‘Salary cap’ – BBC pundit explains why Matt Peet’s Wigan are the best of the Super League era

They are only the third team since Super League’s inception in 1996 to achieve this feat, with Bradford Bulls in 2003 and St Helens in 2006, the previous “middle four” clubs.

Speaking post-match to BBC Sport, pundit Kevin Brown made his case as to why this current Wigan side have taken the title of ‘greatest of the summer era’ despite those who came before them.

Despite Wigan winning the Challenge Cup in a separate season to those Bradford and Saints sides who went on to win the treble and then the World Club Challenge, Brown pointed to the NRL salary cap to sway the discussion Wigan’s way.

QUIZ: How many of these 10 players can you name from the Super League era?

Kevin Brown hails Wigan Warriors success

Credit: Imago Images

In 2003 and 2006, the NRL salary cap was close enough to that of the Super League, however, in 2024, there is a gulf between the financial strength of the two competitions.