Wigan ran in six tries to beat Huddersfield as they moved sixth in Super League, leaving their hosts just two points above the foot of the table.
MATCH DETAILS
Despite controlling most of the first half, the travelling Warriors led by only one score at the break.
Chris Hankinson’s went over with just six minutes played, but the Giants responded swiftly through Sam Hewitt to level the scores.
The impressive Sean O’Loughlin and Liam Marshall then stretched Wigan’s lead to but them in complete control of the match before Matt Frawley gave the home crowd hope as he and Lee Gaskell reduced the deficit to six just before half time.
But as the second half unfolded, Wigan moved up the gears to all but seal the win with fifteen minutes left to play.
First, Joe Burgess and Thomas Leuluai crossed as the visitors started the second forty like they did the first – in dominant fashion – and George Williams completed the visitors’ scoring to make the game safe.
Thomas Leuluai and Jordan Turner both scored as the hosts were determined to not go down without a fight, but it was too little too late and their side remain potentially one defeat away from the foot of the table, while Wigan move into sixth with their ninth victory of the season.
FOUR POINTERS
Wigan have found the formula
After a dreadful start to 2019, last year’s Grand Final winners have finally turned things around and now sit just four points off Hull FC in third – albeit having played a game more. If they keep this kind of form up, they may well catch (some of) those above them.
Huddersfield are in trouble
Without Jermaine McGillvary, the Giants never seem to be in a game. They either find themselves too far behind before they start playing, or just don’t play at all. Just two points separate the bottom four sides, them included, so they need to improve. And fast.
The Warriors have a squad
This is the difference between the two sides. Wigan can rely on a number of players to score on a consistent basis, whereas Huddersfield only have two or three players who you look at and think ‘he’ll score today’. Hence why the Warriors got themselves out of trouble and, as of today, Huddersfield haven’t
McGillvary can’t return soon enough
Time after time I write how important Jermaine McGillvary is to the Giants, and this game is yet another prime example. Despite being second best for the whole first half, they were just one score behind at the break and needed someone to step up and turn the game around in the second forty, but no one looked like doing so. It’s a different story with McGillvary on the pitch – he seems to give the whole team belief – so they need him back ASAP.
THE RESULT
Huddersfield Giants 22
Tries: Hewitt, Frawley, Senior, Turner
Goals: Gaskell (3)
Drop Goals: n/a
Wigan Warriors 38
Tries: Hankinson, O’Loughlin, Marshall, Burgess, Leuluai, Williams
Goals: Hankinson (7)
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
Huddersfield Giants: McIntosh, I. Senior, Turner, Murphy, L. Senior, Gaskell, Frawley, Clough, O’Brien, Matagi, Roberts, Mellor, English.
Replacements:ย Leeming, Hewitt, Ikahihifo, Ta’ai.
Wigan Warriors: Hardaker, Marshall, Hankinson, Gildart, Burgess, Williams, Leuluai, Clubb, Powell, Navarrete, Isa, Farrell, O’Loughlin.
Replacements:ย Smithies, Sammut, Partington, Greenwood.
Referee:ย Marcus Griffiths (RFL).
