Wigan paid tribute to the late Sir Billy Boston by delivering a dominant performance against a depleted Hull KR, winning 46-0 at the rain‑soaked Brick Community Stadium in their Betfred Super League encounter. Sir Billy, who became rugby league’s first knight last year, passed away on Tuesday morning, just four days after his wife Lady Joan’s funeral. The pre‑match ceremony was deeply emotional: Stephen Boston, the son of the legendary player, 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 honoured his knighthood in July. Two empty seats were left in the directors’ box in memory of Sir Billy and Lady Joan, and the home side warmed up in black T‑shirts bearing Boston’s iconic number two.
A minute’s silence was observed with solemn precision. When the whistle blew, Matt Peet’s side continued their impressive run, securing a record‑extending 13th straight Super League victory and reclaiming the league’s summit ahead of Leeds’ upcoming trip to St Helens on Friday. The scoring onslaught was led by Liam Marshall, who notched a hat‑trick, while Zach Eckersley – the latest wearer of the number two jersey that Boston made famous – 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 from the boot, further widening the gap. Hull KR, coached by Willie Peters, fielded a side riddled with injuries and suspensions.
Peters introduced three debutants, looking ahead to next week’s home fixture against Huddersfield. Despite the weakened squad’s determination, they were unable to pose any realistic threat to a Wigan side that seemed eager to honour their late hero by reclaiming the title. The visitors managed to hold out for the opening ten minutes, with Bill Leyland making a crucial try‑saving tackle on Jai Field. However, Marshall broke the deadlock with a well‑executed try, which he successfully converted.
Shortly after, Harry Smith displayed his tactical acumen with a clever kick that doubled Wigan’s lead, and then he delivered a perfect 40‑20 that set up Eckersley’s first try on the right flank. The first half could have been even more damaging for Hull KR, as both Smith and Marshall had additional tries ruled out. Nevertheless, each forward pushed forward and, just before the break, Marshall and Eckersley each added a second try amid a torrential downpour, taking the score to a comfortable margin. The second half began with Keighran converting his own try after Eckersley tapped back a Smith kick twelve minutes in.
Wigan continued to apply relentless pressure, forcing a series of drop‑outs and keeping the Hull KR defence on the back foot. Their forward pack, led by Arthur Mourgue and Sam Luckley, kept the ball in the attacking third, creating numerous opportunities. Around the hour mark, Hull KR thought they had finally broken through when debutant Frankie Dearlove appeared to score in the corner. However, video review showed a Wigan arm had knocked the ball away before it could be grounded, and the try was disallowed.
Marshall completed his hat‑trick with a blistering run down the left side with twelve minutes remaining, while Wardle added a further try after a clever play by 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 narrative 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 five available via Sky Sports+. Wigan’s win not only restores them to the top of the table but also underscores their determination to honour the legacy of a club legend while chasing another championship. The emotional tribute, combined with a clinical performance, provided a fitting send‑off for Sir Billy Boston and a reminder of the deep connections between sport, history, and community.