Wigan Warriors ended a difficult week with a spirited 30-18 victory over Warrington Wolves, overcoming a 12-point deficit and a severe injury crisis to showcase the depth of their academy talent.
Online abuse incident and injury crisis
Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Friday that a 56-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated malicious communication offence after comments about Wigan star Junior Nsemba were made on social media during the Warriors' win over St Helens last week. Nsemba was unavailable for this game and watched from the stands alongside almost a dozen first-team regulars. Both teams had 20 players out with injury between them.
Wigan's academy graduates shine
Wigan's 17-man squad included 12 academy products, and four of them scored tries. Head coach Matt Peet labelled the victory "better than a final" given the circumstances. "We made it tough at times, Warrington made it very tough at times, and we did some things that made the game exciting, but tough kids and tough rugby league players are hard to beat and I'm very happy to coach them," Peet said. "They never know when they're beaten."
Match action: First half
Warrington led 12-6 at half-time thanks to a try and an assist from teenage half-back Ewan Irwin. Wigan's sole first-half try came from full-back Josh Cartwright, who only learned he was playing on the morning of the game after Jai Field became the latest injury victim. "We're very lucky to have him," Peet said of Cartwright.
Second half comeback
Taylor Kerr's try shortly after half-time levelled the scores at 12-12. Irwin nudged Warrington back ahead with a penalty, but Zach Eckersley's try put Wigan ahead for the first time. Matty Ashton's instinctive finish briefly levelled the scores again, but three minutes later Kian McDermott scored his first Wigan try, cutting through on the angle and pushing off weak defending.
Crucial defensive moment and sealing try
Warrington thought they had scored again when Irwin came close before an unbelievable tackle from Cartwright denied him. Two minutes later, Austin Daniel scored his first senior try with a magnificent finish to seal the win, leaving Peet punching the air. "There were a couple of moments from both sides in both halves, and it's a game we let go," Warrington coach Sam Burgess said. "We had control of it but poor discipline cost us. You give champion sides like Wigan too many opportunities and they'll make you pay."
