Wigan and Hull trips to hold them in good stead for season
When we get to the end of the season, it may be that the past fortnight holds the key to the respective successes of Wigan and Hull in 2018.
The two Super League sides have been Down Under where they played the first ever game in the competition outside of Europe, with the Warriors taking the two points.
But it is the magnitude of the trip, the togetherness and team bonding elements that may provide the Airlie Birds and Wigan with the strength to see them over the line come the action end of the season.
Hull coach Lee Radford told the club’s official website: “We definitely would like come back to Australia.
“We didn’t have a pre-season camp this year, but this has done well in it’s place. It has helped the lads bond a lot.
“I’d personally like to thank the support. It’s been phenomenal, and hopefully we can repay the fans this season. They’re our die-hard supporters, and they’re always there for us.”
As well as the Super League game against each other, the two sides took part in a double header exhibition against NRL sides St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday.
Hull went down 24-18 to the Dragons, who used to be coached by Warrington’s new boss, Steve Price.
Price said: “It gives them experience of a different climate and a big occasion.
“It can have its positives in terms of togetherness and going to another part of the world together.”
Price might be hoping that Wigan struggle to recover from jet lag on their return to the UK, given that they host the Warriors this Friday.
Hull, meanwhile, travel to Castleford on Saturday afternoon for a game that is also live on Sky Sports, followed by Catalans against Wakefield.
For Wigan coach Shaun Wane, he already had Friday’s match in mind, resting some of his star men in the second half of their 18-8 loss to Souths.
Wane told the club’s official website: “The main priority of coming here (as a team) was to get two points and we did that by beating Hull. When that was finished we move on to this game but we’ve got a big game against Warrington on Friday to try and get two points
“The players have loved the whole experience. The Australian people and media have treated us really respectfully. It’s very much appreciated.”
“I’d rather come for longer! I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s been an unbelievable experience for all of the players and staff.
“I’d love to come back here, the venues that we’ve trained at have been superb, the hotels, the pitches, the welcome that we’ve had- you can’t fault it. I’m just disappointed we couldn’t share a beer in the changing rooms after two wins.”