The 2026 Women's Challenge Cup final was a display of sheer dominance by the Wigan Warriors, who scored ten tries to beat St Helens. This victory comes as a surprise to many, given St Helens' recent success in the competition, having won it four times in a row. But what makes this win even more remarkable is the fact that it comes just before the men's final, where Wigan's counterparts take on Hull KR. This raises a deeper question: can the women's team's success be a harbinger of things to come for the men's team?
The game itself was a showcase of Wigan's clinical prowess. Their opening six minutes set the tone for the rest of the match, with a neat and tidy set that resulted in a try by Wilson. This was followed by a second try from Hunter, who evaded Paige Travis to run in with ease. Hunter's stunning start continued with a second try just minutes after her first, and the Warriors kept up the pressure throughout the match.
In contrast, St Helens struggled to keep up with Wigan's pace. Their defense was outmatched, and their attacks were slow and uncoordinated. This was a stark contrast to their recent success in the competition, where they had won it four times in a row. The Saints' defense was their undoing, as Wigan carved them open with ease, with Hunter and Davies playing havoc with their defense either side of the break.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between the two teams' performances. Wigan seemed unfazed by the heat on the field, while St Helens were uncharacteristically placid and struggled for much in the way of attack. This raises a question about the impact of heat on performance, and whether it was a factor in St Helens' struggles.
From my perspective, this game was a marker that the women's game has changed. Wigan's clinical performance and St Helens' struggles suggest that the gap between the two teams is widening, and that the women's game is becoming more competitive and exciting. This is particularly fascinating, as it raises the question of whether the men's game will follow suit and become more competitive and exciting.
In my opinion, the fact that no side has ever won the women's and men's finals together is a testament to the different levels of competition between the two teams. But with Wigan's recent success in the women's game, it is possible that the men's team will follow suit and become more competitive and exciting. This would be a significant development for the sport, and would be a welcome change for fans of both teams.
What many people don't realize is that this game was not just a display of Wigan's brilliance, but also a showcase of St Helens' struggles. The Saints had won this competition four times in a row, yet that era has ended with a resounding thud. This raises a question about the sustainability of their success, and whether they will be able to bounce back and compete again in the future.
If you take a step back and think about it, this game was a significant moment for the women's game. It was a display of clinical prowess by Wigan, and a stark reminder of the challenges facing St Helens. It also raises a question about the future of the sport, and whether the women's game will continue to grow and become more competitive and exciting. Personally, I think that it will, and that this game was a significant step in that direction.
