Wigan's Rugby League Team Earn Championship Decider Place Following Nail-Biting Triumph Over Leigh Leopards
The Wigan squad stand a single victory from from becoming Super League record books as they chase to be the third club ever to achieve three straight championship titles. The title holders defeated a spirited effort from Leigh to earn their place in the final next Saturday.
Pre-Match Drama Overshadows Semi-Final
The buildup to the important semi-final was marked by off-field dispute, amid fears that the game could be cancelled due to a dispute regarding ticket distribution. In the end, the game went ahead as scheduled, with Leigh's owner opting to view from home in protest.
Hard-Fought Battle Underscores Leopards' Improvement
These local rivals, separated by just a few miles, met at the same stage last season, when the Warriors recorded a comfortable shutout win on their way to another title. This time around, the contest was much closer, highlighting the significant strides the Leopards have made in recent months.
Despite a stronger performance, the result remained the same. Wigan may not have hit the peak form as last season, but they consistently deliver when it matters most.
Key Moments Determine the Result
Leigh started strongly, controlling the early exchanges in challenging playing weather. They believed they'd crossed the first try via a forward drive, but a superb tackle from Harry Smith prevented the score, as confirmed on review.
Wigan took advantage of a mistake as Hodgson lost possession. Keighran collected it feeding French, who sprinted in untouched to cross between the uprights for a 6-0 lead.
The visitors fought back as the break neared, leveling the scores with a sharp try from Robbie Mulhern. However, in the half's end, Wigan scored two quick tries—first a penalty and then a combination between French and Jai Field—taking a eight-point lead.
Second Half Momentum and Decisive Defensive Play
Leigh needed an early score in the second half to shift momentum, and although they began well, they failed to capitalize on their dominance. The turning point occurred as Owen Trout found space and looked certain to score, only for Jai Field to produce an incredible last-ditch stop to save the points.
That defensive play lifted the Warriors' belief, enabling them to control the final stages comfortably. Walters scored a final try assisted by French pass to seal an impressive victory, sending the Warriors into the championship game.
The Warriors will now face the winners of Hull KR or St Helens at Old Trafford, as the task of stopping their winning streak appearing a tough prospect.
