Wigan beat Catalans for sixth Super League title

Liam Marshall (left) scored a hat-trick of tries for Wigan Warriors in their semi-final against Hull KR and his try proved decisive in the Super League Grand Final seven days later

Wigan (2) 10
Try: Marshall Goals: Smith 3
Catalans (2) 2
Goal: Keighran

Wigan Warriors earned a sixth Super League Grand Final win courtesy of a commanding second half display against Catalans Dragons.

Liam Marshall crossed for the game's only try 10 minutes after the break as the Warriors made their man advantage count from Tom Davies' yellow card.

Smith's late penalty sealed it for Wigan as Catalans ran out of steam.

Victory for Wigan was their first in a Super League Grand Final since they overcame Warrington in 2018 and was their first appearance in the end-of-season showpiece since their dispiriting late defeat by St Helens in 2020.

Catalans' second appearance in three seasons once again ended in defeat. However, the French side showed great steel in a tiring first period before ultimately falling short.

Relive Wigan's Grand Final win over Catalans

All square after bruising first half

A bruising first half ended in a low-scoring 2-2 stalemate, with Catalans slightly depleted by second rower Paul Seguier coming off worse in a tackle and leaving the field with a severely bloodied head after just 13 minutes.

The biggest moment of the first period came when the Dragons were reduced to 12 after 19 minutes when Keighran saw yellow for upending Kai Pearce-Paul in a tip tackle.

That the Warriors only prospered from the boot of Smith during Wigan-bound Keighran's spell in the sin bin spoke to how little either side was either risking or giving away.

Once Les Dracs were back to a full complement, an end-to-end finish to the first half began, with Keighran eventually kicking the penalty that led to them going in at the break on level terms.

But it was Wigan who threatened most to edge ahead at the hooter, with Marshall being thwarted by Catalans veteran Mitchell Pearce, who put in a sensational try-saving tackle to deny him on the wing.

Marshall try the difference for Wigan

Just three minutes into the second half, Catalans had Davies sent to the bin for pulling back Marshall as Wigan dashed upfield, and the Warriors almost made their advantage count soon after.

Man of Steel Bevan French touched down in the corner but his celebrations were cut short as referee Liam Moore ruled out the effort for a forward pass in the build-up.

However, Wigan did not have to wait long to be rewarded for their attacking start to the second half.

A swift set of passes and a last-ditch offload from Liam Farrell allowed Marshall to slide over, continuing his fine form having scored a hat-trick of tries against Hull KR in last week's semi-final to set up their trip to Old Trafford.

Smith guided the Warriors home with his penalty, capping off a remarkable run for the club under head coach Matt Peet and giving outgoing chairman Ian Lenagan cause for celebration as he steps down from his role.

Wigan: Field; Miski, King, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Dupree, O'Neill, Ellis, Farrell, Pearce-Paul, Smithies.

Interchanges: Powell, Isa, Havard, Mago.

Catalans: Tomkins; Davies, Ikuvalu, Keighran, Johnstone; May, Pearce; McMeeken, McIlorum, Taukeiaho, Whitley, Seguier, Garcia.

Interchanges: Bousquet, Morgue, Navarrete, Ma'u, Romano.

Sin bin: Keighran (19), Davies (43)

Referee: Liam Moore.

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