Wigan Warriors secure sixth League Leaders' Shield with victory over Catalans Dragons
Quick Look
Wigan Warriors won their sixth League Leaders' Shield by defeating Catalans Dragons 50-12 in the Super League, extending their winning streak to 16 matches and securing a home play-off semi-final berth, while Catalans finish ninth and miss the play-offs for the second consecutive year.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Wigan Warriors entered the match having won the Challenge Cup in May and were aiming for a treble after securing the League Leaders' Shield. Catalans Dragons were seeking to avoid a ninth-place finish and qualify for the play-offs for the first time since 2023.
Betfred Super League
Wigan (24) 50
Tries: Smith, Marshall 2, O'Neill, Farrell, Daniel, Field, Eckersley, Keighran Goals: Keighran 7
Catalans (6) 12
Tries: Tison, Lis Goals: Aispuro-Bichet, Garcia
Wigan Warriors won a sixth League Leaders' Shield as they ran in nine tries to beat Catalans Dragons and carry on their remarkable run of form heading into the Super League play-offs.
Matt Peet's side, who were trophyless in 2025 off the back of their quadruple-winning 2024 campaign, have now won two pieces of silverware, having won the Challenge Cup in May, and are now two games away from the treble.
Harry Smith and Ugo Tison exchanged tries early on, but Liam Marshall, Brad O'Neill and Liam Farrell put Wigan in control at the break.
Austin Daniel and Jai Field continued Wigan's scoring streak, while Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran and Marshall's second wrapped up a thumping 16th win in a row, with Alexis Lis scoring a fine consolation try for Les Dracs in the closing stages.
Despite Friday's victory ensuring the shield was theirs, the really hard work was done in last week's crucial win over title rivals Leeds Rhinos at Headingley, where they leapfrogged their rivals to go top.
Had Wigan have lost then, Leeds could have pulled off a dramatic final-day surge back to the top, winning the shield at their expense on points difference, but the Rhinos fell short and were beaten by Hull FC on Friday.
Wigan now have a bye week by virtue of a top two place and will be at home for their Super League play-off semi-final on Saturday, 12 September, live on the BBC.
For Catalans, it means a difficult campaign ends with a ninth-placed finish.
Les Dracs have now not made the end-of-season play-offs since their run to the Super League Grand Final in 2023 - where they were also beaten by Wigan.
More to follow.
Wigan: Field; Daniel, Keighran, Eckersley, Marshall; French, Smith; Havard, O'Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Partington, Ellis.
Interchanges: Farrell, Walters, Mago, Kerr.
Catalans: Marc; Darrelatour, Martin, Cotric, Makinson; Aispuro-Bichet, Dodd; Allen, Tison, Navarrete, Garcia, Laguerre, Bousquet.
Interchanges: Maria, Wilson, Descalzi, Lis.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Wigan Warriors will win their Super League play-off semi-final and advance to the Grand Final
Likely · Within weeks
Catalans Dragons will undergo roster changes and coaching review after missing play-offs for second consecutive year
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- Will Wigan Warriors win the Super League Grand Final to complete the treble?
- Can Catalans Dragons improve their performance next season to return to the play-offs?
- What impact will the bye week have on Wigan Warriors' preparation for the play-off semi-final?
