‘Everything happens for a reason - Grand Final win ‘so much sweeter’ following 2020 heartbreak says Man of Steel Bevan French

Saints star Jack Welsby was the hero on that day in the behind-closed-doors encounter in Hull, beating full-back French to a loose ball on the last play of the game for an 8-4 victory in their second of what would become four straight successes.

However, Catalans ended their era of dominance with a grueling semi-final win thanks to a moment of magic from the now-retired Sam Tomkins in Perpignan. But it was Wigan who claimed the Super League trophy at Old Trafford with a 10-2 scoreline on Saturday.

"As bad as 2020 was, I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason," French told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"In a way that tough Grand Final loss made me.

"That tough year, the following year with the injury and off-field crisis, and all the stuff like that has made me and got me to this point now.

"It makes it so much sweeter."

In-form winger Liam Marshall scored the game’s only try as Wigan recorded the best defence during a Grand Final showdown, limiting the opposition’s points to just a conversion from incoming signing Adam Keighran in the first half, who was also sent to the sin-bin for a dangerous tackle on Kai Pearce-Paul.

French, 27, won the prestigious Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award during the week in the build-up to the Super League showcase event, beating fellow nominees Welsby and Tom Johnstone.

In total, the Australian speedster scored 19 tries in 32 appearances in 2023, as well as the most assists in the competition with 30.

He had a try chalked off for a forward pass at the Theatre of Dreams, although Marshall’s four-pointer and three conversions from Harry Smith was enough on the night in Manchester.

"We knew it was going to be a tough, grinding game and maybe we shied away from playing a bit of rugby," French continued.

"But once we sort of put the chains off and started to throw the ball around a bit, that's when we got a bit of joy.

"You want to grind teams out but you have to play to your strengths."