Betfred Super League
Wigan (14) 14
Tries: Sambou, Eckersley Goals: Keighran 3
Castleford (6) 24
Tries: Mapapalangi 2, Ashworth, Lawler Goals: Weaver 4
Castleford Tigers made a stunning exit from the bottom of the Super League table, delivering one of their standout performances of the season to overcome Wigan Warriors.
The Tigers took an early lead through Krystian Mapapalangi, who scored just five minutes into the match. In response, Dayon Sambou showcased his athleticism to equalize for Wigan.
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Zach Eckersley then swung the game in Wigan’s favor with his try, but the second half saw Jack Ashworth and Mapapalangi connect to wrest back control for Castleford.
As the Tigers maintained their momentum, George Lawler added another try, securing a memorable victory that propelled them to 11th place in the standings.
Before this match, Wigan had maintained a dominant record over Castleford, winning the last 14 encounters, with the Tigers last triumphing against them six years ago—16-12 at The Jungle in February 2020.
However, it has been nearly nine years since Castleford won away against Wigan, with their last away victory being 38-20 in the Super 8s back in September 2017.
This defeat marked Wigan’s third consecutive loss in the Super League. Despite commendable tries from Sambou and Eckersley, Castleford controlled the majority of the match.
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Wigan was missing key players Harry Smith and Sam Walters due to suspension, as well as injured front-rower Ethan Havard. They were taken aback when Castleford swiftly took the lead following a dynamic attack, with Mapapalangi finishing off a well-worked set with a try.
Wigan nearly responded through Jai Field, who was halted just short of scoring by Mikaele Ravalawa’s impressive defensive play, preventing him from grounding the ball.
Sambou’s extraordinary effort was a highlight of the first half as he received Eckersley’s offload, brushed off Qareqare’s challenge, and managed to score while airborne, just before going into touch.
The duo combined again shortly afterward, with Sambou winning an aerial contest to direct Jack Farrimond’s kick towards Eckersley, who secured his fourth try in four matches against Castleford.
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Castleford responded after halftime with a clever pass from Tom Weaver, allowing Ashworth to spin through the Wigan defense and score under duress.
Not finished yet, Mapapalangi sprinted down the sideline again, receiving the ball to score his second try of the afternoon after chasing his own kick.
Castleford extended their lead with Lawler powering over for another try, although they were denied a potential fifth when Weaver’s effort was ruled out for obstruction.
‘I knew I had that team out there’ – reaction
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet shared his thoughts with BBC Radio Manchester:
“I’m extremely disappointed. We struggled both offensively and defensively. We had a brief phase right before halftime where we played well and took the lead.
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“However, our performance at the start of the second half was lacking. With poor discipline, we allowed Castleford to execute their strategy effectively.
“Every team faces absences, but we need to perform better than that.
“It’s all about getting the team to produce the right performance. There’s no single area of focus.
“Our right edge is under some pressure, as we have younger players, but we will work on that in training.
“We need to enhance our discipline and provide a stronger challenge in the territorial battles.”
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Castleford Tigers head coach Ryan Carr remarked to BBC Radio Leeds:
“I’m really proud of my players. They’ve been putting in tremendous effort. Our preparation has remained consistent from week one through week eight, with the same hard work and attention to detail.
“What hasn’t been consistent is our performance over the full 80 minutes. I knew the team had potential and today they demonstrated who we really are.
“We’re discovering our identity as a group, and sometimes you need to face challenges to address what isn’t working and learn how to position ourselves for success.
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“Today, the players exhibited a strong commitment to each other, ensuring that they weren’t going to let the result slip away—and that’s what delighted me most.”
Wigan: Field; Sambou, Eckersley, Farrell, Marshall; Keighran, Farrimond; Eseh, O’Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Partington, Ellis.
Interchanges: Mago, Forber, McDermott, Kerr.
Castleford: Windley; Ravalawa, McIntosh, Mapapalangi, Qareqare; Asi, Weaver; Atoni, Hood, Lawler, Lane, Mellor, Stimson.
Interchanges: Greacen, Ashworth, Hall, Hirst.
Referee: James Vella.