fifteen minutes. Jack Welsby crossed for the opening try, only for Jacob Douglas to answer with his own effort, putting the home side ahead at 12‑6.
French, who had been sidelined for a period, answered St Helens’ early surge with a try of his own, slipping through the defensive line and grounding the ball just before the half‑time whistle. The Australian’s impact did not stop there; he set up two more scores for winger Zach Eckersley before the break. The first was a classic cut‑out pass that sliced through the Saints’ defense, while the second came from a beautifully timed kick‑pass that left Eckersley with space to finish.
By the interval, Wigan had turned the tide and were leading 22‑12. St Helens thought they might claw back into the contest when Harry Robertson appeared to have scored a potential equaliser in the dying moments of the first half. However, the video referee intervened and ruled the try out, citing a superb defensive effort by Jake Wardle that prevented Robertson from grounding the ball cleanly. The decision left the Saints frustrated and forced them to regroup for the second half.
The second period belonged almost entirely to Wigan. Oliver Partington exploded onto the scene, scoring two tries of his own, while the in‑form Adam Keighran added another, each of them assisted by French, who recorded two more try assists in the half. One of Partington’s scores came from a spectacular kick‑pass by Harry Smith, showcasing the fluid creativity that has become a hallmark of Wigan’s attack this season.
St Helens managed a consolation try through Lewis Murphy late in the game, but the damage was done. The loss leaves the Saints outside the play‑off places and intensifies the pressure on the club’s hierarchy and the interim coaching staff. In post‑match interviews, Saints captain Jack Welsby expressed his disappointment to Sky Sports. “We were right there at half‑time, but we didn’t start the second half well.
With everything happening off the field, we tried to stay proud of our effort, yet we know we should have taken the win. The news about Paul Rowley hit us hard; we found out yesterday, had a training session and a captain’s run, but the feeling in the squad is one of embarrassment because we let him down,” he said.
Welsby added that the team must now look inward and rebuild their unity. “We need a stronger bond now more than ever. The season is long, and if we want to reach the play‑offs we have to come together as a group.” Interim coach Eamon O’Carroll, also speaking to Sky Sports, praised the players’ resilience.
“I’m proud and a little speechless. I asked the lads to stick together, give everything they have, and they delivered in huge amounts. We’ll have to rebuild game‑by‑game, focusing on preparation and recovery. Some of our players are carrying injuries, so we’ll give them the time they need to be at their best.” Wigan head coach Matt Peet reflected on his side’s performance.
“I’m pleased with the win against our biggest rivals. There are aspects we can improve – at times we were a bit sloppy with the ball – but the result shows how far we have come as a unit.
We respect the opposition; St Helens fought back at points, but we came away with two points that are vital for the table.” French, who was named player of the match, spoke about his personal feelings. “It was great.
I felt a lot of gratitude and appreciation. After a year away from the field I tried to stay positive, enjoy the week leading up to the game and be thankful it was against St Helens. The young lads stepped up, and it’s fantastic to see the youth coming through. We keep pushing to improve every day, despite the hiccups we’ve had this season.” The second story of the night came from the Wakefield Trinity side, who fielded only twelve men yet still managed a crushing 52‑14 victory over Castleford Tigers in the West Yorkshire derby.
Tom Johnstone and Lachlan Walmsley each recorded double tries as Wakefield crossed the try‑line nine times, securing their sixth consecutive Super League win. The match started dramatically when Wakefield surged ahead within the first minute. Johnstone exploited space on the left flank, drew his defender and slipped the ball to Matty Storton, who sprinted over for the opening try.
Max Jowitt’s conversion put the visitors 6‑0 up. Castleford’s early hopes were dented when Storton was sent off after a reckless challenge, leaving the Tigers a man down. The score stood at 10‑6 in favour of Wakefield, but the home side never looked threatened.
Instead, they turned the numerical disadvantage into a catalyst for an attacking showcase. The Trinity backs combined with their forwards to produce a relentless onslaught, with each try highlighting a different facet of their game – quick ball movement, strong set‑piece execution, and opportunistic support play.
By the time the final whistle blew, Wakefield had amassed a total of nine tries, comfortably outscoring Castleford’s two. The result lifted Wakefield to second place on the league table, overtaking Wigan on points difference and cementing their status as serious contenders for the title race. Both matches were broadcast live on Sky Sports, which continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the Super League, offering two exclusive live games each round and streaming the remaining fixtures on its platform. The network’s commitment ensures fans can follow every twist and turn of the season, from derby dramas to title‑deciding clashes.
Overall, Friday’s fixtures highlighted the contrasting fortunes of two clubs. Wigan’s star‑studded performance, anchored by Bevan French’s brilliance, underscores their ambition to challenge for silverware, while St Helens must regroup quickly under interim leadership to salvage their play‑off aspirations.
Meanwhile, Wakefield’s twelve‑man triumph over Castleford demonstrates the depth and resilience that can propel a team forward even when adversity strikes. The season remains wide open, and the next round promises further excitement as clubs battle for every point on the ladder.