Wigan honoured the memory of the late Sir Billy Boston with a commanding 46‑0 victory over a depleted Hull KR side at the rain‑soaked Brick Community Stadium, securing a place back at the top of the Betfred Super League table. Sir Billy, who was knighted as rugby league’s first knight last year, passed away on Tuesday morning, just four days after the funeral of his beloved wife, Lady Joan. The pre‑match ceremony was steeped in emotion. Stephen Boston, Sir Billy’s son, walked onto the halfway line carrying a Wigan jersey bearing his father’s name.
The shirt was then placed on the very throne where Sir Billy had sat when the club celebrated his knighthood in July. In a further sign of respect, two seats in the directors’ box were left empty to honour the Boston couple, and the home team emerged from the tunnel in black T‑shirts printed with the number two – the iconic number that Sir Billy made his own during his illustrious career. A minute’s silence, observed with impeccable timing, preceded the kickoff. When the whistle finally sounded, Matt Peet’s men set about extending their record‑breaking run of consecutive Super League victories to a remarkable 13, a streak that propelled them back to the summit ahead of Leeds’ upcoming trip to St Helens on Friday.
The performance was a showcase of attacking flair and clinical finishing. Liam Marshall secured a hat‑trick, while Zach Eckersley – the latest player to don the number two jersey that Sir Billy immortalised – crossed the line twice in a nine‑try onslaught. Adam Keighran added a try of his own and contributed ten points with the boot, rounding off a truly dominant display.
Hull KR, coached by Willie Peters, fielded a side riddled with injuries and suspensions. Peters opted to give three debutants a chance, looking ahead to next week’s home fixture against Huddersfield.
Despite the weakened line‑up, the Rovers showed determination, but they were simply outclassed by a Wigan side that seemed intent on honouring Sir Billy with a performance worthy of his legacy. The visitors managed to hold out for the first ten minutes, with Bill Leyland delivering a superb try‑saving tackle on Jai Field.
However, the deadlock was broken when Marshall powered over for the opening try, which was promptly converted. Harry Smith then demonstrated his tactical acumen, landing a clever kick that doubled Wigan’s lead. He followed that up with a textbook 40‑20 that set the platform for Eckersley’s first try on the right flank. The first half continued to be a showcase of Wigan’s attacking potency.
Both Smith and Marshall had additional tries ruled out, but the hosts kept the pressure relentless. Just before the interval, Marshall and Eckersley each added a second try, the latter coming amid a torrential downpour that turned the pitch into a slick battlefield. By halftime, the scoreboard read an imposing 32‑0 in favour of the home side.
The second half opened with Keighran converting his own try after Eckersley tapped back a Smith kick twelve minutes in. Wigan’s forwards then began to dominate the Rovers’ defensive line, forcing a series of drop‑outs and creating numerous opportunities for the backs. Arthur Mourgue and Sam Luckley were particularly busy, repeatedly testing the Hull KR goal line.
Around the hour mark, rookie Frankie Dearlove appeared to have scored a spectacular corner try, only for the video referee to intervene. Replays showed a Wigan arm had illegally prevented the ball from being grounded, and the try was disallowed, much to the disappointment of the Hull KR supporters. Marshall completed his hat‑trick with a blistering run down the left side twelve minutes from full‑time, sealing his personal tally at three tries. Meanwhile, Wardle slithered over for a try after a superb piece of play from Field, capping what was a comprehensive and emotionally charged victory for the hosts.
The final whistle confirmed a 46‑0 scoreline – a result that would have made Sir Billy Boston proud. Beyond the on‑field action, the match underscored the deep connection between Wigan and its storied past. The club’s decision to wear black shirts, the empty seats in the directors’ box, and the prominent display of the number two jersey all served as reminders of the legacy left by Sir Billy and Lady Joan.
For the players, the tribute was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a source of inspiration that translated into a performance of rare intensity. Looking ahead, Wigan now sit atop the Super League table, poised to defend their title against a series of challenging fixtures. Their next test will be a home clash with Huddersfield, while Leeds travels to St Helens on Friday.
For Hull KR, the defeat is a harsh reminder of the work needed to climb back into the top six, but the experience gained by the debutants could prove valuable as the season progresses. Fans can continue to follow the Super League action live on Sky Sports, which broadcasts every game of the season. Two matches each round are shown exclusively live on the main channel, with the remaining five fixtures available via Sky Sports+. Ticket information and the latest league standings are also accessible through the club’s official website.