Wigan came up with a shock victory last night to leave question marks over Catalans’ title credentials whilst enhancing their own. The Warriors ended the regular campaign with a 12-8 triumph over the Dragons in what was the perfect preparation for the visit of Leeds in next week’s knockout clash.
Unsurprisingly, we all want to talk about the result and the performances but it’s important to remember the good Wigan did last night in dedicating the game to keyworkers who helped the country to no end during the height of the pandemic.
Cracking night at the rugby 🏉 last night, thank you wigan warriors for our free keyworkers tickets @WiganWarriorsRL #nhs #farmers #rugby great win and all the best for the playoffs pic.twitter.com/KbOjnTgPxV
— Leeanne Sumner (she/her) (@LNesmejanow) September 18, 2021
Keyworkers are undoubtedly the unsung heroes of our country, and the same could be said of James McDonnell. The youngster hasn’t featured all that much recently due to his loan spell at York but impressed last night and crossed for an excellent try.
@WiganWarriorsRL
Where has this guy been ??@JamesMc____ #WWRL 🍒⚪ #NeverGonnaStop #Wigan #WiganWarriors https://t.co/cNeG0UtxrF— Steve Langton (@langton301) September 18, 2021
enjoyed that rugby last neet. James Mcdonnell is class, proper unit, good work rate, got stuck in all game and deserved that try. Love it!!!!
— Mike (@Michael59644375) September 18, 2021
It was his first try for the Warriors and he himself took to Twitter to say he hopes to score many more.
And hopefully not my last 😂 https://t.co/r9xuEAc5Df
— James McDonnell (@JamesMc____) September 17, 2021
He was delighted as were the Wigan faithful.
It has been a long time coming!!
— beverleymarie (@beverleyjoyce59) September 18, 2021
Perhaps the Warriors are peeking at just the right time. After all some believed it was a season-best performance.
Best performance of the season, Great atmosphere in the DW.
— Eathy (@Eathy1) September 18, 2021
The win was not only an important step in the right direction for the Warriors but it was an emotional one too as the likes of Jackson Hastings said goodbye.
Thankyou for accepting me, supporting me & singing my name. I’m honestly so grateful. @WiganWarriorsRL pic.twitter.com/etAu33T3jE
— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) September 17, 2021
Meanwhile some supporters showed concern over Catalans’ recent form. Worryingly for the Dragons, they lost their second consecutive game on the back of a shoddy (at least for 75 minutes) yet heroic win at the Magic Weekend. Some people are starting to doubt their Grand Final credentials.
Calling it now, Catalans don't even make the Grand Final
— Jimmy Farrell (@JimmyOurThing) September 17, 2021
Meanwhile, it seems Wigan fans are very confident that they’ll be at Old Trafford. One fan even wanted to book his tickets there and then.
Hi @SuperLeague, id like a ticket in the Wigan end for the Grand Final please! 🍒⚪️ https://t.co/yFPxrls374
— Andy (@Andy_TheGrouch) September 17, 2021