Well-earned win for Wigan Warriors in Perpignan

Catalans Dragons 4 -  40 Wigan Warriors

Wigan Warriors maintained their pursuit of the League Leaders' Shield with a comprehensive Super League victory over Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.

Author | Desmond

Stadium | Stade Gilbert Brutus

The visitors raced ahead thanks to a first-half double from Liam Marshall, with Jai Field also on the scoresheet, although Arthur Romano kept the hosts in contention at the interval by reducing the deficit to 12 points.

Bevan French played a pivotal role, setting up Field’s second try and creating two opportunities for Zach Eckersley, while Marshall completed his hat-trick late on as Wigan secured their win in style.

The victory leaves Wigan with a slim chance of claiming the League Leaders' Shield. With a maximum of 42 points available from their final three fixtures, leaders Hull KR could still secure the title next week if results go their way.

Ahead of Saturday’s game, Catalans announced that 13 players would be leaving the club, including Sam Tomkins, who brought forward his second retirement. Luke Keary, who had previously criticised the standard of Super League during his debut season, was also among the departures and was absent from the Dragons’ squad.

A closer look at what happened

Wigan made a late change before kick-off, with Adam Keighran ruled out and replaced by Junior Nsemba, while Kian McDermott joined the bench. Catalans made an adjustment of their own, bringing in Romano for Fouad Yaha, who was unable to start.

Marshall proved a constant threat, crossing twice in the opening 25 minutes to take his Super League try tally to 151. Field then produced the first-half highlight, finishing a thrilling run after a sharp offload from Eckersley.

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Catalans responded in style after Wigan failed to deal with Ugo Tison’s high kick, allowing Romano to score just before the break. Field’s second try was even more impressive, as a clever kick from French fell perfectly for him to score with ease.

Wigan were temporarily reduced to 12 players after Tyler Dupree’s high tackle on Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet left the Catalans full-back with a bloodied nose. Aispuro-Bichet came close to scoring himself, but Field made a crucial try-saving tackle.

Catalans continued to press, with Romano almost adding a second try at the corner, only for Wigan’s defence, including Field, Sam Walters, and Liam Farrell, to intervene. French again influenced proceedings, delivering the pass for Eckersley’s first try before assisting his second, ensuring Wigan took momentum into next week’s derby against St Helens.