The start of the second half saw the competition’s first use of the new “captain’s challenge” system but Wigan’s appeal against a Leigh penalty for an infringement by Adam Keighran failed.
Michael Buffer brought a touch of glamour but Super League failed to “rumble” on its opening night as Leigh beat champions Wigan 1-0 in golden-point extra time after an historic 0-0 draw.
The “voice of boxing” had been just one element of the pre-match hype, with an appearance from Wigan rock band The Lathums, fireworks, a laser show and plenty of promotion for the Warriors’ upcoming trip to Las Vegas thrown into the mix.
Wigan threatened a couple of times early on but Jake Wardle lost the ball attempting to dive over the line and a Bevan French kick was too strong for Luke Thompson.
It was left to Gareth O’Brien to kick the winning point with a drop goal, securing Leigh’s first win at Wigan since 1983.
