Key moments
In a dramatic turn of events, St Helens defeated Wigan Warriors 34-24 during the highly anticipated Good Friday derby at BrewDog Stadium. The match took place on April 3, 2026, and saw St Helens stage a remarkable comeback in the final minutes, scoring 24 points in the last ten minutes of the game.
Wigan Warriors initially led the match, going into halftime with a score of 12-10. However, St Helens, despite missing over ten first-team regulars due to injury and suspension, showcased resilience and determination. The sold-out crowd witnessed an intense battle, with several disallowed tries after video referee interventions adding to the drama.
This victory marked Wigan’s first defeat of the season, relinquishing their top spot in the Super League standings. The last time St Helens triumphed in a Good Friday derby at BrewDog Stadium was back in 2019, making this win particularly significant for the team and its supporters.
Bill Leyland, who made his Super League debut in this match, expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s surreal. Playing such a big derby… I’m glad to bring it home for all of these fans, it’s pretty surreal.” His sentiment echoed the emotions of many fans who had waited years for this victory.
Head coach Paul Rowley praised his team’s character, saying, “That was very special. The adversity we were under – before and during the game. The belief and character of the group has never been questioned.” This statement reflects the spirit of the team, which faced significant challenges but emerged victorious.
On the other hand, Wigan’s coach Matt Peet expressed disappointment, noting, “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 St Helens’ relentless attack, stating, “You’ve got to credit St Helens. They kept moving the ball and kept asking questions of us.”
The Good Friday derby is a historic rivalry in rugby league, and this match added another thrilling chapter to its legacy. With St Helens’ comeback, the dynamics of the Super League have shifted, leaving fans eager for the next encounters between these two fierce rivals.
As the dust settles on this electrifying match, the implications for both teams are significant. St Helens will look to build on this momentum, while Wigan will need to regroup and reassess their strategy moving forward. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of injuries sustained during the match, but the excitement surrounding the derby will undoubtedly linger long after the final whistle.