Key moments
In a dramatic showdown at BrewDog Stadium on April 3, 2026, St Helens secured a thrilling 34-24 victory over Wigan Warriors in the highly anticipated Good Friday derby. This match marked a significant turning point for both teams, as Wigan suffered their first defeat of the season.
The game began with Wigan taking an early lead, finishing the first half at 12-10. However, St Helens showcased their resilience, scoring an impressive 24 points in the final ten minutes of the match to clinch the win. This comeback was particularly notable given that St Helens was missing over ten first-team regulars due to injury and suspension.
Bill Leyland made his Super League debut during this match, contributing to the excitement surrounding the event. Leyland expressed his feelings post-match, stating, “It’s surreal. Playing such a big derby. My team [Hull KR] won in the game before, so it’s a double win for me. I’m glad to bring it home for all of these fans, it’s pretty surreal.” His debut added an extra layer of significance to the match.
Wigan’s coach, Matt Peet, reflected on the loss, saying, “I’m very disappointed to lose the game, particularly in the manner we did having gotten ourselves into a position to win it without ever really being at our best for a long period.” Peet acknowledged the challenges his team faced, crediting St Helens for their relentless effort. “You’ve got to credit St Helens. They kept moving the ball and kept asking questions of us,” he added.
The match was played in front of a sold-out crowd, underscoring the derby’s importance in rugby league culture. The Good Friday derby is historically regarded as one of the biggest rivalries in the sport, and this year’s clash did not disappoint. St Helens’ victory marked their first win over Wigan at BrewDog Stadium since a 12-4 victory in 2019.
Several disallowed tries were a notable aspect of the match, following video referee interventions that kept the tension high throughout. Wigan’s relinquishment of the top spot in the Super League after this match added to the stakes, as they had previously enjoyed a strong start to the season with a 15-match winning streak.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, the implications for both teams are clear. St Helens’ ability to overcome adversity and secure a vital win will boost their confidence moving forward, while Wigan will need to regroup and address the issues that led to their defeat.
With this match, the Good Friday derby continues to solidify its status as a cornerstone of rugby league, bringing together fierce competition and passionate fan support. The rivalry remains a highlight of the season, and both teams will be eager to build on this experience in their upcoming fixtures.
