Wigan have a storied history of making rugby league history, and despite the unusual circumstances, this was another night that will be remembered for all the right reasons. Any uncertainty about whether Wigan would secure their second consecutive League Leader’s Shield—a feat only matched by one other team in Super League history—was effectively dispelled earlier in the week due to the lineup Salford Red Devils announced for this game. While Wigan enjoy a bye in the opening week of the playoffs by virtue of their top-two finish, Salford must contest a sudden-death game next week to keep their season alive. Instead of taking any risks, the Red Devils opted to rest all their key players and handed eight debuts. The outcome, given the circumstances, was entirely predictable.
A full-strength Wigan side was always going to dominate, the only question was by how many points they would win. They mercilessly overpowered an inexperienced Salford side, scoring 64 points and arguably leaving more on the field. This victory ensures they remain in possession of the four major trophies available: the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup, the World Club Challenge, and the Super League title they won at Old Trafford, which they will defend over the next four weeks. This now becomes their next objective as they prepare for a semi-final in two weeks’ time.
“I’m very proud, this means a lot,” said their coach, Matt Peet. “We all know it’s not the end of the season and it’s not the one everyone wants to win but it’s still very important.” Peet has won six trophies since taking charge at the start of 2022, five of them in the last year alone, and there is no doubt the Warriors are peaking at the right time of the season once again. They were 28-0 up by half-time thanks to tries from Liam Marshall, the outstanding Jai Field, Bevan French, Zach Eckersley, and Jake Wardle. Had they not pushed too hard in the closing stages of the first half, the lead could have been even greater.
Wigan fans were delighted to see their key duo of Field and French shine as the season approaches its crucial phase. There is no doubt they are a stronger side when these two are fit and performing, and the fact French scored two tries and Field completed a hat-trick is a clear warning to the rest that the reigning champions are ready to defend their title. The second half, given the commanding lead at the break, was largely academic. There were six more Wigan tries, many in the final quarter as Salford’s young side began to tire. Marshall scored a stunning breakaway before Field crossed for his second. A quick-fire double from Kruise Leeming brought up the half-century, before Field completed his hat-trick in the dying moments.
By then, the celebrations were already underway. Wigan’s focus now shifts to the ultimate challenge: defending their Super League crown.
