Wigan Warriors have emerged as 16-14 winners in their Magic Weekend derby against St Helens, in what could well be the game of the season.
If not the game of the season, it was certainly the game of the weekend, as both sides provided no let-up, and went all out in the perfect way to end the 2026 event.
Jackson Hastings added an early penalty goal, before Wigan edged in front through an Adam Keighran try.
Jake Davies gave Saints the lead heading into half-time, before Jai Field and Zach Eckersley gave the Warriors a 16-8 win with 10 to go.
Jack Welsby, who had a very chaotic afternoon with two sin-bins, scored to reduce the deficit to two. Hastings had the chance to level the game in the final play, but is sideline penalty goal was sliced, and the kick went wide, handing the Warriors the victory.
Here are some of the biggest talking points coming from that game, including a number of key injuries for both sides.
Wigan Warriors v St Helens talking points
The biff returns as Wigan win brutal derby:
The best game of Magic Weekend was certainly saved until last, with Wigan and Saints going hell for hell for leather in order to try and dominate their opposition.
Fans have been calling for “the biff” to be brought back for years, and it felt as though it certainly returned, even if it was for one game only.
The incidents started mere seconds into the game, with David Klemmer taking out Brad O’Neill, which led to nearly all 26 players coming together.
It was just like watching derbies of old, with tackles being ferocious, points being at a premium and an atmosphere living up to the action on-field.
Derby games in the modern era seem to lack that added aggression of yesteryear, but this game felt like the rivalry was well and truly back, and all eyes will be on July 24, when the two go at it again at the Brick Community Stadium.
Serious injury concerns:
In and amongst all the biff and brutality, there was one incident that looked particularly worrying. Wigan’s Nathan Lowe suffered a leg injury, and originally tried to walk off the field, but ended up needing to be stretchered off.
Sky Sports reporter Jenna Brooks revealed that the youngster had ruptured his hamstring, and the injury was so severe that every time he stood out, his blood pressure would rise, leading to him passing out.
Also coming off was Junior Nsemba, who looked to have a hamstring problem. He left the action just short of the hour mark and didn’t return, in what was another blow to Matt Peet’s side, who are already without Luke Thompson and Liam Farrell in their middle unit.
For Saints, star hooker Daryl Clark suffered a serious ankle injury, and went straight down the tunnel after going off. The veteran only returned this week after missing last week due to a few minor niggles.
The Red Vee also had George Delaney and Alex Walmsley fail a HIA, meaning they will be missing next week.
Welsby sin-binned TWICE as O’Neill goes for 10:
After making an excellent break to give Saints a real opportunity to score, full-back Welsby then had another chance to put on points in the same set. He produced a grubber kick into the in-goal area that was too strong, and in frustration, he threw the ball into the crowd.
That left referee Chris Kendall no choice but to send the England international for 10 minutes, and after Saints started the game the better of the two sides, he undid all of that momentum with a moment of stupidity.
Luckily for him, his teammates were able to keep Wigan to just one try, and a score of their own meant that they still led the game when he returned.
In the second half, the full-back was sent from the field again, this time alongside Wigan’s Brad O’Neill.
After multiple coming-togethers between the two sides throughout the game, Kendall had warned both captains that any more interference would result in punishment. Mere minutes later, that is what happened, with the pair both being shown yellows.
Wigan strengthen “identity” claim:
The Warriors put out a significantly inexperienced side this afternoon, partly because of their injuries, but some of it could be down to the identity claim that Peet made earlier in the season.
The Wigan boss called out Saints’ usage of loan players rather than promoting players from their academy. He opted to select a very youthful bench of Lukas Mason, Taylor Kerr and Shea O’Connor, whilst Kian McDermott started in the front row.
Sam Eseh was named at 18th man, and you’d think that in any other game he would have made the 17, but Peet might have wanted to prove a point in his team selection.
