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9 hours ago
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These were the nights that critics of Super League’s decision to expand to 14 teams feared but as the new season settles into a rhythm, they are fast becoming some of the most enjoyable.
Yes, the result was what almost everyone – even the most optimistic York Knights supporter – would have predicted at kick-off. But goodness, what a rollercoaster ride this was as Super League’s newest team pushed arguably its biggest and most recognisable heavyweight every step of the way on a thrilling evening in Wigan.
Next weekend, Super League celebrates the 30th anniversary of its inaugural game. That night, Paris Saint-Germain announced their arrival as rugby league’s big hope for expansion with victory over Sheffield. Like in 1996, the signs remain too early to make a definitive call but York are providing renewed vigour that there is life – and merit – in new Super League clubs.
However, one constant from 30 years ago to today remains the might of Wigan, who appear to be the standard-bearers both on and off the field again this year. This may not have been theirmost sparkling display, with a Harry Smith drop goal ultimately the difference against a team who were a part-time operation and in the Championship just six months ago.
But with 11 of their 17 homegrown, and several of them excelling here in the absence of the superstar duo Jai Field and Bevan French, Wigan’s production line continues to churn out talent that, in truth, rugby league remains hugely reliant on. The star here was young full-back Noah Hodkinson, man of the match on his Super League debut and the player who scored a decisive second-half try.
“We were not at our clinical best, we were far from slick with the ball but there’s a lot to admire and Noah typified that,” Wigan’s coach, Matt Peet, said after watching his side make it five wins from five and remain the only unbeaten side left standing in 2026. “We won’t all be optimal all the time. The important thing is when you get tested, you show resolve.”
And how his side had to show resolve. Prior to Wigan coming alive in the second half, York had forged a 14-0 lead courtesy of tries from Paul Vaughan and David Nofoaluma, but the momentum shifted when the Knights’ Ata Hingano was sent to the sin-bin for a ruck infringement. By the time he returned, things had shifted Wigan’s way decisively, courtesy of two tries for Liam Marshall.
York held on until the break to lead 14-10 but it always felt as though eventually, Wigan’s quality would come to the fore. That appeared to be the case when they went ahead for the first time courtesy of Hodkinson’s sensational individual try, before York levelled the game up through a Danny Richardson penalty.
Back came Wigan, though. Adam Keighran’s try coupled with a goal and subsequent drop goal from the boot of Smith moved the Warriors two scores ahead with 10 minutes left and finally, it looked as though York’s spirit had been broken. But they responded with a sensational long-range try finished by Hingano to narrow the gap to one in the dying embers.
This time though, York eventually ran out of steam and Wigan held on. The Knights are bringing the competitiveness few expected them to and as Peet insisted afterwards, they deserve immense credit. But this, in the end, was the Warriors’ night.
