Bevan French admits Challenge Cup win was 'pretty emotional' - after losing his mum to MND
Lance Todd Trophy winner Bevan French acknowledged Wigan Warriors' Challenge Cup victory was made even more emotional given the passing of Rob Burrow in the lead-up to the final.
Burrow lost his battle against motor neurone disease a week before the Wembley showpiece, and he was honoured before the game with a minute's silence and on the seven-minute mark with a minute's applause - to denote his shirt number.
The game even kicked off at 3.07pm as the sport honoured a true great - but Burrow's passing held extra significance for French, who lost his mother to the same condition a couple of years ago.
At the time, French was sidelined with a long-term injury problem, and Wigan allowed him to return to Australia for several months to be with her.
French has already acknowledged his debt of gratitude to the club for the way they supported him during such a difficult time.
And his stand-out performance in the 18-8 victory over Warrington was the perfect way to honour the memories of Burrow and his mother.
"A couple of years ago now I lost my mum to the same thing," he said in the post-match press conference. "Coming back after that, from my lay-off, my first trophy win was in the Challenge Cup, the last one we won.
"And leading into this week, Rob obviously being such a legend of the sport, and the impact he had on everyone, and it's unfortunate for him and his family.
"That connected to me emotionally, and it was sort of a driving factor behind me this week especially.
"Rob passing away...the Challenge Cup final...which was the first trophy I won after my mum's passing...yeah it was pretty emotional."
Coach Matty Peet also referenced French's situation when asked how much the win meant to the club given the events of the past seven days.
"I think it's been a very emotional week for everyone connected with rugby league," said Peet. "Rob is such a special character, and it's stirred up a lot of emotion for everyone.
"The way that Rob and his family have held themselves, what they've been through...Bevan won't mind me saying I know it's stirred up a lot of emotions for him.
"We all love Rob Burrow and his family,. and what they stand for.
"And we've got to be honest...it makes you think about your own situation, your own life, and the people you love as well."
French, the reigning Man of Steel, scored a brilliant try off a Harry Smith pass midway through the first half to put Wigan 12-2 up and in a commanding position.
Indeed, the game could have been virtually over by the interval, with French seeing another individual score controversially chalked off by the video referee.
Referee Chris Kendall ruled French had made a double movement as he grounded the ball on the line, but happily it mattered not in the end.
"I understand why it went up, it was probably a 50-50 call,” said French. "I thought momentum sort of took me over, and if had gone up as a try, it would have been given.
"But it doesn't really bother me...it won't ruin my weekend."