Which is what I've said all along.

I thought we’d get dicked in this half considering half of these lads haven’t played since Feb/March and we’ve been down a sub most of the game.

Kilner should be in the squad on Saturday the lads a unit

Leeds are doing the same tomorrow you know

3 good carries then zero tenacity whatsoever...young lads running their blood to water, he’s disinterested after being hit hard a couple of times.

All four teams have, to be expected

Clark has been really good for us tonight.

I think we missed the experience of Joe Shorrocks.

All things considered I’m quite pleased with that. It’s a shame we went down to 12 in the first half, it was harsh but I get the decision.



Bullock was good, I don’t think he did too many minutes so hopefully he will be in contention for the semi. Kilmer looks a good prospect as does Pearce-Paul.



The kids did well overall, Hanley had to cope with a lot of pressure, I thought he did ok, it was good to see him trying the grubbed through near the end, shows he has the confidence to have a go.



I said to the Mrs they should be embarrassed if they don’t make 50, maybe that’s harsh but I stand by it. Shame we couldn’t pick up a try near the end.

Really enjoyed that to be honest.



Great to see the quality of the youngsters on both sides but particularly Wigan.



Kilner and Paul look very promising.



Only negative for me was Smiths decision making at times on the last plays. At times he put in some cracking kicks but at others we just seemed to lack conviction.

When Smith did come up with the right plays we contained Saints reasonably well.



Hankinson I think also did enough to get a look in for the main 17 in the coming rounds. Thought he was fantastic.

Should have gone for a drop goal at the end

Thought he struggled his backside off tbh because he’s just not fit enough. He was having a breather in back play at the end of a lot of sets and whilst he wants to get in the contest, his body just isn’t letting him. I do t know what the answer is because he doesn’t look able to carry more weight but he’s lost a lot already and still looks unfit. He’s very Taulima Tautai esq in how he goes about things.



As for the rest, I thought it was a fair effort. If there are a couple of forward spots up for grabs for Saturday, then Greenwood and Bullock walked them. Ben Flower is sadly done. He can hardly drag his body off the ground to play the ball and after them letting sentiment rule rational thinking on Clubb last year, they can’t make the same mistake again. Liam Byrne has had probably his two worst Wigan performances in his last game before Covid and his first back tonight. I’d say it’s no coincidence he’s looked off the pace. I think he’s a superb young player but too much of a risk for Saturday.



The kids were very good in the main. Hanley won’t need to field 12-15 bombs in a usual first team game, playing alongside more experience and his bravery to keep coming back was a great sign. I thought McDonnell got better as the game went on playing out of position, Kilner brought what I hoped he’d bring and Pearce Paul looks a prime athlete and an excellent prospect. Harry Rushton did ok but probably not quite as well as I expected because I think he’s a cracking young player and Sam Halsall did ok. I’ve never been massively impressed with Halsall in the academy tbh, I think he just looks ok but not much more.



All in all a positive night.