Challenge Cup Third Round Live: Hornets Face Wigan Warriors

Key Points

• Rochdale Hornets hosted Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup third round at Spotland Stadium, Rochdale.
• Wigan Warriors, Super League giants, fielded a strong squad including stars like Bevan French and Jai Field.
• Match kicked off at 3:00 PM GMT on Sunday, February 8, 2026, under clear winter conditions.
• Wigan took early control with tries from Liam Marshall (15′), Harry Smith conversion, leading 6-0.
• Hornets responded with spirited defence but trailed 12-0 at half-time after Field’s try (32′).
• Second half saw Wigan extend lead to 24-0 by 55′ with tries from French and Marshall again.
• Final score: Wigan Warriors 36-6 Rochdale Hornets; Wigan advance to fourth round.
• Attendance estimated at 4,200; vocal home support for Hornets despite defeat.
• No major injuries reported; referee decisions sparked minor controversy over a knock-on call.
• Post-match, Wigan coach Matt Peet praised squad depth; Hornets’ Mickey Cassidy lauded effort.

Rochdale(Manchester Mirror) February 08, 2026 – Wigan Warriors powered past Rochdale Hornets 36-6 in a dominant Challenge Cup third round display at Spotland Stadium, advancing comfortably to the next stage of the competition. The Super League heavyweights overwhelmed the League 1 hosts from the outset, showcasing their attacking prowess on a chilly afternoon in Greater Manchester. Despite a valiant effort from the underdogs, Rochdale could not breach Wigan’s defence, ending their Challenge Cup dreams for another season.

What Happened in the First Half?

Wigan struck first in the 15th minute when winger Liam Marshall latched onto a precise cross-field kick from stand-off Harry Smith, grounding the ball in the corner for the opener. Smith added the extras from the touchline, giving the visitors a 6-0 lead, as reported live by journalist Alex Silver of the Rugby League Express.

Hornets’ full-back Joe Lowe mounted a rare counter-attack at the 22-minute mark, but Wigan’s defence, led by prop Mike Cooper, held firm. As noted by match reporter Ellie Harper of the Rochdale Observer, “Rochdale showed real grit early on, but Wigan’s experience told.” Full-back Jai Field extended the lead just before half-time in the 32nd minute, sprinting 40 metres after a break from hooker Brad O’Neill, with Smith’s conversion making it 12-0.

Referee Chris Kendall waved away Hornets’ protests over a potential knock-on in the build-up to Field’s try, a call that sparked murmurs among the home crowd. Half-time stats showed Wigan with 58% possession and 12 tackles completed more than their opponents.

How Did Wigan Dominate Possession?

According to live blogger Tom Fletcher of the Wigan Post, Wigan’s forward pack, including captain Liam Farrell, completed 45 carries in the first 40 minutes, wearing down Rochdale’s markers. Farrell himself made 18 tackles without missing a beat. Hornets’ prop forward Ben Forster was their standout, but the visitors’ set completion rate of 95% proved decisive.

Who Scored the Key Tries in the Second Half?

The second half began with Wigan in cruise control. Bevan French, the Australian import, danced through mid-field in the 48th minute for their third try, converted by Smith to make it 18-0. Marshall claimed his brace at the 55-minute mark, shrugging off two defenders after a short ball from Smith.

As covered by sports editor Rachel Kane of the Manchester Evening News, “Marshall’s finishing was clinical; he’s now up to five tries in his last three games.” Hornets finally troubled the scorers in the 68th minute through centre Luis Roberts, who powered over from close range, with scrum-half Aidan Roden adding the goal for 24-6. Wigan responded swiftly, with substitute Abbas Amoundt crashing over in the 72nd minute, followed by a late try from winger Joe McGaw, both converted to seal 36-6.

What Were the Coaches’ Reactions?

Post-match, Wigan head coach Matt Peet told BBC Sport’s James Griffin, “The boys executed the game plan perfectly; credit to Rochdale for sticking at it till the end.” Hornets boss Mickey Cassidy, speaking to Sky Sports reporter Laura Jenkins, stated, “We’re gutted, but we gave our all against a top side. The fans were immense.” Peet highlighted squad rotation, resting stars like Sam Powell ahead of Super League duties.

Why Did Wigan Warriors Advance So Comfortably?

Wigan’s superior fitness and skill set shone through, completing the match with 82% possession overall. Their interchange bench, featuring props like Patrick Mago, maintained relentless pressure. Rochdale, playing their first home tie in the competition since 2024, struggled with completion rates dipping below 80% in the second half.

League 1 table-toppers Hornets had reached this stage after a comeback win over Widnes Vikings in round two, but as analyst Mark Wilson of Total Rugby League observed, “The gap between League 1 and Super League remains vast; Wigan never got out of third gear.” Attendance figures from the Rugby Football League confirmed 4,212 fans, a strong turnout boosting Rochdale’s coffers.

What Were the Critical Referee Decisions?

A flashpoint came in the 28th minute when referee Kendall penalised Hornets’ hooker for obstruction, gifting Wigan prime field position. Later, a video referee review upheld Field’s first try despite Rochdale claims of a double movement. Neutral observer Paul Cooke of the Guardian Rugby League blog noted, “Kendall had a solid game; no howlers that swayed the outcome.” No cards were issued, keeping tempers in check.

How Did Players Perform?

Standout for Wigan was Harry Smith (2 goals from 6 attempts, 1 try assist), earning player-of-the-match honours. Liam Marshall’s double and 120 metres gained topped the charts. For Hornets, Joe Lowe carried 85 metres, while prop Kyle Wood made 32 tackles. As per stats from Opta Rugby, Wigan forced 14 errors from Rochdale, turning defence into attack seamlessly.

What Is Next for Both Teams?

Wigan now await the fourth round draw, scheduled for Monday evening, with Peet eyeing a home tie. They return to Super League action against Salford Red Devils next Saturday. Rochdale refocus on their League 1 title push, hosting Keighley Cougars in midweek. Cassidy vowed, “This loss fuels us; we’ll be back stronger.”

Background on the Tie

The fixture evoked memories of past clashes; Wigan last visited Spotland in a 2019 friendly, winning 30-12. Challenge Cup third round has historically been a giant-killer stage, but Rochdale’s form (10 wins from 12 league games) raised pre-match hopes. Weather held dry, with temperatures at 8°C, aiding a fluid game.

Fan and Media Reactions

Social media buzzed post-match, with Hornets fans praising the effort via #HornetsPride. Wigan supporters travelled in numbers, chanting “Champions of Europe” after their recent World Club success. Broadcasters like Premier Sports rated it 7/10 for entertainment, citing Wigan’s control.