The Morning After: Saints back-to-back champions, resilient Wigan & Welsby winner

Drew Darbyshire

The Morning After looks at three talking points from the latest Super League action.

Saints champions

A try from Jack Welsby in the last play of the game saw St Helens seal an 8-4 win against Wigan in the 2020 Super League Grand Final at Hull’s KCOM Stadium.

Saints have achieved the almighty feat of being back-to-back champions in Super League – and they deserve all the credit they get for that.

It was a determined performance from Kristian Woolf’s side, who just managed to get the better of their rivals in a war of attrition.

James Roby was named the Harry Sunderland Trophy winner and rightfully so. His quick rucks managed to get Saints on the front foot a number of times and he worked tirelessly in defence. Saints deserved the win and it was a fitting way for James Graham to bow out.

Resilient Wigan

It wasn’t the final outcome that Wigan were hoping for – but they can certainly be proud of their efforts after an incredible season.

The League Leaders’ Shield winners were the best team throughout the regular campaign and were unlucky not to snatch the victory near the end through Zak Hardaker’s attempt at goal.

The Warriors were strong in defence in the first half especially and they defended on their own line several times and managed to keep Saints out until right at the death.

Wigan’s forwards were excellent powering through the middle and Adrian Lam’s side can take a lot of confidence into 2021.

Retiring Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin has had a phenomenal career and it is a shame he couldn’t go out as a winner but his career has been nothing short of exceptional.

Welsby winner

It was one of the most dramatic endings to a game we have ever seen in Super League.

Tommy Makinson attempted a drop goal with the last kick of the game but the ball rattled the post and bounced out to Welsby – the youngest player on the pitch – who collected the bouncing ball to score and win the game for Saints.

The scenes were unbelievable at the end of the game and it was one of the most thrilling moments of action in the Super League era.

Welsby has had a fantastic breakthrough year at Saints and he has a very bright future ahead of him.

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