Veteran halfback Mitchell Pearce didn’t get his fairytale ending with Catalans Dragons taking place to Wigan Warriors 10-2 in an exhilarating Super League Grand Final in entrance of 58, 137 followers at Old Trafford.
Scores had been locked up two-all at half time with each groups slotting a penalty objective every. But it was Warriors winger Liam Marshall who scored the one attempt of the sport. Wigan later prolonged their lead with one other penalty objective.
Pearce struggled defensively at occasions — together with an important miss within the lead-up to the Marshall attempt — however he did provide you with an necessary sort out proper earlier than he left the sector with 13 minutes to go.
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The 34-year-old hangs up the boots with 309 NRL video games and a premiership to go together with them in addition to 40 English Super League video games. He represented New South Wales 19 occasions.
Wigan centre Jake Wardle was named participant of the match but it surely was the kicking sport of halfback Harry Smith that was the distinction between the 2 sides.
Smith partnered former Eel Bevan French, who made the swap to five-eighth halfway by way of the season and hit beautiful type to complete prime of the competitors in attempt assists — and declare the Man of Steel award.
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Former Dragon and Eel Jai Field brought on head aches for Catalans, who had been pressured to play with 12 males for 20 minutes attributable to two yellow playing cards.
The defence of winger Tom Johnstone — who was short-listed for the Man of Steel award — was a spotlight for Catalans with the 28-year-old arising with two try-saving tackles on Field in addition to cleansing up a kick from Smith that very nicely might’ve led to a attempt.
But it wasn’t sufficient with Wigan claiming their sixth Super League title and first since 2018.
It was a tragic ending for 29-time English worldwide Sam Tomkins, who has additionally referred to as time on his profession after spending the final 5 seasons with Catalans.
Ironically his remaining sport was in opposition to the membership he performed his most footy for, making 213 appearances for Wigan between 2008 and 2018 — with a two-year stint within the NRL in between.
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A dejected Tomkins was spotted with his head down before later conceding to Sky Sports that “Wigan were the much better team.”
He pointed to discipline as an area that cost his side and admitted they “ran out of gas in the last 20 minutes.”
Tomkins became emotional when asked about his career.
“I’ve lived a dream,” he mentioned earlier than pausing.
“It’s sad, I’m sad today but hopefully I can look back over the last 15 years and be happy. I’ve had a lot of high points — it doesn’t get any lower than this — but I’ve had a lot more high.
“I just want to thank everyone… I’m not retiring after 15 years, I’m retiring from something I did since I was five-years old.
“I need to thank the game, it’s made me the player and person that I am. I’m finishing a very happy man… Although this is a low point, some point I’ll be able to look back with a smile I’m sure.”
Catalans coach Steve McNamara was requested about each his and Pearce’s contributions.
“It’s a tough way for them to finish their careers but outstanding careers both of them,” he advised Sky Sports.
“It would’ve been nice to finish in the right way but we probably didn’t deserve to do it tonight.”
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French was all smiles although after the win topped off a stellar 2023 season for the 27-year-old.
“I am,” French advised Sky Sports when requested if he was “stinging for a beer.”
“Bloody hell it feels like the celebrations have gone longer than the game. I’m thirsty so I’m looking forward to celebrating with everyone.
“I’m really proud of getting the win here and the way it was but every lesson we’ve come across this year we’ve come out the other end.
“The past couple of seasons when we got challenged in a tough, grinding game that’s where we kind of fell off.
“Everyone is just grateful to get the win… and Old Trafford, it doesn’t seem real.”
Former NRL gamers Adam Keighran, Matt Ikuvalu, Tyrone May, Siua Taukeiaho and Manu Ma’u featured within the sport for Catalans, whereas Knights-bound Kai Pearce-Paul performed within the second row for Wigan.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
