Wigan paid tribute to the recently departed Sir Billy Boston by overwhelming a depleted Hull KR side with a 46‑0 victory 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 his wife Lady Joan’s funeral.
The pre‑match ceremony was deeply emotional. Stephen Boston, Sir Billy’s son, walked onto the halfway line carrying a Wigan jersey emblazoned with his father’s name.
The shirt was then laid across the very throne where Sir Billy had sat during the club’s knighthood celebration last July. In the directors’ suite two seats were deliberately left empty to remember both Sir Billy and Lady Joan, while the home players warmed up in black T‑shirts marked with Boston’s iconic number two.
A minute’s silence, observed with perfect solemnity, followed. When the whistle finally blew, Matt Peet’s squad seized the moment, notching a record‑extending thirteenth consecutive Super League win and propelling themselves back to the top of the table, overtaking Leeds ahead of their Friday trip to St Helens. Liam Marshall was the star of the show, completing a hat‑trick, while Zach Eckersley – the latest wearer of the number two jersey that Sir Billy made famous – crossed the line twice in a nine‑try spectacle. Adam Keighran added a try of his own and contributed ten points from the boot, rounding out a dominant performance.
Hull KR, coached by Willie Peters, were hampered by injuries and suspensions and fielded three debutants as they prepared for next week’s home clash with Huddersfield. Despite the weakened lineup, the Rovers showed commitment, but they were simply outclassed by a Wigan side eager to reclaim the championship. The visitors managed to hold out for the opening ten minutes, with Bill Leyland making a superb try‑saving tackle on Jai Field.
The deadlock was broken when Marshall dived over for the first converted try of the match. Harry Smith then showcased his kicking prowess, first with a clever chip that doubled Wigan’s lead, and later with a perfectly timed 40‑20 that set up Eckersley’s opening try on the right flank. The first half continued to favor the hosts.
Both Smith and Marshall had additional tries ruled out, but each later added a second try just before the half‑time whistle, even as a torrential downpour intensified. The scoreline at the break reflected Wigan’s dominance, and Hull KR were left with a mountain to climb. The second half began with Keighran converting his own try after Eckersley tapped back a Smith kick twelve minutes in. Wigan then applied relentless pressure, forcing a series of drop‑outs and keeping the Rovers on the back foot.
Their forward pack, led by Arthur Mourgue and Sam Luckley, kept the ball in the Rovers’ half, limiting any chance of a comeback. Around the hour mark, Hull KR thought they had clawed a lifeline when debutant Frankie Dearlove appeared to dive over in the corner. However, video review revealed a Wigan arm had obstructed the ball, and the try was disallowed, extinguishing any flicker of hope for the visitors. Marshall completed his hat‑trick with a blistering run down the left wing twelve minutes from the end, and Wardle added a try after a slick pass from Field.
The final whistle confirmed a 46‑0 rout – a result that would have made Sir Billy Boston proud, reflecting both his legacy and the team’s determination. Beyond the scoreboard, the match served as a poignant reminder of Boston’s impact on the club and the sport. His knighthood, the first ever bestowed upon a rugby league player, symbolised his contributions on and off the field. The black shirts, the empty seats, and the reverent silence all underscored the deep respect Wigan holds for their late hero.
Looking ahead, Wigan’s victory not only restores them to the summit of the Super League table but also provides momentum as they prepare for upcoming fixtures, including a crucial encounter with Huddersfield. Meanwhile, Hull KR must regroup, address their injury woes, and find a way to bounce back from a heavy defeat.
For fans wishing to follow the action, Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League game live this season, with two matches each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining five available on Sky Sports+. Ticket information and the latest league standings can be accessed through the club’s official website. In summary, the night at Brick Community Stadium was a blend of heartfelt remembrance and commanding rugby league.
Wigan honoured Sir Billy Boston in a manner befitting his stature, while delivering a performance that re‑established them as the team to beat in the 2024 Super League campaign.