Wigan beat Catalans to cut Hull KR lead at top

Betfred Super League

Wigan (16) 28

Tries: Wardle, Farrimond, Leeming, Eckersley, O'Neill Goals: Smith 4

Catalans (0) 18

Try: Rouge, Makinson, Da Costa Goal: Aispuro-Bichet 3

Wigan Warriors cut the gap to Super League leaders Hull KR to two points with a five-try win over Catalans Dragons at the Brick Community Stadium.

The reigning champions were without this season's leading try-scorer Jai Field due to concussion protocols and are still missing star stand-off Bevan French through injury, but young players Jack Farrimond and Zach Eckersley stepped into the breach with fine tries.

With Jake Wardle, Kruise Leeming and Brad O'Neill all adding scores, the Warriors always had their noses in front against a Dragons outfit which had their former player Joel Tomkins in charge for the first time since signing a new deal until 2027 earlier this week.

The Dragons showed plenty of spirit and hit back with tries from Cesar Rouge, Tommy Makinson and Alrix Da Costa in a promising second half, but the task facing Tomkins is evident as they have now won just once in their past 12 in all competitions.

More to follow.

Wigan: Eckersley; Douglas, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; Farrimond, Smith; Havard, O'Neill, Dupree, Nsemba, Farrell, Ellis.

Interchanges: Mago, Byrne, Leeming, Hill.

Catalans: Aispuro-Bichet; Makinson, Laguerre, Darrelatour, Yaha; Rouge, Fages; Sims, Da Costa, Bousquet, Sironen, Garcia, Partington.

Interchanges: Satae, Navarrete, Maria, Balmforth.

Referee: Jack Smith.