Wigan Warriors have defeated Castleford Tigers in stunning fashion, as they hammer Chris Chester’s men 62-6 to secure a second placed Super League finish and confirm a home semi-final match.
Six first half tries did the damage, with the returning Abbas Miski breaking the deadlock with less than six minutes played. Bevan French’s kick was fumbled by Tex Hoy, which allowed the Lebanese winger to touch down.
Bevan French and Jai Field were spectacular again, with Wigan attack largely guided by them. Jack Farrimond also stepped up, as he too played out of his skin to secure the victory.
Castleford couldn’t back up last week’s win over Wakefield Trinity, and looked back to the side we have seen so often this year, with effort and product severely lacking.
Wigan Warriors vs Castleford Tigers talking points:
Second place secure
Leeds’ shock defeat to Catalans Dragons last night meant that Wigan simply had to win tonight, and they did that in impressive fashion. Try doubles for Field, Farrimond, Liam Marshall and Abbas Miski helped them to a win, and they will now get an extra week off before a home-semi final against one of Leeds, St Helens and Leigh Leopards.
In the past five seasons, Wigan have earned a top two spot four times, hence having a week off. Some question the benefit of the break, saying it could halt momentum, however Wigan have done well in that regard, going on to win three of those four semi-finals, only losing to the Rhinos in 2022.
No Smith? No problem
Matt Peet opted to rest England international Harry Smith for this game, as he has one eye on the playoffs which kick off in a fortnight’s time. The Wigan halfback was replaced by 19-year-old Farrimond, who made his eighth appearance of the season. He crossed for two first half scores, first kicking the ball through the line for himself to score a solo effort, before being on the receiving end of a Jai Field break to score under the posts.
French and Field also had stellar performances, with their link-up play a joy to watch as they put on an attacking masterclass.
Wigan have proved they can manage if one of their key men go down, with youngsters such as Farrimond and Eckersley more than capable of filling into starting roles.
Back to square one for Castleford
After being on such a huge high from beating local rivals Wakefield, the Tigers were pulled straight back down to earth as they were so easily pulled apart by Wigan. Whilst there was an improvement on effort compared to previous drubbings this season, there is still so many clear problems within the squad.
Their only try, which to be fair to them was one of the best of the night, came from Muizz Mustapha picking up the ball from dummy half and breaking the line before rounding Field to score. Playmakers Daejarn Asi, Tex Hoy and Chris Atkin couldn’t do anything, with no attacking threat created at all.
England stars shine
Liam Marshall’s two tries provided more evidence for his application to be one of England’s starting wingers in the Ashes series against Australia. Jake Wardle also impressed, who is surely a certainty to start against the Kangaroos given his form this season.
In the pack, Ethan Havard and Luke Thompson dominated, with the former capping off his performance with the final try of the night. Shaun Wane will have a selection headache in the forwards, with the likes of Mike McMeeken, Alex Walmsley and Matty Lees also staking their claim to be selected.
Home Semi-Final confirmed 👊#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/iMDn2jFeJp
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 12, 2025
