Wigan keeps Super League crown with another moment of magic from Bevan French

Another moment of magic from Bevan French made the difference as Wigan held off Hull KR to retain its Super League crown 9-2 — in front of the biggest grand final crowd (68,173) since 2017 — and claimed the quadruple of all four major titles in a single season.

The Australian’s trademark first-half streak at Old Trafford through a hapless Rovers rearguard proved the only try of a bruising but engaging affair, with two kicks from Adam Keighran and a Harry Smith drop-goal nudging Matt Peet’s men to a win.

Rovers, targeting their first domestic title in four decades, were far from overawed in their first grand final appearance, but failed to take their chances to crack a resolute Wigan defense and had only a Mikey Lewis penalty to show for their efforts.

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Willie Peters’ side threatened the champions’ line throughout but lacked the magic touch of Wigan’s irrepressible No. 6, who ended the night as the first recipient of the newly named Rob Burrow man-of-the-match award.

French had hogged the headlines in the buildup to the final after his audacious try against Leigh in the playoffs semi-final, and he delivered again when he wriggled through a gap and evaded a diving Niall Evalds to cross in the 23rd minute.

"It's been an emotional week. We knew history was on the line, with the chance to be the first to win all four in a calendar year," French said post-match.

"This one just meant more. The club went above and beyond to surprise me by flying my brother and uncle over, so this is special. I might not ever get to feel like this again. I've got to take it all in."