Bevan French saved Wigan on track for a hat-trick of Tremendous League titles as two tries from the Australian star helped Warriors overcome Leigh to achieve the Grand Ultimate.
French’s first-half double, plus some very good defence within the second interval, settled a thunderous contest on the Brick Group Stadium.
It was a repeat end result to final season’s play-off semi-final however, whereas Wigan cruised to a 38-0 victory 12 months in the past, Leigh made the Warriors work a lot tougher this time round.
They put their neighbours beneath severe stress at occasions however in the long run final season’s quadruple winners had the composure to guide their place at Previous Trafford.
Wigan will face the winners of Saturday’s second play-off semi-final between Hull KR and St Helens within the Grand Ultimate on 11 October.
After a chaotic build-up, which concerned a row over ticket allocations, the guests made the early operating.
That they had a landing by Owen Trout dominated out within the sixth minute with referee Chris Kendall’s on-field determination of no strive standing with video referee Tom Grant unable to search out any proof on the contrary with Harry Smith beneath him.
It was Wigan who took the lead in opposition to the run of play within the 14th minute via French after a mistake by Bailey Hodgson. The Leigh full-back spilled possession in a double deal with by Liam Byrne and Liam Farrell and Adam Keighran put French in for a walk-in.
The Leopards hit again within the twenty eighth minute via an unlikely supply as Robbie Mulhern crossed for his first strive in 19 months. Mulhern took a low ball shut in from Edwin Ipape beautifully within the troublesome circumstances to storm over and not using a finger laid on him.
Nevertheless, the Papua New Guinea worldwide coughed up a penalty when he blocked French’s line as he chased Smith’s excessive ball and Keighran slotted the kick to nudge Wigan into the lead.
And eight seconds earlier than the break, French blazed over for his second strive after man-of-the-match Jai Area made the insertion in midfield and fed the supporting stand-off.
From there it was the Warriors’ rearguard which determined the result.
Trout seemed odds on to attain after breaking via simply after the hour however a superb cowl deal with from Area saved the house aspect.
It summed up Wigan’s defensive resolve they usually completed the job with the ultimate play as French put Sam Walters over because the Warriors reached a record-equalling 14th Grand Ultimate.
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