The Wigan Warriors secured a late victory against Hull FC, with a final score of 20-16 at the MKM Stadium. Meanwhile, St Helens achieved a dominant 40-10 away win over Bradford Bulls. These results place Wigan and St Helens third and fourth, respectively, in the Betfred Super League table.
In their match, Wigan appeared out of sorts for much of the contest. However, they rallied in the later stages. Adam Keighran brought them level before Harry Smith broke through the defence to seal the 20-16 win. This outcome was difficult for the hosts, who had shown significant improvement after a previous home defeat.
Despite the return of Bevan French to Wigan‘s starting line-up for the first time since March, the team initially struggled. They had arrived in east Yorkshire having won their last three Super League games, scoring 150 points. During the opening period, Wigan made uncharacteristic errors, fumbling passes and failing to complete sets. Their ability to stay in contention was attributed to determined defending and marginal calls.
Hull FC, under interim head coach Andy Last, started strongly. They scored within six minutes when Aidan Sezer‘s pass led to Lewis Martin‘s try. Wigan faced further setbacks, losing Luke Thompson to injury early in the game. Bevan French provided a moment of skill, setting up Zach Eckersley for his 14th try of the season. Hull quickly regained the lead with Harvey Barron‘s try, converted by Zak Hardaker, after Patrick Mago‘s flopped pass.
In the second half, Wigan narrowed the gap when Smith combined to send Noah Hodkinson over for a try. However, Hull responded with Jed Cartwright‘s try. Matt Peet‘s team gradually increased their pressure. Keighran converted his own try and then kicked a penalty to level the scores, setting the stage for Smith‘s decisive play with seven minutes remaining.
In other matches, St Helens demonstrated their strength against Bradford Bulls. Despite falling behind early, St Helens took the lead by half-time with tries from Jacob Douglas and Curtis Sironen. They ultimately scored six tries to secure a substantial away victory. St Helens are level on 22 points with Wigan in the table, with Wigan holding a higher position due to points difference. The match concluded with an injury concern for Bradford‘s Will Gardiner, who was stretchered off the field.
The Leigh Leopards also secured a win, defeating Toulouse 40-16. Josh Charnley was a key player, scoring four tries, including a hat-trick in the first half. Charnley, the league’s all-time record try-scorer, opened the scoring in the sixth minute. He added another try in the 14th minute from a pass by Lachlan Lam. Leigh extended their lead before half-time, with Adam Cook assisting Charnley for his 25th career hat-trick. Charnley then scored his 20th try of the season. Hooker Liam Horne also scored with five minutes left, bringing the Leopards within two points of the play-off positions.
Injury updates for Wigan
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet has provided updates on several players. Ethan Havard and Liam Marshall are both making progress in their rehabilitation. Marshall has been out since late April with a hamstring tear. He is currently in week eight of an anticipated 12-week recovery period. Havard fractured his jaw earlier this month but continued to play through the injury. He has undergone surgery, but a return date has not yet been set for the four-time England international.
Sam Walters, a versatile forward, is also unavailable due to a suspension rather than an injury. He received a seven-game ban following a red card in the Challenge Cup final. Walters has served three of these games and will miss upcoming Super League matches against Hull FC, St Helens (during Magic Weekend), Warrington Wolves, and Huddersfield Giants before he can return to play. Coach Peet noted that both Havard and Walters are working diligently in the gym.
Marshall is reported to be on track with his recovery, though he is still over a month away from returning to the team. If his rehabilitation proceeds as planned, he could be back when Wigan hosts St Helens on July 24. This date is also when Walters is expected to be available again after his suspension. The following week, Wigan is scheduled to play against Leigh Leopards.
Young player Noah Hodkinson has been filling in for Marshall on the wing, scoring 11 tries in seven appearances. The Super League has several key dates approaching, including Magic Weekend from July 4-July 5, and the Grand Final on October 3.
Source: skysports.com