The unstoppable force continues to gather momentum at an ever-increasing pace. It has been a remarkable sight for the Super League to witness Hull KR and Leigh rise as genuine title contenders, but one of them will need to deliver a performance of a lifetime to halt the inevitable. The Leopards were powerless against the might of the Wigan Warriors, leaving it up to the Robins to prevent a seemingly effortless march towards back-to-back Super League titles and the completion of an unprecedented Grand Slam at Old Trafford next Saturday.
Leigh, supported by over 5,000 traveling fans and aiming for their first Super League Grand Final appearance, entered the contest as the competition's form team. Having been ninth as recently as July, Leigh has secured 12 wins in their last 14 games, moving them close to their own historic achievement. Despite the unpredictability of the playoffs, this match had an air of inevitability.
Leading 18-0 at halftime thanks to two tries from Liam Marshall and another from Sam Walters, the outcome was effectively sealed. The damage was done, and few, if any, teams in the world could have recovered against this Warriors side. They are now one win away from achieving an extraordinary piece of rugby league history.
In the sport's 129-year history, only five teams have won four major trophies in a single season: Hunslet in 1908, Huddersfield in 1915, Swinton in 1928, St Helens in 1966, and Wigan in 1994. This feat has never been accomplished in the Super League era. Wigan is now the overwhelming favorite to complete a Grand Slam by winning the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leader's Shield, and Grand Final in the same season, an astonishing achievement that underscores their dominance in the game.
Leigh fought valiantly but had no response to Wigan's relentless attack. Wigan was in complete control from the start, taking an early lead when Jai Field's superb pass sent Marshall over for an easy try. The Warriors doubled their lead midway through the half when Walters broke through the defense. With the Leopards unable to mount any effective counter, the match was slipping away from them.
The game's turning point came just before halftime. Leigh was fortunate to be only 12 points behind, but when Marshall scored his second try after another brilliant assist from Field, the outcome seemed inevitable. If there was any doubt, it was erased two minutes into the second half when Walters scored his second try, followed by Bevan French's world-class solo effort.
Field then added his own try with two minutes remaining, showcasing his skills against a defeated Leigh defense. Can anyone stop Wigan's pursuit of even greater glory? Only one team remains with the potential to answer that question.
