Saints vs Warriors: St Helens Triumphs 34-24 in Good Friday Derby
Key moments
In a gripping encounter at BrewDog Stadium on April 3, 2026, St Helens secured a 34-24 victory over Wigan Warriors in the highly anticipated Good Friday derby. This match marked a significant turning point for both teams, as it was Wigan’s first defeat of the season.
The game began with Wigan taking an early lead, finishing the first half at 12-10. However, St Helens demonstrated remarkable resilience, scoring 24 points in the final ten minutes to clinch the match. This comeback was particularly impressive given that St Helens was missing over ten first-team regulars due to injury and suspension.
Bill Leyland made his Super League debut during this match, contributing to the historic rivalry that defines the Good Friday derby. Leyland 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 debut added a personal milestone to the match’s significance.
Wigan’s coach, Matt Peet, expressed disappointment in the aftermath of the game, 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.” This sentiment reflected the high stakes of the derby, where both teams were vying for supremacy in the Super League.
As the match progressed, several tries were disallowed after video referee intervention, adding to the drama. The last away win for Wigan in the Good Friday derby was back in 2019, making this defeat particularly stinging for the Warriors, who had previously enjoyed a winning streak of 15 matches.
St Helens’ victory not only secured them a crucial win but also allowed them to reclaim some pride at BrewDog Stadium, where their last Good Friday victory over Wigan was a narrow 12-4 win. The match was played in front of a sold-out crowd, further emphasizing the derby’s importance in rugby league culture.
Following the match, St Helens’ coach Paul Rowley praised his team’s character, stating, “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.” His remarks highlighted the team’s determination in overcoming significant challenges.
With this victory, St Helens not only celebrated a crucial win but also dealt a blow to Wigan’s aspirations, as the Warriors relinquished their top spot in the Super League standings. The outcome of this derby will undoubtedly resonate throughout the season as both teams continue their campaigns.