Here’s an article draft on Denis Betts’s glowing praise for Wigan Warriors’ Wembley triumph:
Denis Betts hails Wembley success as “best one ever” after dominant 42–6 win over St Helens
WIGAN – Wigan Warriors coach Denis Betts, a legendary figure in Challenge Cup history, has described Saturday’s emphatic victory at Wembley as “the best one ever” — even above his seven-player triumphs in the early ’90s.
Betts, who as a player lifted the Challenge Cup seven times between 1989 and 1995, led the Warriors to a stunning 42–6 demolition of holders St Helens in the 2025 Women’s Challenge Cup Final . Yet, despite his storied playing career, Betts says this coaching win tops them all.
The Challenge Cup has a special aura around it,” he reflected.
“I’ve won the Challenge Cup a few times and played at Wembley a few times, but this was amazing, brilliant, I loved it. It was the best one ever” .
Betts was quick to credit his players for the performance — a fast, clinical display defined by seven well-taken tries and a flawless 7-from-7 conversion performance by halfback Izzy Rowe .
It wasn’t about the crowd; it was about these girls and what they did… I’ve given them guidance, but they’ve performed, and the win is all down to them and the commitment they’ve shown.”
Standout performances came from Player of the Match Grace Banks and emerging talents like Vicky Molyneux, whose emotional trophy lift touched Betts deeply.
Seeing Vicky (Molyneux) lift that trophy after the career she’s had just makes me so proud and I almost cried.”
He continued:
I love these girls to bits… How they delivered out there was special and I am just so proud of them.
Despite the joyous occasion, Betts admitted a moment of concern when Emily Veivers suffered a serious-looking arm injury late in the match.
Just before Saints scored their try she got her arm caught between two players… We’re not really sure what she’s done yet, we’ll need to get it looked at. But she made her way into the changing room and enjoyed the moment.”
For Betts, it was more than just a trophy — it marked a new chapter for Wigan under his stewardship.
When we started out last year, everyone could see there were some really talented players in the group and just needed pointing in the right direction… to see them buy into it today is a coach’s dream.”
What it all means
This 42–6 win is Wigan Women’s first-ever Challenge Cup title — ending St Helens’ four-year dominance .
The margin marks the widest-ever in a Women’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley — and the largest gap in any Women’s Super League-era final .
Betts’s personal legacy is now richer seven as a player, and his first as a coach.
Saturday’s result cements Wigan as a rising force in women’s rugby league — and for Denis Betts, it’s confirmation that his move into coaching can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his legendary playing career.
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