Wigan Warriors claim sixth League Leaders’ Shield with dominant win over Catalans

Wigan Warriors have clinched the sixth League Leaders’ Shield in their history after dispatching Catalans Dragons 50-12 to close out the 2026 Super League regular season. The victory extends their remarkable run to sixteen consecutive wins as they head into the play-offs.

Matt Peet’s side, which endured a trophy-less 2025 following their historic quadruple win in 2024, now boasts two pieces of silverware this season after securing the Challenge Cup in May. They are currently just two matches away from completing a treble.

The match began with an early exchange of tries between Harry Smith for Wigan and Ugo Tison for Catalans. However, Wigan quickly seized control through scores from Liam Marshall, Brad O’Neill, and Liam Farrell, taking a commanding lead into halftime.

Austin Daniel and Jai Field continued the onslaught in the second half, while Marshall added his second try. Zach Eckersley and Adam Keighran rounded out the scoring for the Warriors, who kicked seven goals through Keighran. Alexis Lis managed a late consolation for Les Dracs.

Although the result guaranteed the Shield, Wigan’s path to the top of the table was cemented the previous week with a crucial victory over title rivals Leeds Rhinos at Headingley. Had Wigan lost that encounter, Leeds could have overtaken them on points difference by defeating Hull FC on the final day.

As winners of the Shield, Wigan secures a top-two finish and a bye week. They will host their Super League semi-final on Saturday, 12 September, in a match broadcast live on the BBC.

For Catalans Dragons, the defeat confirms a difficult campaign, ending with a ninth-place finish. The French club has not reached the end-of-season play-offs since their appearance in the 2023 Super League Grand Final, where they were also defeated by Wigan.