In rugby league, derbies are a favourite amongst supporters, regardless of whether you’re a supporter of one of the teams involved or not, and St Helens v Wigan Warriors derbies are certainly a fan favourite.
Whilst there is plenty of debate as to whether Hull FC v Hull KR or St Helens v Wigan Warriors is the best, each set of fans still appreciates the other one.
Good Friday has a long-standing tradition of hosting Saints v Wigan rugby league derbies and Super League has had its fair share of crackers.
This Friday sees the pair battle once again in front of a sold-out crowd at The Brick Community Stadium and will be the 95th meeting between the sides in Super League.
We’ve selected our top five Good Friday Saints-Wigan derbies from the Super League era below.
Top five Wigan Warriors v St Helens’ Good Friday derbies in Super League history
5th April 1996: St Helens 41-26 Wigan Warriors
We’re going back to the very beginning of Stones Super League in 1996. The first Super League match between the two sides came in round two as the newly-named Wigan Warriors travelled to Knowsley Road. St Helens are coached by Shaun McRae and Wigan’s boss is Graeme West.
Saints ran in seven tries to beat the Warriors, including a hattrick from Danny Arnold as well as six conversions by Bobbie Goulding as well as a field goal. Despite a Wigan side filled with superstars, such as Jason Robinson, Henry Paul and Martin Offiah, it was St Helens who grabbed the first bragging rights of the Super League era.
Both sides went on to only lose two games that first season but with Wigan getting one draw as well, St Helens finished top of the table. The two teams faced off in the Premiership Trophy final at Old Trafford with the Warriors coming out on top with a 44-14 victory.
9th April 2004: St Helens 21-21 Wigan Warriors
The infamous brawl between Jon Wilkin and the late Terry Newton make this game stand out. Captains Paul Sculthorpe and Andy Farrell also exchanged words as Wilkin and Newton were shown yellow cards. Sean Long and Farrell added drop goals for their sides but it wasn’t enough to take the two points.
Both sides faced off again in the first week of the play-offs, with the Warriors coming out on top. However, they were by eventual champions Leeds Rhinos in the elimination final.
22nd April 2011: Wigan Warriors 28-24 St Helens
Late drama often ensues in a St Helens and Wigan derby and 2011 was no exception. Wigan’s Michael McGuire and Saints’ Royce Simmons were in charge in this round 11 fixture.
Substitute and future captain Liam Farrell went over to score in the last play of the match to give the Warriors a 28-24 victory. Wigan were 22-10 ahead before a St Helens comeback had the visitors thinking they’d secured a victory. With just 53 seconds left, Farrell spoilt the part and Pat Richards’ conversion gave the Warriors a massive win over their rivals.
6th April 2012: St Helens 10-28 Wigan Warriors
In the first derby at Langtree Park, now known as Totally Wicked Stadium, it was Wigan who got one over on their rivals. Sam Tomkins overcame a bout of tonsilitis midweek to score a try before Saints’ Michael Shenton was sent to the sin bin. It also saw that famous Sam Tomkins celebration in front of the St Helens fans.
Gareth Hock and Jeff Lima scored a late try each whilst Shenton was off with all three Wigan players celebrating in front of the Saints fans. Hock threw the ball into the crowd following his try, an incident that was later investigated by the RFL.
30th March 2018: St Helens 21-18 Wigan Warriors
On Jon Wilkin’s 400th St Helens appearance, it was his side that took the spoils on Good Friday in 2018. It was their first win on Good Friday in nine years, making the close encounter even more special.
Saints led 12-2 at half-time before a Wigan fightback with tries from Joel Tomkins and Willie Isa brought the game to 14-all. Regan Grace went in for Saints to retake the lead and Danny Richardson’s subsequent conversion and drop goal gave the home side the victory.
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