Wigan paid tribute to the recently departed Sir Billy Boston, a true legend of the club, by delivering a dominant performance against a depleted Hull KR side, running out 46-0 winners at the rain‑soaked Brick Community Stadium in their Betfred Super League encounter. Sir Billy, who was honoured as rugby league’s first knight just a year ago, passed away on Tuesday morning, only four days after the funeral of his beloved wife, Lady Joan. The pre‑match ceremony was deeply moving: Boston’s son Stephen walked onto the halfway line carrying a Wigan jersey emblazoned with his father’s name, and the shirt was then placed on the very throne where Sir Billy had sat when the club celebrated his knighthood last July.
In a further sign of respect, two seats in the directors’ box were left empty to represent the late Sir Billy and his wife, and the home players took to the field wearing black T‑shirts printed with the number two, the iconic jersey Boston made famous. A minute’s silence was observed with solemn precision before the game began.
Once the whistle blew, Matt Peet’s side continued their impressive run, securing a record‑extending thirteenth consecutive Super League victory and climbing back to the summit of the league table, overtaking Leeds ahead of their upcoming trip to St Helens on Friday. The scoring onslaught was led by Liam Marshall, who notched a hat‑trick, while Zach Eckersley – the newest wearer of the number two jersey that Sir Billy had immortalised – crossed the line twice in a match that featured nine tries in total. Adam Keighran added a try of his own and contributed ten points with his boot, further widening the margin. Hull KR, coached by Willie Peters, fielded a side hampered by injuries and suspensions.
Peters introduced three debutants, looking ahead to next week’s home clash with Huddersfield. Despite the weakened lineup, the visitors showed resolve in the opening ten minutes, with Bill Leyland making a crucial try‑saving tackle on Jai Field.
However, Marshall soon broke the deadlock, converting his first try after a swift build‑up. Harry Smith then displayed his skill with a clever kick that doubled Wigan’s lead, followed by a perfectly timed 40‑20 that set up Eckersley's opening try on the right flank. The first half continued to favour the home side. Both Smith and Marshall had additional tries ruled out, but each later found the line again just before the half‑time break, extending the score amid a heavy downpour.
The rain added an extra layer of difficulty, yet Wigan’s attack never faltered. In the second half, Keighran converted his own try after Eckersley tapped back a Smith kick twelve minutes in, and the hosts kept the pressure on Hull KR’s defensive line, forcing a series of drop‑outs and testing the resolve of the visitors. Around the hour mark, a moment of drama unfolded when debutant Frankie Dearlove appeared to score in the corner.
Replays, however, showed a Wigan arm interfering with the ball, and the try was disallowed, preserving the clean sheet for the home side. Marshall completed his hat‑trick with a blistering run down the left wing twelve minutes from full‑time, while Wardle added a further try after a well‑executed move from Field. The final whistle confirmed a 46‑0 victory, a result that would have made Sir Billy Boston proud. Beyond the on‑field action, the match highlighted the broader context of the Super League season.
Sky Sports continues to broadcast every game live, with two matches each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining fixtures available on Sky Sports+. The win also solidified Wigan’s position at the top of the league, putting pressure on other contenders and underscoring the team’s hunger to reclaim the title after a period of disappointment. The emotional tributes, combined with a clinical performance, created a memorable night for the club and its supporters, honoring a legend while sending a clear message to rivals: Wigan are back on top and determined to stay there.