Wigan Start Super League Campaign with Tough Win at Castleford
Wigan half-back Bevan French was named Super League Man of Steel in 2023.
Tries: Hood, Ravalawa, Lawler
Goals: Weaver 2
Tries: Marshall, French, Eckersley 2, Wardle
Goals: Keighran 3
Wigan Warriors commenced their pursuit to reclaim the Super League title with a hard-fought victory against Castleford Tigers at the One Bore Stadium.
Following an opening weekend where champions Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos, and St Helens all suffered defeats, the 2024 winners Wigan overcame spirited opposition to claim the two points.
Castleford opened the scoring through Liam Hood’s try, but a sequence of three tries within nine minutes, spanning either side of halftime, shifted momentum in favour of the visitors. Liam Marshall, Bevan French, and Zack Eckersley all crossed the line during this period.
Further tries from Eckersley and Jake Wardle ensured Wigan’s victory, while Fiji winger Mikaele Ravalawa and George Lawler added late consolation scores for Castleford.
Wigan’s Consistency and Castleford’s Changes
Wigan achieved an unprecedented quadruple in 2024 but had to watch on last year as Hull KR emerged as the dominant team, leaving the Warriors without trophies.
Head coach Matt Peet has maintained stability within the squad, fielding a starting lineup without newcomers and featuring players closely associated with their consecutive Super League titles.
In contrast, Castleford underwent significant changes over the winter following their 11th-place finish last season.
New Australian head coach Ryan Carr took charge, and the Tigers started eight debutants in the lineup. The club has experienced a shake-up under new owner Martin Jepson.
Match Progression
One of Castleford’s newcomers, Liam Hood, scored the opening try, crossing from dummy half.
The home side endured intense pressure near their line but defended resolutely until Liam Marshall found space near the corner to score his 148th Super League try.
A burst of speed from Bevan French and a well-executed pass exchange with Zack Eckersley enabled French to put Wigan ahead for the first time.
Shortly after the break, Eckersley and French reversed roles. Eckersley, who had scored four tries in the Challenge Cup at the same venue last week, was put through by Adam Keighran’s precise hands for his second try.
Jake Wardle’s excellent line and acceleration saw him cross the line to extend Wigan’s lead.
Castleford were rewarded late in the match for their committed performance under new head coach Ryan Carr. Mikaele Ravalawa scored on his debut, and George Lawler crossed with the final play of the game. These tries came either side of Adam Keighran being sin-binned for late head contact.
Team Lineups
Castleford: Taaffe; Ravalawa, McIntosh, Mapapalangi, Qareqare; Asi, Weaver; Atoni, Hood, Lawler, Lane, Mellor, Stimson.
Interchanges: Singleton, Westerman, Atkin, Hall
Wigan: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Walters, O'Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Farrell, Ellis.
Interchanges: Havard, Mago, Partington, Farrimond.
