Bevan French once again proved why he is regarded as one of the Super League's most exciting talents when he returned to the Wigan Warriors' line‑up on Friday night. The Australian full‑back helped his side dismantle St Helens in a 38‑16 victory that deepened the Saints' ongoing crisis.
The match, a traditional derby between two of the sport's most storied clubs, unfolded at the DW Stadium and quickly turned into a showcase of Wigan's attacking firepower and defensive resolve. St Helens entered the game under a cloud of uncertainty. Just a day earlier, the club announced the sudden departure of head coach Paul Rowley, a move that sent shockwaves through the squad and supporters alike.
Despite the upheaval, the Saints started the encounter brightly, taking the lead twice in the opening fifteen minutes. Jack Welsby crossed for the first try, only to see Jacob Douglas add a second, giving the home side an early 10‑4 edge. French, however, was not to be denied.
He answered the Saints' early scores with a try of his own, slipping through the defensive line to touch down before the half‑hour mark. The Australian then demonstrated his play‑making prowess by setting up two further scores for young winger Zach Eckersley. The first came from a cleverly executed cut‑out pass that left the defender flatfooted, while the second was the result of a dazzling kick‑pass that split the Saints' backline. By the time the break arrived, Wigan were leading 22‑10.
The Saints thought they might have a chance to claw back into the contest when a potential equaliser was reviewed by the Video Referee at the end of the first half. Replays showed that Jake Wardle's desperate tackle prevented Harry Robertson from grounding the ball, and the decision to disallow the try was upheld, leaving St Helens with a missed opportunity. The second half belonged entirely to Wigan.
Oliver Partington exploded onto the scene, scoring two tries that highlighted his speed and finishing ability. In‑form Adam Keighran also found the line, benefitting from another French assist, while Harry Smith produced a spectacular kick‑pass that set up Partington's second score. French finished the match with a total of three tries and four assists, a personal haul that earned him the Player of the Match award.
St Helens managed a consolation try through Lewis Murphy late in the game, but the damage was already done. The loss left the Saints outside the playoff places and intensified the scrutiny on the club's leadership and future direction. Following the match, Saints' stand‑out Jack Welsby spoke candidly to Sky Sports.
"We were disappointed with the result," he said. "We were level at half‑time and could have taken the game, but we never found the rhythm after the break. The news about Paul Rowley hit us hard, and we tried to rally, but the margin shows we still have a lot to improve if we want to reach the playoffs." Welsby added that the players felt a deep sense of responsibility for the coach's departure, noting that a string of better results could have prevented the upheaval.
Interim coach Eamon O'Carroll also addressed the media, expressing pride in the squad's resilience. "I'm proud of the boys for how they've responded to a difficult week," he said. "We will take it game by game, focus on preparation and get the injured players back fit.
The process is what matters now, and we will keep working on it as we head into the next fixture against York." Wigan's head coach Matt Peet, while pleased with the win, remained realistic about his team's performance. "It was a great win against our biggest rivals, but there are aspects we need to tighten up," he explained.
"We had moments where we didn't respect the ball and allowed it to become loose. The Saints fought back at times, and we must improve our discipline and execution. The standards we set for ourselves are high, and we will work hard in training to raise them further." French, reflecting on his own performance, expressed gratitude and optimism. "It feels amazing," he told Sky Sports.
"I've been working hard off the field, staying positive, and to come back and have that impact against St Helens is special. The younger players stepped up, and it's great to see the club developing talent. We aim to get better each day, and despite the hiccups we've had this season, we're still here and hungry for more success." The evening also featured a remarkable display from Wakefield Trinity, who, despite being reduced to twelve men, thrashed Castleford Tigers 52‑14 in a high‑scoring derby at the DIY Kitchens Stadium. The match began with Wakefield taking an early lead when Tom Johnstone darted down the left flank, drew his defender and passed inside to Matty Storton, who crossed for the opening try within the first minute.
Max Jowitt's conversion made it 6‑0. Although Storton was sent off early in the second half, leaving Wakefield a man short, the team did not falter. Instead, they unleashed a torrent of attacking rugby, with both Johnstone and Lachlan Walmsley each scoring two tries.
The hosts accumulated nine tries in total, demonstrating depth, speed, and a relentless work ethic that left Castleford looking shell‑shocked. The victory marked Wakefield's sixth consecutive Super League win and propelled them to second place in the league table, overtaking Wigan on points difference. Both matches underscore the unpredictable nature of the Super League, where coaching changes, disciplinary setbacks, and individual brilliance can dramatically alter a club's fortunes. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters, with Sky Sports continuing to broadcast every game live, offering two exclusive matches each round and covering the remaining fixtures across its network.