Bevan French stunner seals Wigan Warriors' Grand Final and Rob Burrow Award

Bevan French scored a wonder try Rob Burrow would have been proud of as champions Wigan defended their Super League crown.

The Aussie ace ducked through the challenge of newly-crowned Man of Steel Mikey Lewis on halfway, sped clear and then stepped past Niall Evalds for a wonder Old Trafford finish. The 22nd minute cracker proved the difference as Warriors eventually ended any hopes of Hull KR causing a Grand Final shock. There were shades of Burrow’s all-time classic try for Leeds in the 2011 title decider.

The late Leeds legend’s three children were on the Old Trafford pitch before kick-off with the newly-named Rob Burrow Award for the game’s man-of-the-match. And, fittingly, dazzling stand-off French claimed that in front of a crowd of 68,173, the biggest since the 2017 decider, before receiving the trophy from Burrow's father Geoff. Rovers were looking to achieve what none of Hull, Warrington, Castleford, Salford or Catalans had achieved: winning in their first Grand Final appearance and becoming the first new name on the trophy since Leeds in 2004.

But, despite a valiant effort, they simply could not break down the World Club champions who defended superbly. Remarkably, it was a fourth successive game where they didn't concede a single try. Unfortunately, the East Yorkshire outfit still haven’t won a major trophy since 1985.

But, in contrast, Wigan have now claimed an incredible 52 in that time and they became the first club in the summer era to win all four trophies in one season. Rovers thought they had taken a tenth minute lead through Lewis but it was chalked off due to a Tyrone May knock-on. Wigan suffered a blow soon after when Junior Nsemba suffered a head injury after a crucial tackle from James Batchelor cut down Super League’s Young Player of the Year in full flight.

He needed lengthy on-field treatment and a HIA but, surprisingly, returned to the action. Wigan did make the breakthrough with French’s stunner and they Liam Marshall thought he’d added a second in the next set. But that was ruled out for an offside. French showed his defensive quality with a remarkable enveloping try-saving tackle on Lewis just as the Rovers scrum-half slid over.

And Nsemba shuddered Niall Evalds to a halt as KR pressed close again. But Evalds needed to be on hand to stop the same player at the other end after Harry Smith’s clever chip. Smith kicked well throughout - and slotted a drop-goal on the interval hooter - but Tyrone May took some poor last play decisions.

Stand-off May won the 2021 NRL Grand Final with Penrith and his best mate - Panthers and Kangaroos superstar Nathan Cleary - was at Old Trafford last night. Donning a Rovers shirt, he might have been getting KR fans excited about making a shock move to East Yorkshire. But Cleary was mainly in town to see his big pal May and also his girlfriend, the and Matildas star Mary Fowler.

Rumours had been circulating he might make a move to the UK to be closer to Fowler but, at half-time, he firmly refuted any chance of a Super League transfer any time soon. Rovers started the second period well and Abbas Miski had to be strong to deny Ryan Hall in the corner. Adam Keighran also covered brilliantly to deny Jack Broadbent.

But Luke Thompson hit Elliot Minchella late in the build-up so Lewis slotted a 56th minute penalty as hailstones lashed down. But that was soon cancelled out by Keighran’s second goal after Lewis lifted Liam Farrell in a tackle.

Ryan Hall then produced a stunning try-saving tackle on Jake Wardle, forcing the ball clear from the England centre’s grasp after Jai Field’s brilliant break. But Wigan made sure their rivals didn't force a late winner.