It has been over 1,000 days since the Super League trophy resided anywhere other than St Helens but on nights like these, it feels like for the first time in four seasons, the all-conquering reign of the back-to-back-to-back champions could be under threat. Make no mistake, absorbing derbies and the results that accompany them like this one can skew our focus and while this was a setback for the Saints, they are still the favourites to lift the title at Old Trafford in a month’s time.
There have been worse nights to be a Wigan supporter, in truth. Victory over their great rivals is cause enough for celebration. But this win, one of their most impressive of the season so far, not only secured a top two finish before the playoffs but denied the Saints the chance to win the League Leaders’ Shield at the home of their greatest rivals. Had the reigning champions secured top spot here, it would have left a bitter taste in the mouths of everyone associated with Wigan.
