Wigan Warriors began their Super League title defense with a hard-fought 26-10 victory over Castleford Tigers at the One Bore Stadium. The 2024 champions overcame spirited opposition despite an opening weekend where reigning champions Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos and St Helens all suffered defeats.

Castleford struck first through Liam Hood's try from dummy half, but Wigan responded with three tries in nine minutes either side of halftime. Liam Marshall, Bevan French and Zack Eckersley all crossed as the visitors seized control. French, the 2023 Super League Man of Steel, showcased his turn of pace to put Wigan ahead for the first time.

Eckersley added his second try following nice hands from Adam Keighran, while Jake Wardle's excellent line and burst of speed extended the lead. Castleford's new Australian head coach Ryan Carr watched his side battle back late with tries from Mikaele Ravalawa and George Lawler, either side of Keighran's sin-binning for late head contact. The Tigers fielded eight debutants under new ownership, while Wigan's starting lineup contained no newcomers from their back-to-back title-winning squad.