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* Match Report as Wigan Warriors recorded a historic win over Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas.

* The Warriors scored eight tries in an emphatic win at the Allegiant Stadium.

* FT | Wigan Warriors 48-24 Warrington Wolves.

WIGAN WARRIORS RECORDED A HISTORIC BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE WIN OVER WARRINGTON WOLVES AT THE ALLEGIANT STADIUM, LAS VEGAS.

An emphatic first half performance saw the Warriors lead 24-0 at the break after tries from Tyler Dupree, Abbas Miski, Bevan French and Harry Smith.

Jai Field, Jake Wardle, Luke Thompson and Liam Marshall added further tries as Adam Keighran maintained a perfect record from the tee to seal two points in the first Super League fixture in the United States.

Report

Smith kicked off a historic clash at the Allegiant Stadium which saw the Warriors make a positive start as French almost gathered an inside kick from Liam Marshall before Field broke through the line, but his pass found touch.

Toby King thought he’d opened the scoring for Warrington after seven minutes when he gathered possession following a high George Williams kick. However, following a review with the video referee, the score was ruled out as a result of an illegal ball steal on Adam Keighran.

Bevan French showed dazzling footwork in the next set to evade the Warrington defence before Junior Nsemba collected Smith’s kick 10m out. A clever offload from the second-rower found Marshall, who acrobatically finished in the corner, however, the video referee showed possession was lost in the final moments.

The Warriors opened the scoring with 17 minutes on the clock when Smith’s kick forced Josh Thewlis into an error which led to Dupree gathering possession to score the competition’s first try in Las Vegas. Keighran made no mistake from the tee to give Wigan a 6-0 lead.

The lead was widened six minutes later when fast hands from Keighran released Miski out wide. Despite pressure from Matt Dufty, the winger finished excellently in the corner as Keighran added the extras from the touchline.

Wigan continued to excite in Vegas as bright play from Smith on the last allowed Nsembe to power through the Warrington defence. An inside pass bounced kindly for French, who scored behind the sticks with Keighran slotting the kick for an 18-0 advantage.

A fantastic piece of play between French and Smith saw the half-back side-step the final defender to score between the posts. Keighran maintained his perfect record from the tee to give the Warriors a 24-0 lead at the break.

An electric start to the second half saw Field’s cut-out pass find Marshall, who accelerated more than 50m before passing back inside to the full-back to slide over with Keighran kicking the two.

Fantastic work from the Warriors saw Wardle and Thompson cross for tries a minute a part. First French ducked and dived through a tackle to set Field free which resulted in Wardle scoring unopposed, before French evaded a tackle once more with Tom Forber passing inside to Thompson. Keighran added the two kicks to make the score 42-0.

Warrington scored twice in quick succession to reduce the score to 42-12. First Arron Lindop touched down Williams’ kick through before James Harrison was in the right place at the right time to take in a pass and ground.

A superb attack in the closing stages from the Warriors saw Marshall score in the corner after quick hands from Smith and Field. Keighran nailed the touchline kick to remain perfect from the tee whilst putting Wigan 48-18 ahead with three minutes remaining.

Matty Ashton intercepted a pass to go the distance just before the hooter, however, the Warriors sealed a historic victory at the Allegiant Stadium.

Wigan Warriors: Jai Field, Abbas Miski, Adam Keighran, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Liam Byrne, Kruise Leeming, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis.

Interchanges: Patrick Mago, Tyler Dupree, Sam Walters, Tom Forber.

18th Player: Zach Eckersley.

Tries: Dupree (17′), Miski (23′), French (28′), Smith (37′), Field (46′), Wardle (53′), Thompson (54), Marshall (77′).

Goals: Keighran (8/8)

Warrington Wolves: Matt Dufty, Josh Thewlis, Arron Lindop, Toby King, Matty Ashton, George Williams, Oli Leyland, Luke Yates, Danny Walker, Paul Vaughan, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Dan Russell, Ben Currie.

Interchanges: Sam Powell, Jordy Crowther, James Harrison, Joe Philbin.

18th Player: Cai Taylor-Wray

Tries: Lindop (65′), Harrison (68′), Dufty (76′), Ashton (80′).

Goals: Thewlis (4/4).

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/03/ ... vegas-win/

To fast, to big, to skilful, to good.

Inside Wigan Warriors' Las Vegas triumph: Indoor cricket, banana sandwiches and Matt Peet's Warrington prediction

All Out Rugby League was given access all areas during Wigan Warriors' trip to Las Vegas.

In hindsight, it was ironic that upon arrival at Wigan's team room in the Conrad Hotel, Harry Smith was playing with a pack of cards. A few hours later, Smith and his Wigan side were making Warrington fold like the aforementioned deck.

Given an all access pass to shadow the Warriors on this momentous day, what struck me about the champions throughout the day was their calmness. In the team room around three hours before the game, an indoor cricket game unfolded. Liam Farrell made a banana sandwich in case he was hungry later. They played cards.

For a team so relentless and intense on the field, they are very different off it. They enjoy each other's company and certainly don't take themselves too seriously. The conversations on the team coach were no different to those us mere mortals would have.

There was a lot of chatter about the police escort they were receiving to the Allegiant Stadium. Traffic was stopped at several junctions to allow the team bus through. There was laughter as a Wigan fan, seemingly thinking he was looking at Warrington's team coach, gesticulated in a colourful nature as they drove past.

Even the spectacular surroundings of the Allegiant Stadium were taken in stride. No selfies or phone calls to family. Just a brisk walk onto the pitch and conversations between mates.

I didn't go in the Warrington dressing room, but I can tell you there was major contrasts between theirs and Wigan's. The Warriors' dressing room was quiet. Players did their strapping, had their massages and did their stretches. Players had mini-meetings between themselves; Adam Keighran and Abbas Miski spoke about how they would fix up the error that saw them exposed by Hull FC last week. Harry Smith and Jai Field talked through some plays. Matt Peet pulled some of the forwards to explain how they intended to roll their interchanges, and what he wanted them to do during their stints on the field.

There was no music. But there certainly was in Warrington camp. It could be heard blurting through the hallways and through the walls of the Wigan dressing room.

It made Peet's address at a team meeting hours earlier make much more sense. Two hours before the game, Peet didn't discuss tactics. He asked for a show of hands, who was nervous and who was excited. He praised their preparation and focus through the week and Wigan were compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Warrington Connor McGregor. Of course, it was the Russian, straight-faced and low-key, who beat the brazen, extravagant McGregor.

The relaxed demeanour only ever changed on one man, Peet. Moments before the game, in his final message before they went to the field, he raised his voice and spoke with intent. Again, tactics weren't really discussed beyond putting Warrington in deep waters and seeing how they fared.

Peet made a prediction that if Wigan did what they needed to do in the first quarter of the game, Warrington's gameplan would dissolve in front of everyone's eyes. Tyler Dupree opened the scoring on 17 minutes. Wigan were 24-0 up by the break. Some prediction, huh? You could say it was a coincidence but given all Peet has achieved in his coaching career so far, you have to say it just reinforces the fact he is a coaching genius.

When Wigan returned to the sheds, that calmness was restored. There was no back-patting or high-fives, no job-done mentality. There were small discussions between players as the medical and conditioning contingent of staff walked around and provided advice to players, checking in on them and reminding them to consume electrolytes.

Peet's team talk was captivating. With his side winning 24-0, I had assumed he would say little. He said more than he had before the game. But it was the manner in which he said it that will last in my mind.

With the players all sat down, he asked them for their thoughts. Liam Farrell and Kruise Leeming both spoke about some details that could be sorted, Tommy Leuluai and Sean O'Loughlin both gave their inputs. Peet, silently, listened. When everyone stopped, he paused for a few moments, the room silent.

Then, he let rip. He questioned how much they wanted to demolish Warrington. Whether they were satisfied to just win or determined to pile on the misery. He spoke about not only making history by proving they were the most connected team in the world. About making sure whenever Warrington recalled their Vegas experience, making sure they quivered.

The change from softly spoken to loud and aggressive saw everyone sit up a bit straighter and listen to his words. There wasn't a chance complacency would slip in after that. They scored three tries in the first 14 minutes.

Once the game was done, Wigan let their hair down. The music was cranked up and the beers were cracked open. Junior Nsemba busted some dance moves. The switch had flicked back.

It's apt for Vegas but it's true about Wigan. They work hard, but play hard too. Everyone in the changing rooms, player, coach or in this case, journalist, was encouraged to join the huddle and enjoy the victory song. Beers were passed around everyone and players were encouraged to enjoy themselves before returning to work next week.

Having access like this is a privilege. Having access like this to an all-conquering side is something some of the world's greatest coaches would wish for. This was a great insight into what makes Wigan tick. On this evidence, they'll take some stopping.


https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/new ... source=nba

Wigan Warriors’ big game mentality lauded as Matt Peet picks out Las Vegas highlight

Matt Peet has lauded his Wigan Warriors stars for their ability to consistently thrive on the biggest stage. The Cherry and Whites opened up this weekend’s quadruple-header at the Allegiant Stadium in style as they thumped Warrington Wolves 48-24.

The Warriors scored eight tries on the day, with Tyler Dupree opening the scoring in Sin City. Abbas Miski, Bevan French and Harry Smith all got over in the first half, too, before Jai Field, Jake Wardle, Luke Thompson and Liam Marshall touched down after the break.

Warrington did manage to spare some of their blushes by getting over on four occasions late on, including a length of the field effort from Matty Ashton. But it was Wigan’s day in Las Vegas as they capped a remarkable week with a win that will live long in the memories every Warriors supporter.

I certainly would have taken that on the coach ride over,” Peet told the press after the game. “I just said to the team there, there’s elements that we wish we’d done a bit better, been more clinical at the back end but as far as how they’ve dealt with the week and everything it’s brought with it, I’m so proud of them.

“I am very confident this kind of event, stage brings the best out of the group. They thrive on it. I think that’s testament to the way they train, they way they look after themselves, the sacrifices they make and how connected they are as a group. Off the field I think it lends itself to big games.

“Dressing rooms these days don’t get too crazy. We’ve had a bit of a singsong and a few laughs and jokes but I’m hoping the team will loosen up a bit tonight, maybe tomorrow.”

Both Wigan Warriors and Warrington have played their part on what has been a remarkable week in Las Vegas, with the clubs, fans and Super League acquitting themselves superbly, giving themselves a superb chance of being included in the event next season

Asked about for his highlight of the week, Peet added: “Today’s obvious but I think Fremont Street was an unforgettable experience.

“To see the players on the stage with the supporters and everything that’s going on around that place with state of the art screens, it’s just a real vibing part of the city and the NRL and Super League have done a great job in putting that players on that platform. So to see the lads on that stage made me really proud, especially with all the supporters there, it seemed like the majority of the supporters were Wiganers.”

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-wa ... ht-102095/

French flair on show as Wigan nail another big occasion

Expansion means something different to Wigan wizard Bevan French.

“We wanted to expand ourselves and be a bit flamboyant,” the former Man of Steel said after Super League’s first venture to Vegas, in which he helped the cherry and whites blitz Warrington.

“It’s Las Vegas,” he added on radio station 5 Live, “so run up 20 or more points? Why not..?”

Few clubs do big occasions like Wigan - they are still world champions after beating Penrith for the title last year - and with 15 minutes left at Allegiant Stadium, they led Sam Burgess’ Warrington 42-0, with eight different try scorers including French.

Burgess quickly dismissed his visa hassles as factor the in the unexpected thrashing.

“People who are looking for excuses could say that,” Burgess said, stating that “Forty-eight points is too many”.

“I don’t think the players were affected whatsoever. It was not ideal, let’s be honest about that. But I don’t think it makes a lot of difference come today. We had a lot of time to prep, a lot of time together.”

Both sides had early tries disallowed but when Wigan finally got on the scoreboard, via winger Liam Marshall in the ninth minute, they were ravenous.

The big question is just how a club that won all available trophies last year keep getting ‘up’ for the big occasions.

"I’m very confident this kind of event, stage, whatever you want to call it brings the best out of the group here,” coach Matty Peet said.

“We thrive on it and that’s a credit to the way we train, the way they look after themselves, how connected they are as a group on and off the field. It lends itself to big games.

“We’ve got a very professional group. They look after themselves very well. They’re young, they train very hard.

“I think sometimes in a more intense game, it suits them.”

Forward Kaide Ellis was more specific.

“That’s just our style, I think, trying to take it to another level, play at a different speed.

"There’s a certain physicality level, I rethink that’s where we respond. When it’s not as physical it brings other teams into it and that’s where they’re comfortable, so I think it’s just naturally where we thrive.

"This is how we play.”

Burgess was upset at a crusher tackle on Lachlan Fitzgibbon by Liam Byrne.

“I felt like the referee threw away his whistle in the first half,” Burgess said in reference to Chris Kendall.

“Puts him on report and there’s no penalty - I’m not sure how that works.

“Lachie Fitz, he couldn’t finish the game.

“It’s the first time since I’ve coached these guys that we’ve really been out of the game. We’ve always been in the game, we’re always in touching distance.

“I’m not going to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I’ll just address it like I do any win, loss.

“Today was just a bit of a blip.”

Wire captain George Williams said although the result hurt, one day he and his team-mates would look back on the match with a smile.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2025/03/02/fre ... es-intact/

Peet: Proud of the team

MATT PEET GAVE HIS FULL-TIME REACTION AS HIS WARRIORS SIDE BEAT WARRINGTON WOLVES 48-24 AT ALLEGIANT STADIUM, LAS VEGAS ON SATURDAY NIGHT.

It was a historic night in Sin City as the first ever Betfred Super League game took place in Las Vegas as part of the Rugby League Las Vegas event. The Warriors built-up a 24-0 lead going in at the break, going on to win 48-24 and taking the two points back to England.

Speaking at full time, Peet said: “I’m very proud of the team. We performed well for most parts and we got a pretty convincing win.

“It’s a credit to everyone at the Club, it’s a big commitment to come over and a lot of things needed to be nailed to give the players the best opportunity to perform and they took that opportunity with both hands and I think we’ve seen in the past that these sorts of occasions bring the best out of this group.”

It was a moment for the headlines as Tyler Dupree, who has USA heritage, crashed over for the opening score of the game: “I think it was quite fitting, he’s obviously got connections to the United States – a great moment for him and he deserves it.”

Reflecting on the week in Las Vegas, Peet was positive about the experience: “The whole week has been astonishing, unique and one of the best things I’ve ever experienced particularly in Rugby League. We have to build on it now.

“I’ve enjoyed it but there’s been a job to do and a responsibility, I’ve been mindful that we needed to set an example to the players that it’s business and it’s always at the back of your mind – you’re thinking about everything right ahead of the game.”

Peet shared a final word on the support for his Warriors, both in Las Vegas, at home in England and across the World: “It is incredible and I’m very appreciative but I don’t want to separate the travelling fans from our fans at home. All of our fans we love them to bits, not all of them could have the time or finances to come over but that performance was for every one of them.”

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/03/ ... he-team-2/

Nsemba on Vegas victory

SECOND ROW JUNIOR NSEMBA GAVE HIS THOUGHTS AT FULL-TIME FOLLOWING THE WARRIORS BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE ROUND 3 WIN OVER WARRINGTON WOLVES IN LAS VEGAS.

“I feel like the team put on a performance on a big stage,” Nsemba said, “We’ve putting in some good practice for it all week.”

The towering forward paid tribute to the travelling contingent of Warriors fans: “We appreciate all the fans for coming as well, it’s a long way to come out to Vegas – and the local fans who have come to watch who might not have watched before – we appreciate you coming too and hope that you know a bit more about Rugby League now.”

Nsemba, who made 103 meters, reflected on his performance on the Las Vegas stage: “I think it was the adrenaline rush from the rollercoaster!” He joked, “I thought I put in a good performance but I couldn’t have done it without my half-back Harry [Smith].”

Giving a final reflection on the game, the Warriors number 11 added: “We gave away some points that we didn’t want to concede, but that’s something for us to take away from this game and work on.”

Watch post-match reactions, as well as match highlights from the big Las Vegas victory on Wigan TV HERE.

https://tv.wiganwarriors.com/

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/03/ ... s-victory/

Rugby League in Las Vegas 2025: Wigan Warriors show big-stage experience is key as history made in Vegas

Eight different players from Wigan Warriors scored tries as Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas became the newest ground on which they asserted their dominance; Sky Sports is the only place to watch every Super League game live this year

After a week of build-up like no other with fans adorning the streets of Las Vegas in their thousands, Super League has had a well-known fact reinforced: Nobody does it on the big stage like Wigan Warriors.

The storyline by many was pre-written as the back-to-back Grand Final champions took on Warrington Wolves in Sin City - it was expected that two of Super League's juggernauts would grind out a battle in a tough, low-scoring encounter.

Wigan ripped up the script and then some.

You can forgive fans and pundits for expecting the opposite of what occurred at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Wigan started their season with a 1-0, yes 1-0, loss to Leigh Leopards on home soil. Sam Burgess' side came into the game with two, albeit scrappy, wins from two in the early stages of the 2025 season.

However, the Warriors showed that above all, experience pays. Their ability to be unflustered on the big stage is what set them apart from a Warrington side who will be licking their wounds after the international thumping.

Both sides had new moments to savour in a week like no other but one knew how to take it in a little bit differently.

Walking through Las Vegas' famous Freemont Street with thousands of fans packed in - had Wigan done it before? No. But, they had the trophies to their name to know they had nothing to prove. They had won a historic quadruple, they had beaten four-time NRL Champions Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge, and they were ready to show that they are world beaters in rugby league with just a third of the salary cap that the NRL has to offer.

Now, switch to Warrington. They walk down Freemont Street knowing they have a point to prove with the big occasion proving too much for them numerous times before. They faced Wigan in the 2024 Challenge Cup and came up short. Rival fans love to sing 'it's always your year'. Now, they were gifted another big stage to show they can win the big moments.

Warrington potentially expected the defence-orientated Wigan that has stolen so many headlines of late with it well documented that Matt Peet's side did not concede a try in over six hours.

Instead, they were met with a powerhouse that wanted to score and then some, eight different players in Tyler Dupree, Abbas Miski, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Jai Field, Jake Wardle, Luke Thompson and Liam Marshall all crossing the whitewash in some fashion in the entertainment capital of the world.

Wigan wanted to put on a show so they did. When they want to grind out a game, like they did against Hull KR in the 2024 Grand Final, they do. They write their own script.

That is what comes with knowing how to perform with the eyes of the world on you, Peet himself expectant that his side would pull it off for the American audience.

I think both teams tried to play some open rugby and both defences were tested," Peet said.

"It came down to a lot of scramble defence and I am really proud of the performance.

"This group rise to the big occasion and I was confident all week we would perform."

Meanwhile, NRL legend and Warrington head coach Burgess was left wondering how his biggest defeat so far in his time at the club came on such a momentous occasion.

"I was disappointed with the result for sure," Burgess said.

"We have missed an opportunity on a big stage in a big moment.

"We weren't willing to do the hard stuff at the back end of the first half and it cost us the game.

"48 points is really disappointing.

"It is the first time in my time at the club that we have not been in the game.

"It is a new one I am going to have to figure out."

While Warrington may walk away with more questions than answers Super League knows one thing for sure: If you take on Wigan Warriors be ready for anything.

https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/ ... e-in-vegas

josie andrews wrote: ↑Sun Mar 02, 2025 5:24 pm French flair on show as Wigan nail another big occasion

Expansion means something different to Wigan wizard Bevan French.

“We wanted to expand ourselves and be a bit flamboyant,” the former Man of Steel said after Super League’s first venture to Vegas, in which he helped the cherry and whites blitz Warrington.

“It’s Las Vegas,” he added on radio station 5 Live, “so run up 20 or more points? Why not..?”

Few clubs do big occasions like Wigan - they are still world champions after beating Penrith for the title last year - and with 15 minutes left at Allegiant Stadium, they led Sam Burgess’ Warrington 42-0, with eight different try scorers including French.

Burgess quickly dismissed his visa hassles as factor the in the unexpected thrashing.

“People who are looking for excuses could say that,” Burgess said, stating that “Forty-eight points is too many”.

“I don’t think the players were affected whatsoever. It was not ideal, let’s be honest about that. But I don’t think it makes a lot of difference come today. We had a lot of time to prep, a lot of time together.”

Both sides had early tries disallowed but when Wigan finally got on the scoreboard, via winger Liam Marshall in the ninth minute, they were ravenous.

The big question is just how a club that won all available trophies last year keep getting ‘up’ for the big occasions.

"I’m very confident this kind of event, stage, whatever you want to call it brings the best out of the group here,” coach Matty Peet said.

“We thrive on it and that’s a credit to the way we train, the way they look after themselves, how connected they are as a group on and off the field. It lends itself to big games.

“We’ve got a very professional group. They look after themselves very well. They’re young, they train very hard.

“I think sometimes in a more intense game, it suits them.”

Forward Kaide Ellis was more specific.

“That’s just our style, I think, trying to take it to another level, play at a different speed.

"There’s a certain physicality level, I rethink that’s where we respond. When it’s not as physical it brings other teams into it and that’s where they’re comfortable, so I think it’s just naturally where we thrive.

"This is how we play.”

Burgess was upset at a crusher tackle on Lachlan Fitzgibbon by Liam Byrne.

“I felt like the referee threw away his whistle in the first half,” Burgess said in reference to Chris Kendall.

“Puts him on report and there’s no penalty - I’m not sure how that works.

“Lachie Fitz, he couldn’t finish the game.

“It’s the first time since I’ve coached these guys that we’ve really been out of the game. We’ve always been in the game, we’re always in touching distance.

“I’m not going to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I’ll just address it like I do any win, loss.

“Today was just a bit of a blip.”

Wire captain George Williams said although the result hurt, one day he and his team-mates would look back on the match with a smile.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2025/03/02/fre ... es-intact/

Not one good thing to say about Wigan, Burgess is classless.

Charriots Offiah wrote: ↑Sun Mar 02, 2025 7:58 pm
Not one good thing to say about Wigan, Burgess is classless.

I said exactly he same thing when he was interviewed after the game by Brian Carney