English Super League grand final, Wigan Warriors vs Catalans Dragons, Mitchell Pearce retires, Sam Tomkins, Bevan French،
Veteran halfback Mitchell Pearce didn’t have his fairy tale ending as the Catalans Dragons defeated Wigan Warriors 10-2 in a thrilling Super League grand final in front of 58,137 fans at Old Trafford.
The scores were deadlocked at halftime, with both teams scoring a penalty goal each. But it was Warriors winger Liam Marshall who scored the only try of the match. Wigan then extended their lead with another penalty goal.
Pearce struggled defensively at times – including a crucial miss before Marshall’s try – but he made an important tackle just before leaving the field with 13 minutes remaining.
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The 34-year-old is hanging up his boots with 309 NRL games and a premiership to match, as well as 41 English Super League games. He represented New South Wales 19 times.
Wigan center Jake Wardle was named player of the match, but it was halfback Harry Smith’s kicking play that was the difference between the two sides.
Smith teamed up with former Eel Bevan French, who moved up to fifth midway through the season and hit stunning form to finish top of the competition for assists – and win the Man of Steel award.
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The former Dragon and Eel Jai Field caused headaches for the Catalans, who were forced to play with 12 men for 20 minutes due to two yellow cards.
The defending of winger Tom Johnstone – who was shortlisted for the Man of Steel award – was a highlight for the Catalans, with the 28-year-old making two try-saving tackles on Field and cleaning up a spot kick by Smith. this could very well have led to a trial.
But it wasn’t enough as Wigan won their sixth Super League title and their first since 2018.
It was a sad end for 29-time England international Sam Tomkins, who also called time on his career after spending the last five seasons with the Catalans.
Ironically, his last game came against the club he played the most football for, making 213 appearances for Wigan between 2008 and 2018 – with a two-year stint in the NRL in between.
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A dejected Tomkins was spotted with his head down before later conceding to Aerial sports that “Wigan were the much better team”.
He highlighted discipline as an area that cost his team dearly and admitted they “ran out of gas in the last 20 minutes”.
Tomkins became emotional when asked about his career.
“I lived a dream,” he said before pausing.
“It’s sad, I’m sad today but I hope I can look back on the last 15 years and be happy. I’ve had a lot of high moments – there’s nothing lower than that – but I had many more.
“I just want to thank everyone…I’m not retiring after 15 years, I’m retiring from something I’ve done since I was five.
“I have to thank the game, it made me the player and the person I am. I end up a very happy man… Even though this is a low point, at some point I will be able to look back with a smile, I’m sure.
Catalans coach Steve McNamara was asked about his and Pearce’s contribution.
“It’s a tough way for them to end their careers, but it’s an exceptional career for both of them,” he said. Aerial sports.
“It would have been nice to finish in a good way but we probably didn’t deserve to do it tonight.”
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The Frenchman was all smiles after the victory capped off an excellent 2023 season for the 27-year-old.
“I am,” French said. Aerial sports when asked if he “fancy a beer”.
“Damn, it feels like the celebrations lasted longer than the game. I’m thirsty so I can’t wait to party with everyone.
“I’m really proud of getting the win here and the way it went, but every lesson we’ve learned this year has allowed us to come out on the other end.
“The last couple of seasons when we were challenged in a tough, tough game, that’s where we kind of fell down.
“Everyone is just grateful to have got the victory… and at Old Trafford it doesn’t seem real.”
Former NRL players Adam Keighran, Matt Ikuvalu, Tyrone May, Siua Taukeiaho and Manu Ma’u featured in the game for the Catalans, while Knights-linked Kai Pearce-Paul played in the second row for Wigan.
