Wigan Warriors win in first game under new coach Matt Peet – talking points
Wigan Warriors opened their new era under head coach Matt Peet with a 24-10 victory over Hull KR at Craven Park.
Man of the match Jai Field impressed at full-back as Wigan got their 2022 campaign under way with a victory.
There were four debutants for Tony Smith’s side. Lachlan Coote made his official debut for Hull KR at full-back.
Sam Wood was named on the wing. Both Frankie Halton and Greg Richards started the game on the bench.
2022 Steve Prescott Man of Steel favourite Cade Cust made his debut in the halves, named alongside Thomas Leuluai. Kaide Ellis also started at prop.
Patrick Mago made his debut from the bench, while Kai Pearce-Paul was named in the centres with Zak Hardaker on the bench.
Jake Bibby scored the opening try of the game on nine minutes. Wood couldn’t collect a kick to the corner by Cust, and the Wigan winger collected the loose ball to give his side a 4-0 lead.
Field was handed kicking duties, and converted from wide for a 6-0 lead.
Iain Thornley left the field after the try with a leg injury.
Mikey Lewis took his fine form from 2021 into the new season. The talented youngster crossed for KR’s response on 17 minutes.
It was Jordan Abdull who took kicking duties for KR, despite the recruitment of Coote. He couldn’t slot the first attempt, however.
Jai Field shines for Wigan Warriors
Wigan displayed a bit of magic with a try straight from the scrum to extend their lead on 25 minutes. Cust kicked from the scrum with Jai Field winning the race to score for a 10-4 score.
Liam Marshall went the full distance on 34 minutes to give his side a 14-4 lead.
Another mistake at the back was capitalised by Bibby for his second, who gave his side a 18-4 score at the break.
HT: Hull KR 4-18 Wigan
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Marshall scored a brace on the hour mark. Beautiful hands from the back-line saw the winger cross in the corner untouched for a 22-4 score.
Matt Parcell scored a late consolation try on 74 minutes for the hosts. He picked up a kick from Coote to go over. Abdull converting for a full-time score of 24-10 score.
FT: Hull KR 10-24 Wigan
Hull KR: Coote, Wood, Takairangi, Kenny-Dowall, Hall, Lewis, Abdull, Vete, Litten, King, Linnett, Storton, Sims.
Bench: Parcell, Keinhorst, Richards, Halton.
Tries: Lewis
Goals: Abdull 1
Wigan Warriors: Field, Marshall, Pearce-Paul, Thornley, Bibby, Cust, Leuluai, Singleton, Powell, Ellis, Farrell, Bateman, Isa.
Bench: Hardaker, Mago, Smithies, Byrne.
Tries: Bibby (2), Field, Marshall (2)
Goals: Field 1, Hardaker 1
Three talking points
Kicking practise
From the two televised games we’ve witnessed so far, it looks like lots of kicking practise is needed.
Lewis Dodd managed two conversions in St Helens’ win over Catalans. Tommy Makinson also missed on his only attempt.
Field managed just one conversion.
Hardaker took over kicking duties and converted his only attempt.
Wigan showing speed
The Wigan backs got to show off their speed in their opening game of 2022.
Full-back Field scored his first of the season thanks to a kick from the scrum. The former NRL utility out-raced the defence to get to the ball first.
Winger Marshall was next to go from one end to the other. He extended the side’s lead in the first half with some great speed.
Selection headaches for Peet
Wigan boss Peet will have a selection headache once regular full-back Bevan French returns to his side.
Field, who struggled with injuries in his debut year, impressed against Hull KR.
With Leuluai, Cust and Harry Smith options in the halves and French and Field in the mix for full-back, Peet will have some tough choices in 2022.
READ MORE: St Helens beat Catalans in fiery season opener – talking points