Wigan coach Matt Peat has told the Warriors to enjoy their Challenge Cup celebrations after their victory over Hull KR at Wembley. Rugby League News

After beating Hull KR 40-10 to win the Challenge Cup, Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peat had a message for his side on how to celebrate: “Go as hard as you can”.

Wigan scored seven tries as they reclaimed the Challenge Cup in emphatic fashion for a record-extending 22nd time.

It was a performance that mixed experience and youth, with youngsters Jack Farimond, Jack Eckersley, Brad O’Neill, Junior Nsemba and Noah Hodgkinson all performing despite their young ages.

Farrimond picked up the Lance Todd Trophy for his 60-minute cameo in which he scored two tries and an assist before being replaced by the returning Bevan French at half-time – he also scored a try.

Big moments like this don’t come around often and that’s why Pete has told his side to soak up every minute of their celebration, even though Pete himself will be watching from the sidelines.

“I’ve always been a little too old when it comes to teeth,” says Pete.

“I hope they can go as hard as they can, because they deserve it.

“It’s important that they celebrate these moments and I enjoy sitting in the corner watching them.

“They’ve got a great job, these guys, but they’ve also made a lot of sacrifices and sometimes it doesn’t go their way and people put the boot in and they have to take some criticism on the chin.

“So, when they get these days where they play well, I want them to celebrate and enjoy it and savor it.”

One player who was sure to celebrate after a player of the match performance was Farimond.

He says he will take the advice of his head coach and fellow half-back French has already said that, as recipient of the Lance Todd Trophy, he will have to party the hardest.

“Bevan came straight to me afterwards and said he was last out when he won in 2024 so I have to stay tonight,” Farrimond said.

Big French decision: He convinced me to put him on

The talk all week was whether the French would return and he sat on the bench, replacing Farimond.

Pitt admits he was unsure if he was going to put him on, especially given the way Farimond was playing, but the star man agreed to let him go.

Speaking through the decision, Pete said: “We’ve always had this game in mind and he’s had to close the box in terms of his run and he’s had some follow-up scans and his strength tests and all the markers, but the physios and the experts who were watching said throughout the process that this game was very achievable.

“When we had 20 minutes left, I spoke to him and he said ‘I don’t mind but I’m 100 per cent ready to go.

“So, I thought he might want a beer tonight, huh?

“I’m glad I got him on the field and got to see him. It’s a great effort.”

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