Historic Golden Point Drama! Leigh Leopards Stun Champions Wigan in Season Opener
Gareth O'Brien's Drop Goal Seals First Ever 0-0 Draw in Regular Time, as Leopards Triumph 1-0 in Extra Time Thriller.
The 2025 Betfred Super League season exploded into life with a truly unforgettable opening night, as Leigh Leopards secured a dramatic 1-0 golden-point victory over reigning champions Wigan Warriors. In a contest that defied expectations, the two sides battled to the first-ever 0-0 stalemate after 80 minutes in Super League history.
Defence Dominates in Tense Derby Clash
The match, played in front of a packed Stadium and featuring pre-match entertainment from The Lathums and legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer, was a testament to the defensive prowess of both sides. Near neighbors Wigan and Leigh threw everything at each other, but neither could break the deadlock in a bruising, physical encounter.
Leigh, fielding several new signings including the impressive David Armstrong, scrambled superbly to deny Wigan's Jake Wardle and Tyler Dupree in the first half. Wigan's Jai Field had a try disallowed by the video referee in the second half, adding to the mounting tension.
Golden Point Glory for O'Brien and Leopards
With the scores locked at 0-0 after 80 minutes, the match entered golden-point extra time. A crucial moment came when Wigan's Adam Keighran was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on Lachlan Lam, who had bravely claimed a high kick.
Reduced to 12 men, Wigan resisted the initial Leigh attack. However, the Leopards, showing incredible resilience, worked the ball into position for Gareth O'Brien to coolly slot the match-winning drop goal, sparking wild celebrations amongst the visiting fans. The victory was the Leopards first at Wigan since 1983.
Captain's Challenge Makes History
The match also saw the debut of the new Captain's Challenge rule. Wigan captain Liam Farrell, who was himself yellow-carded earlier in the game, became the first Super League player to use the challenge, unsuccessfully contesting a ball-steal decision.
Key Match Moments:
- 0-0 at Full Time: The first-ever scoreless draw after 80 minutes in Super League history.
- Gareth O'Brien Drop Goal: The Leigh half-back secured victory with a nerveless kick in the 83rd minute.
- Adam Keighran Sin Bin: A crucial moment that gave Leigh the advantage in extra time.
- Captain's Challenge Debut: Liam Farrell makes history with the first use of the new rule.
- David Armstrong impresses on his Leigh Debut.
Coaches' Reactions:
Wigan Head Coach Matt Peet: "Credit to Leigh - they earned the win. It had the feel of a play-off game, a great standard to start."
Leigh Head Coach Adrian Lam: "It's a bit surreal that we've won 1-0, but I'll take it. I saw the resilience I wanted from the group, and I'm really happy."
Teams:
Wigan Warriors: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Byrne, Leeming, Thompson, Nsemba, Farrell, Ellis. Interchanges: Mago, Dupree, Hill, Forber.
Leigh Leopards: Armstrong; Brand, Niu, Hanley, Charnley; O'Brien, Lam; Trout, Dwyer, Mulhern, Halton, O'Neill, Liu. Interchanges: Ipape, Hughes, Tuitavake, Davis.