Wigan Warriors have kicked off their 2026 Super League campaign with a 26-16 victory over Castleford Tigers, but they were made to work for their result.
Tries from Zack Eckersley, Bevan French, Liam Marshall and Jake Wardle earned Matt Peet’s side the two points, but the boss will be looking for major improvements heading into the next few weeks.
For Ryan Carr, it was a positive first Super League outing, and after a close half-time scoreline, their ill-discipline shortly after the second half resumed cost them a chance of pulling off the win.
Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors Talking points
Warriors avoid banana skin:
Wigan were able to do what the likes of Hull KR and Wakefield weren’t, and that is emerge victorious in games that, on paper, they should be winning.
They were made to work for it though, and with a scoreline of 6-10 at half-time, it looked to be another game that would head down to the wire.
Four second-half tries saw them clinch the two points, as they get their first win in a campaign where they are hungry for success.
Keighran sees yellow:
Whilst Wigan got the result, their discipline was far from their usual standard, and after giving a heap of penalties away, a yellow csrd for Adam Keighran saw them finish the game with 12 man.
The centre put pressure on Daejarn Asi as he got a kick away, but followed through with his challenge and hit the half-back late. He was sent to the sin bin, and put his team under real pressure to see out the game.
Taaffe injury worry:
Concern will be with Tigers full-back Blake Taaffe, who finished the game limping.
The new recruit looked to be carrying the niggle for most of the game, and Castleford fans will be hoping it is nothing major, since the campaign is only just beginning.
New signings verdict:
Speaking of new signings, Ryan Carr fielded seven new signings in their first Super League game, and fair few stood out.
Mikaele Ravalawa carried well from back-field, and put on some big hits, whilst Krystian Mapapalangi showed some solid signs at centre.
Darnell McIntoshl Tom Weaver, Renouf Atoni, and Liam Hood also made their debuts, with the latter picking up the opening try of the game.
Eckersley at the double:
Two tries second-half tries from Zach Eckersley helped the Warriors seal the victory, but the young winger, could, and probably should, have had more.
In the opening stages of the game, the new number two looked, but he dropped the ball over the line. Later in the half. He looked to be in again, but couldn’t take in a pass from Adam Keighran that would have seen him over.
Smith’s injury return:
Harry Smith returned to action for the first time in 2026, after recovering from wrist surgery.
The half-back featured for around an hour, before being replaced by Jack Farrimond.
Whilst he didn’t set the world alight, it was still a strong showing, and he partnered Bevan French well. Smith will be looking for his first 80 minutes next week, when Wigan host Hull FC next week.
Positive Tigers signs:
Whilst the result didn’t go their way, Ryan Carr’s side can be happy with their performance, and will take positives from the defeat.
Their new recruits will take time to gel, but with tries coming from Ravalawa and Hood, Carr and his staff have plenty to take from this game into the season ahead.
With shock results coming from York and Toulouse, and the likes of Castleford and Bradford competing well, 26 more rounds like this weekend can only be hugely positive in the competition’s 30th year.
