Wigan honoured the memory of the recently departed Sir Billy Boston with a commanding 46‑0 victory over a depleted Hull KR side at the rain‑soaked Brick Community Stadium, a match that also saw the Warriors climb back to the summit of the Betfred Super League. Sir Billy Boston, who was bestowed the historic honour of being rugby league’s first knight just a year ago, passed away on Tuesday morning, only four days after his wife Lady Joan was laid to rest.
The club’s tribute before kickoff was deeply moving. Boston’s son, Stephen, carried a Wigan jersey bearing his father’s name onto the centre of the pitch, where it was draped over the very throne that had held Sir Billy during the knighthood ceremony in July of the previous year.
In further acknowledgment, two seats in the directors’ box were left empty to represent Boston and his late spouse, and the home team entered the field wearing black T‑shirts printed with Boston’s iconic number two. A minute’s silence was observed with meticulous respect. When the referee finally blew for play, Matt Peet’s side set about extending their record‑breaking run of victories, notching a 13th straight Super League win that propelled them back to the top of the table, ahead of Leeds’ upcoming trip to St Helens on Friday. Liam Marshall was the star of the show, crossing the line three times to secure a hat‑trick.
Zach Eckersley, who now wears the number two jersey that Boston made famous, added two tries of his own. Adam Keighran contributed a try and added ten points with his boot, while the rest of the squad chipped in with a total of nine tries in a display that left the visitors scrambling for answers.
Hull KR, coached by Willie Peters, were hampered by a rash of injuries and suspensions. Peters fielded a side that included three debutants, clearly looking ahead to the next week’s home clash with Huddersfield rather than trying to mount a serious challenge on the day. The defending champions appeared out of their depth; despite a valiant effort, they were never in contention against a Wigan side that seemed determined to honour Boston by reclaiming the league title. The match opened with a ten‑minute spell in which Hull KR held firm, highlighted by Bill Leyland’s superb try‑saving tackle on Jai Field.
However, Marshall soon broke the deadlock, scoring the first try and converting it himself. 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 tilt heavily in Wigan’s favour. Both Smith and Marshall had additional tries ruled out, but they each managed to add a second try before the half‑time whistle, even as a torrential downpour made conditions increasingly difficult.
The score at the break already hinted at a one‑sided affair. The second half began with Keighran converting his own try after Eckersley tapped back a Smith kick just twelve minutes in. Wigan’s pressure remained relentless, forcing a series of drop‑outs and keeping the Rovers’ defence under constant strain. Their forward pack, led by Arthur Mourgue and Sam Luckley, repeatedly drove the ball into Hull KR’s line, creating numerous opportunities.
Around the 60‑minute mark, a moment of drama unfolded when debutant Frankie Dearlove appeared to dive over in the corner for a try. Replays, however, showed a Wigan arm deflecting the ball before it could be grounded, and the try was disallowed, much to the disappointment of the home crowd. Marshall completed his hat‑trick with a blistering run down the left side twelve minutes from the end, while Wardle added a further try after a well‑executed move from Field. The final whistle confirmed a 46‑0 rout, a result that would have made Sir Billy Boston proud, reflecting both the skill and the spirit he embodied throughout his legendary career.
Beyond the on‑field action, the match served as a reminder of Boston’s lasting impact on the game. His knighthood, his iconic number two jersey, and his status as a trailblazer for the sport were celebrated by players, staff, and supporters alike. The atmosphere at Brick Community Stadium was one of reverence mixed with the fierce determination typical of a team eager to reclaim its place at the top.
Looking ahead, Wigan now sit atop the Super League table and will aim to maintain their momentum as they prepare for the next round of fixtures. Hull KR, meanwhile, must regroup and address the injury and suspension challenges that have plagued them, hoping to find a way back into the top six.
For fans wishing to follow the league, Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two games each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining fixtures available on Sky Sports+. Tickets for upcoming matches can be purchased through the official Super League website, and the latest league standings are regularly updated online. The emotional tribute to Sir Billy Boston, combined with a dominant performance on the field, made this fixture a memorable chapter in the 2024 Super League campaign, underscoring both the heritage of the sport and the relentless pursuit of excellence by its top clubs.