Wigan paid tribute to the recently departed Sir Billy Boston by overwhelming a depleted Hull KR side 46‑0 in their Betfred Super League encounter at the rain‑soaked Brick Community Stadium. The former Wigan legend, who had been honoured as rugby league’s first knight the previous year, passed away on Tuesday morning, just four days after his wife Lady Joan’s funeral. The pre‑match ceremony was deeply moving: Boston’s son Stephen carried a Wigan jersey bearing his father’s name onto the halfway line, where it was laid over the very throne that had held Sir Billy during the club’s knighthood celebration last July. Two seats in the directors’ box were left empty in memory of Boston and his wife, and the home players warmed up in black shirts printed with Boston’s iconic number two before a minute’s silence was observed with meticulous respect.
When the whistle finally sounded, Matt Peet’s side continued their remarkable run, securing a record‑extending thirteenth straight Super League victory and climbing back to the top of the table ahead of Leeds’ forthcoming trip to St Helens. The performance was a showcase of attacking flair and clinical finishing. Liam Marshall recorded a hat‑trick, while Zach Eckersley – the latest wearer of the number two jersey that Boston made his own – crossed the line twice in a nine‑try exhibition.
Adam Keighran added a try of his own and contributed ten points from the boot, further cementing the dominance. Hull KR, coached by Willie Peters, were hampered by injuries and suspensions and were forced to field three debutants as they prepared for next week’s home game against Huddersfield. Despite the weakened lineup, the visitors showed moments of resilience, notably when Bill Leyland executed a superb try‑saving tackle on Jai Field early in the match. However, the gap in quality was evident.
Marshall opened the scoring with a well‑executed try that was promptly converted, giving Wigan the early lead. Harry Smith then displayed his tactical acumen with a clever kick that doubled the margin, followed by a perfectly timed 40‑20 that set up Eckersley’s first 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 each still managed to add a second try before the half‑time whistle, even as a torrential downpour intensified. The relentless pressure from the home side forced Hull KR into a series of drop‑outs, and Wigan’s forwards, including Arthur Mourgue and Sam Luckley, kept the opposition pinned deep in their own half. The second half began with Keighran converting his own effort after Eckersley tapped back a Smith kick twelve minutes in. Wigan’s dominance remained unshaken, and they continued to press the Rovers’ defensive line, generating numerous drop‑outs and sustained pressure.
Around the hour mark, debutant Frankie Dearlove appeared to have scored in the corner, but video review showed a Wigan arm interfering with the grounding of the ball, and the try was disallowed. Marshall completed his hat‑trick with a blistering run down the left side twelve minutes from the end, while Wardle added a try after a well‑crafted move by Field.
The final whistle confirmed a 46‑0 rout, a result that would have made Sir Billy Boston proud, reflecting both the emotional tribute and the on‑field excellence of the team. Beyond the match itself, the victory reinforced Wigan’s status as the team to beat this season. Their thirteenth consecutive win not only extended a club record but also restored them to the summit of the Super League standings, putting pressure on rivals Leeds and St Helens.
The performance highlighted the depth of Wigan’s squad, the effectiveness of Peet’s coaching strategies, and the inspirational legacy of a club legend whose influence still resonates on the field. For fans wishing to follow the action, 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+. Ticket information and the latest league table are also accessible online for supporters planning to attend future fixtures.