Challenge Cup: Wigan’s Wembley win through emotion and motivation

But Peet admitted it took a lot of mental strength to bounce back from a nightmare start when former Wigan favorite at Warrington – and lifelong Wire fan – Mike Cooper became the recipient of his first yellow card of Wembley in just the second minute.

Within a minute the numbers were level and it was back to 13 again when the French Australians created the game’s opening try for young winger Zach Eckersley – playing only for the disciplinary indiscretion of Adam Keighran, suspended for a week before. .

When French, 28, scored his second try himself just six minutes later, Wigan were in a two-score lead which they never looked like surrendering once Liam Farrell claimed a third attempt, even after a Wire rally too little too late.

“It’s about trusting each other and dealing with the ebbs and flows,” Peet said. “The strength of this group is their ability to deal with what comes up.

“When the odds are against them, they almost seem to rise to the challenge.

“Our motivation was to achieve something that is not unprecedented, but is very special, putting the fourth trophy in the cabinet.

“This group of players is motivated by what they can accomplish and the memories they can make together.”

Peet also had special praise for his captain Farrell, who claimed a fourth Challenge Cup winners’ medal at the age of 33 – and further glory for the famous Farrell rugby family – with a typical solo burst for his first try in -a final at Wembley.

“Sometimes Liam’s achievements can be seen,” added Peet.

“There have been some good bowlers in Super League over the last 10 or 15 years, but in terms of success and playing in the big games, Faz takes some beating.”

Wigan’s 21st Challenge Cup triumph was their 18th at Wembley, although only their third at the newly rebuilt stadium since it reopened after a seven-year gap in 2007.

They won their first 100 years ago in Rochdale when they beat Oldham 21-4 at the Athletic Grounds, the former home of the Rochdale Hornets.

Wigan were then also the first Wembley Challenge Cup winners when they beat Dewsbury 13-2 in 1929 – six years after the old Empire Stadium opened.

The Warriors also lifted the trophy in 2002 in Edinburgh at Murrayfield after the old Wembley was bulldozed for redevelopment. And, 20 years later, they also won at Tottenham because Wembley was unavailable.

But another first for this club’s iconic link with the Challenge Cup was becoming the first to win it in June.

They have lifted the trophy 10 times in May, eight times in April – including six of their phenomenal record eight consecutive victories between 1988 and 1995 – and twice in August, with their two previous successes at the new Wembley in 2011 and 2013.

Now, after winning the league title in September, the Grand Final in October and the World Club Challenge in February, appearing on rugby league’s biggest stage in June has proved what a club it is for all seasons.