Wigan Warriors matchwinner Bevan French opens up on Grand Final heroics

scored a wonder try but hailed his remarkable side’s resilience as they made yet more history.

His brilliant effort was one Rob Burrow would have been proud of as the champions defended their crown in style. The Aussie ace ducked through the challenge of newly-crowned Man of Steel Mikey Lewis on halfway, sped clear and then stepped past Niall Evalds for a glorious Old Trafford finish. The 22nd minute cracker proved the difference as Warriors eventually ended any hopes of Hull KR causing a Grand Final shock.

There were shades of Burrow’s all-time classic try for Leeds in the 2011 title decider. Fittingly, the late Leeds legend’s three children were on the Old Trafford pitch beforehand with the newly-named Rob Burrow Award for the game’s man-of-the-match. But as Wigan became the first club in the summer era to win all four trophies in one season, French, 28, insisted: “No one thinks about individual awards.

“It was great to be honoured like that at the end and to be able to get the first one under Rob’s name is great. He was such a special player and touched the lives of so many. But I’m honoured to be a part of this team - and I’m stoked for the side more than anything.”

On his 18th Super League try of the season, French - who also scored a sublime effort in their semi-final win over Leigh - said: “The game was so quick and ball in play so long, you don’t have time to think about what happens.

“Everything always hits you at the end. There was no time to reflect. But it’s all about our defence. That’s the second Grand Final in a row we haven’t conceded a try. And it’s been an emotional sort of week.

“We knew history was on the line - to go all four in the calendar year. The club is so special to me and they surprised me by bringing my family over - my brother and uncle from . It’s crazy.

“This one just meant more. They went above and beyond to fly them over. This is special. I might not get a night like this again so I’m going to take it all in.”

Rovers were looking to achieve what none of Hull, Warrington, Castleford, Salford or Catalans had achieved: winning in their first Grand Final appearance and becoming the first new name on the trophy since Leeds in 2004. But, despite a valiant effort, they simply could not break down the World Club champions who defended superbly.

Remarkably, stubborn Wigan haven’t conceded a single try in their last four matches. The East Yorkshire outfit still haven’t won a major trophy since 1985. But they came close so many times before being shut down by that remarkable Wigan resilience.

England scrum-half Harry Smith kicked brilliantly for Matt Peet’s side, including a drop goal on the stroke of half-time for a 7-0 interval lead. In the end, all Rovers could muster was a Lewis penalty and that was soon cancelled out by Adam Keighran’s second goal. How they could have done with Penrith and Kangaroos superstar Nathan Cleary who was at Old Trafford last night supporting his big mate KR stand-off Tyrone May.

KR boss Willie Peters insisted: “I’m proud of the players and what they have done all season. The performance tonight we never gave in: that’s what Hull KR people do. It’s in our DNA. We played against a very good team who got their moments but the players didn’t let anyone down.

“Ultimately, it was one try that’s the difference. They iced their moments and we didn’t. It’s fine margins. We had a lot of errors chasing points. We just couldn’t get over the line. Wigan were outstanding. They defended their line extremely well and are champions for a reason.

"And Bevan French is a freak. He can do things other players can’t. Wigan are still the leaders; they showed that. But we'll learn plenty."