Wigan Warriors cruised to a record-extending 22nd Challenge Cup victory with a dominant 28-4 win over Hull KR at Wembley. The scoreline was the most one-sided in the final since 2015, as the Warriors ran riot against the holders.
All eyes were on Bevan French, named on the bench six weeks ahead of schedule after a hamstring injury, but it was his replacement, 20-year-old Jack Farrimond, who stole the show. Farrimond, earning less than £30,000 a year due to Super League salary cap rules, scored two solo tries in the first half to give Wigan a six-point lead at the break. He then laid on a try for Junior Nsemba early in the second half, breaking the game open.
Wigan's defence laid the platform for their creative stars. Two tries in four minutes from centre Adam Keighran made it 28-4, and Hull KR’s body language told the story of a side beaten by their own methods. Coach Willie Peters admitted: “There were a lot of moments in that game that weren’t us. We’ve got to own that performance.”
French entered the fray after the hour mark and scored within three minutes, cutting through on the angle in sensational fashion. Hull KR’s Peta Hiku scored a second try late on, but Wigan responded immediately through Luke Thompson. The Warriors finished with 12 men after Sam Walters was sent off for landing Bill Leyland on his head, the first dismissal in a Challenge Cup final since 1993.
“In games like this you’d take a one point win, so to win in that manner – I’m very, very proud,” said Wigan coach Matt Peet, who led the club to a seventh trophy of his tenure.
