Wigan Warriors: Not many score a try like that at Wembley – Banks …
In a moment that will live long in the memory of rugby league fans, Wigan Warriors’ young talent Jack Banks delivered a sensational solo try at Wembley that is already being hailed as one of the greatest ever seen at the iconic stadium.
Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final was always expected to be a showcase of high-octane rugby, but few could have predicted the electric moment that unfolded midway through the second half. With the match finely balanced and both sets of supporters on edge, Banks seized his opportunity—and the spotlight.
Receiving the ball just inside the opposition half, Banks darted between two defenders with a sudden burst of acceleration that left them grasping at thin air. With pace, poise, and pure determination, he broke into open space, sidestepped the fullback, and grounded the ball beneath the posts. The crowd erupted in disbelief and joy.
Commentators struggled to find words. “You just don’t see tries like that at Wembley,” one said breathlessly. “Not many players have the courage, let alone the ability, to pull something like that off on this stage.”
The try not only lit up social media—where clips of the run quickly racked up thousands of views—but also turned the tide of the game, sparking a resurgence that saw Wigan take control in the final quarter. They eventually secured a hard-fought 24–18 victory, lifting the Challenge Cup and further cementing their legacy as one of the sport’s true powerhouses.
Banks, just 21 and still relatively new to the first-team squad, has now become a household name overnight. Speaking to the press post-match, the modest winger gave credit to his teammates. “I saw a gap and just went for it. To be honest, it’s all a bit of a blur now,” he laughed. “I’m just proud to have contributed to the win. The boys have been incredible all season.”
Wigan head coach Matt Peet was full of praise for the young star. “Jack’s got that X-factor—you can’t teach what he did out there today,” he said. “He’s fearless, but he also works incredibly hard off the field. That moment was just the tip of the iceberg.”
Fans and pundits alike have already begun comparing Banks’ try to some of the most iconic moments in rugby league history. For many, it called to mind Martin Offiah’s legendary long-range effort in the 1994 final—another example of Wigan flair on the big stage.
As the celebrations continue in Wigan, one thing is certain: Jack Banks has arrived, and in some style. Wembley has seen countless great performances over the years, but few tries will be remembered with such wide-eyed wonder as the one delivered by Banks on a sunlit summer afternoon.
In the end, it wasn’t just a try—it was a statement. And the rugby world was watching.
