Wigan Warriors Earn Championship Decider Place Following Tense Victory Against Leigh's Rugby Side
The Wigan squad stand just one win away from making the top rugby league record books by aiming to be the third club ever to achieve three straight Grand Final titles. The reigning champions defeated a determined challenge from Leigh to earn a spot at Old Trafford next Saturday.
Tense Buildup Overshadows Semi-Final
The buildup to the important playoff match was dominated by external dispute, amid fears that the game might be called off due to a dispute regarding ticket allocations. Ultimately, the game proceeded as planned, as the Leopards' chief choosing to watch from home as a statement.
Hard-Fought Battle Underscores Leigh's Progress
The two nearby clubs, divided by just a few miles, faced off in the semi-finals last season, where Wigan secured an easy 38-0 victory en route to another title. This time around, the contest was far tighter, highlighting the major improvements Leigh have made over the past year.
Despite a stronger showing, the outcome was unchanged. The Warriors may not have hit the same heights as last season, but they consistently deliver in crucial moments.
Key Moments Determine the Result
Leigh began with intensity, controlling the opening phase in difficult playing weather. They thought they had scored the first try through a forward drive, but a superb defensive stop denied the grounding, verified on review.
The hosts took advantage of a Leigh error when Bailey Hodgson lost possession. Keighran collected it and passed to French, who sprinted in untouched to score between the uprights opening the scoring.
Leigh responded well before halftime, tying the game with a sharp score by Mulhern. But just before the interval, the Warriors struck twice—one from a kick and another from open play involving Field and French—taking a 14-6 at halftime.
Final Period Momentum and Critical Defensive Play
The Leopards needed the first points after the break to shift momentum, but despite starting brightly, they couldn't to convert their dominance. The turning point occurred as Owen Trout found space appearing likely to cross, but Jai Field to make an incredible desperate stop to prevent the try.
That stop lifted the Warriors' belief, allowing them to manage the final stages comfortably. Sam Walters added a late try from a Bevan French pass to seal a stylish win, putting the Warriors into the Grand Final.
The Warriors will now face the winners of St Helens or Hull KR at Old Trafford, with the challenge to halt their title run appearing a formidable one.
