The Australian’s trademark first-half streak through a hapless Rovers rearguard proved the only try of a bruising but engaging affair, with two kicks from Adam Keighran and a Harry Smith drop-goal nudging Matt Peet’s men to a 9-2 win.
Rovers, targeting their first domestic title in four decades, were far from overawed in their first Grand Final appearance, but failed to take their chances to crack a resolute Wigan defence and had only a Mikey Lewis penalty to show for their efforts.
Willie Peters’s side, who had earned their chance the hard way after edging third-placed Warrington in last week’s nervejangling semi-final, threatened the champions’ line throughout but lacked the magic touch of Wigan’s irrepressible number six, who ended the night as the first recipient of the newly-named Rob Burrow man-of-the-match award.
Denne historien er fra October 13, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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Denne historien er fra October 13, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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