‘Scary’ and ‘ruthless’ Wigan out to regain crown

It is a long and winding road towards Super League’s Grand Final at Old Trafford in October.

But even at this early stage of the 2026 campaign, Wigan Warriors look in determined mood to make sure they are there for a fourth straight season.

However, after relinquishing their crown last year to Hull KR, Matt Peet’s Warriors have begun in ominous form with three straight wins.

The latest was a 54-0 nine-try demolition of neighbours Leigh Leopards – not so much a “Battle of the Borough”, more a breeze.

By their own recent high standards, 2025 was a slight letdown for Wigan as they ended the year empty-handed having won an unprecedented quadruple the year before.

Instead it was the Robins on top of the perch as they won a fantastic treble to shake up the old established order.

Currently, Hull KR are basking in their new status as Super League winners and most recently World Club Champions, after an exciting victory over NRL Premiers Brisbane Broncos.

This week, the side from east Hull are taking in the sights of Las Vegas as they gear up for their game with Leeds Rhinos at Allegiant Stadium, home of NFL side Las Vegas Raiders.

“Matty challenged us to be ruthless and we got a pretty ruthless performance tonight,” full-back Jai Field told BBC Radio 5 Live.

After a solid win at Castleford Tigers in matchday one, Wigan have racked up 88 points in two home victories over Hull FC and then the Leopards in the space of five days.

And while Field and star half-backs Bevan French and Harry Smith have looked in the mood, the defence has given up just one try in 160 minutes of play.

“We bowed out in the Grand Final last year, but we wanted to fix up a few things that snuck into our game at the back end of last season,” said Field.

“Matty has challenged us this year. Training has been a little more intense, not getting away with things we probably brushed over last year.

For captain Liam Farrell, this is a 17th Super League campaign with the Cherry-and-Whites.

He has a cupboard full of silverware but it does not stop the 35-year-old from wiping the slate clean every year and going again.

Farrell has stepped into the centres after an early injury to Jake Wardle and he has noticed how quickly his side has come out of the traps.

“I am hoping it’s only the start,” he said. “It’s not usually a good sign if you’re playing so well at the beginning of the year.

“I’m hoping we’re going to improve from this. That’s a scary thought if we’re going to improve from here.

“Hopefully we do. We’ll take on the year and see where we end up.”