Warriors secure vital win
Wigan Warriors moved up to third in the Super League standings after a hard-fought victory over Hull FC at the MKM Stadium. The visitors overcame an early deficit, with Hull FC establishing a 10-4 lead at half-time.
Hull FC‘s strong start saw tries from Lewis Martin and Harvey Barron. Wigan‘s initial response came from Zach Eckersley. Despite Noah Hodkinson scoring for Wigan, Jed Cartwright extended Hull FC‘s lead to eight points. However, Adam Keighran then narrowed the gap, setting the stage for a tense final quarter.
Keighran later converted a penalty to level the score at 16-all as Hull FC accumulated penalties. The winning score came late in the game from Harry Smith, securing the comeback for Wigan. This result places Matt Peet‘s team within four points of the league leaders, Leeds Rhinos, while Hull FC remains in 10th position after their 11th defeat of the season.
Hull FC entered the match having lost five of their last six games, while Wigan was seeking their sixth win in seven. Despite the contrasting form, Hull FC started strongly, with Aidan Sezer setting up Martin for a try within seven minutes.
Injury concerns and player returns
Wigan faced early setbacks with injuries to second row Liam Farrell and prop Luke Thompson within the first 15 minutes, necessitating several team reshuffles. Despite this, Bevan French, making his first start since early March, assisted Eckersley for Wigan‘s first try.
Hull FC capitalised on errors, including a loose pass from Patrick Mago, allowing Barron to score. Later, Hodkinson scored for Wigan to bring the score to 10-8 after the interval. The second half continued with errors and penalties from both sides, with Cartwright breaking through for Hull FC to extend their lead to 16-8.
French had a try disallowed after a review found Smith‘s 40-20 attempt had gone into touch. However, French was involved again shortly after, setting up Keighran for a try and conversion, followed by a penalty to draw level at 16-16 with 12 minutes remaining. The comeback was completed with less than eight minutes left when Smith scored to put Wigan ahead for the first time.
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet provided updates on several players. Ethan Havard and Liam Marshall are reportedly progressing well in their rehabilitation. Marshall has been out since late April with a hamstring tear and is in week eight of an anticipated 12-week recovery. He is expected to be a month away from returning to the team.
Havard fractured his jaw earlier this month but played through the injury. A return date for him has not yet been specified. Versatile forward Sam Walters is also absent due to a seven-game suspension following a red card in the Challenge Cup final. He has served three games and is set to miss upcoming Super League matches against Hull FC, St Helens (Magic Weekend), Warrington Wolves, and Huddersfield Giants before becoming available again.
Peet noted that both Havard and Walters are working hard in the gym. If rehabilitation proceeds as planned, Marshall could return when Wigan hosts St Helens on July 24, which is also the game when Walters will be available after his suspension. Young player Noah Hodkinson has been filling Marshall‘s position on the wing, scoring 11 tries in seven appearances, including seven in the last two games.
Coaches reflect on the match
Hull FC interim head coach Andy Last expressed disappointment with the result but pride in his team’s effort. He acknowledged Wigan‘s strong form and felt his team performed excellently, particularly in matching Wigan physically. Last noted a slight lack of quality at certain moments but believes the team can gain confidence from going ‘toe-to-toe’ with Wigan.
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet described the game as very tough, crediting Hull FC for making it a significant challenge. He admitted Wigan did not start the game well, but highlighted the team’s ability to recover from a difficult situation. Peet believes overcoming such a ‘perfect storm’ will benefit the team moving forward.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
