In a historic event at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, Wigan Warriors have proved too strong for Hull FC 24-10.
MATCH DETAILS
Wigan Warriors got off to a flyer with Liam Marshall scoring a double, assisted by George Williams. Hull FC replied midway through the half with a spectacular dive by Feliti Talanoa. A mix-up at the back saw Jordan Abdull level scores five minutes from the break.
First score of the second half was going to be important along with ball control. It was Wigan’s Ryan Sutton who barged over within the first ten minutes of the second half to give his side the advantage. Hull FC hung in there but showed signs of tiredness late. Ben Flower’s try ten minutes from time sealed victory for the Warriors and in doing so, joined Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos on two wins from two matches.
FOUR POINTERS
HULL FC RATTLED BY FARAIMO’S CONCUSSION
It was a horrible start for Hull FC, losing former Parramatta Eel winger Bureta Faraimo in the opening minutes of the game through concussion. Some smarts from Wigan Warriors saw them take advantage of the disorganised defence down Hull FC’s right hand side. George Williams providing Liam Marshall with a double and it could have been more, had it not been for a poor option by Oliver Gildart to not use the man on his outside on the overlap.
GEORGE WILLIAMS IS CLASS
Wigan Warriors have got something special in stand-off George Williams. With both sides error-riddled in the first half, it needed someone to take control of the game. Williams did that, showing an old head on young shoulders in directing the Warriors around the park. On that effort it’s hard to believe Wayne Bennett chose Kevin Brown and Luke Gale ahead of him at last year’s Rugby League World Cup. Some NRL talent scouts would have been watching with interest.
HULL FC GALLANT IN DEFEAT
A tough night for Hull FC on the injury front. Losing Faraimo early was a huge blow. But rake Danny Houghton leaving the game to a calf injury before half-time and Mark Minichiello struggling with an ankle problem gave Lee Radford a huge headache. This could be a costly trip to Australia if they are to pick up any further injuries in their friendly against South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium next Saturday night. Despite this, Radford should be pleased with the energy sapping effort his team put in.
WOLLONGONG SUCCESS?
There will be much discussion about whether this game ‘hit the mark’. Given the time of the year and first attempt of playing Super League ‘down under’, a crowd of 12,416 was a pass mark. The Australian public were treated to some good chanting coming from the Hull FC faithful sitting high in the stand at the northern end. The quality and the pace of the game was slower than your average National Rugby League game, so it took some time for the locals to adapt to the different style of play. Is it worth giving it a second chance? The answer should be yes!
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Shaun Wane speaking to the media- says the Warriors didn’t want to come all this way for nothing. Also pays tribute to the Wigan fans in Wollongong tonight. #SuperLeagueonTour pic.twitter.com/WMw0OjcFMf
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪ (@WiganWarriorsRL) February 10, 2018
Full time at WIN Stadium as Hull FC are defeated 24 – 10 by Wigan Warriors.
Head coach Lee Radford will also be concerned about injuries to Danny Houghton, Bureta Faraimo, Liam Watts, Jake Connor and Mark Minichiello. pic.twitter.com/Hy6uHitQpi
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) February 10, 2018
THE RESULT
WIGAN WARRIORS 24
Tries: Liam Marshall 2, Ryan Sutton, Ben Flower
Goals: Sam Tomkins 4
Drop Goals: n/a
HULL FC 10
Tries: Feliti Telanoa, Jordan Abdull
Goals: Marc Sneyd
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
WIGAN WARRIORS: S Tomkins, Davies, Sarginson, Gildart, Marshall, Williams, Powell, Clubb, Leuluai, Flower, J Tomkins, Farrell, O’Loughlin, Sutton, Tautai, Isa, Escare
HULL FC: Shaul, Faraimo, Connor, Griffin, Talanoa, Kelly, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Paea, Manu, Minichiello, Hadley; Abdull, Bowden, Watts, Washbrook
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/01/17/2018-season-preview-wigan-warriors/
