Bevan French stored Wigan heading in the right direction for a hat-trick of Tremendous League titles as two tries from the Australian star helped Warriors overcome Leigh to achieve the Grand Closing.
French’s first-half double, plus some very good defence within the second interval, settled a thunderous contest on the Brick Group Stadium.
It was a repeat final result to final season’s play-off semi-final however, whereas Wigan cruised to a 38-0 victory 12 months in the past, Leigh made the Warriors work a lot tougher this time round.
They put their neighbours below severe strain at instances however ultimately final season’s quadruple winners had the composure to e-book their place at Outdated Trafford.
Wigan will face the winners of Saturday’s second play-off semi-final between Hull KR and St Helens within the Grand Closing on 11 October.
After a chaotic build-up, which concerned a row over ticket allocations, the guests made the early working.
They’d a landing by Owen Trout dominated out within the sixth minute with referee Chris Kendall’s on-field choice of no attempt standing with video referee Tom Grant unable to search out any proof on the contrary with Harry Smith beneath him.
It was Wigan who took the lead towards the run of play within the 14th minute by means of French after a mistake by Bailey Hodgson. The Leigh full-back spilled possession in a double deal with by Liam Byrne and Liam Farrell and Adam Keighran put French in for a walk-in.
The Leopards hit again within the twenty eighth minute by means of an unlikely supply as Robbie Mulhern crossed for his first attempt in 19 months. Mulhern took a low ball shut in from Edwin Ipape fantastically within the troublesome circumstances to storm over with no finger laid on him.
Nonetheless, the Papua New Guinea worldwide coughed up a penalty when he blocked French’s line as he chased Smith’s excessive ball and Keighran slotted the kick to nudge Wigan into the lead.
And eight seconds earlier than the break, French blazed over for his second attempt after man-of-the-match Jai Subject made the insertion in midfield and fed the supporting stand-off.
From there it was the Warriors’ rearguard which determined the result.
Trout appeared odds on to attain after breaking by means of simply after the hour however an excellent cowl deal with from Subject saved the house facet.
It summed up Wigan’s defensive resolve and so they completed the job with the ultimate play as French put Sam Walters over because the Warriors reached a record-equalling 14th Grand Closing.
