Wigan Warriors hammered Leeds Rhinos at Headingley this afternoon as they put up a half century winning 50-0 and ending any hopes of playoffs for the Rhinos, whilst solidifying Wigan’s push for the League Leaders Shield.
The Warriors went in at half time 22-0 up following two tries by Jake Wardle and one for each of Jai Field and Liam Marshall.
Wigan were particularly potent when attacking the Rhinos right hand side with all the scoring coming down that side.
As for the second half it was a torrid start for the Rhinos when they conceded with 90 seconds of the hooter going.
Kai Pearce-Paul made a brilliant effort to charge down Luke Hooley’s kick, which was scooped up by Morgan Smithies who was then supported by Pearce-Paul with the second rower able to run it in from 30 metres out.
Jake Wardle completed his hattrick, Abbas Miski continued his rich vein of form whilst forwards Patrick Mago and Liam Farrell both also managed to get on the scoresheet as Wigan put up 50 on Leeds.
Understandably it caused huge upset from the fans with chants in the ground including the claim ‘you’re not fit to wear the shirt’
Equally the reaction on social media was very negative with fans upset and frustrated at the heavy loss and way in which another season has ended.
The supporters don't deserve this, serious action is needed.
— Dan (@CuppaBrew) September 9, 2023
‘Serious action’ was called for.
Absolutely disgraceful, no effort whatsoever this afternoon
I’ve been hopeful and positive this season but after that I don’t know where we go
Our signings next season are up to scratch🙈— Ellie Simpson- Primary Care Nurse💙 (@ellsfaye) September 9, 2023
Effort was also questioned.
Smith masterclass! Good thing we got rid of Austin
— James Pearson (@JamesPearson25) September 9, 2023
Some questioned what it could have been should they have had Blake Austin.
Hetherington please go you're after destroying this once proud successful club and won't improve whilst he's here. This is all on you. Disgraceful season for a club of this stature
— Alan Thompson (@thombo1987) September 9, 2023
There was questions of Chief Executive Gary Hetherington as well as Head Coach Rohan Smith.
You have to start wondering where do we go from this?
What does the club do to go forward?!
🤷♂️
— LoinersView (@loinersview) September 9, 2023
What next was a major question as well.
That is a desparately poor performance from Leeds. Rohan Smith won't survive that.
— Sid (@Sidneykidney4) September 9, 2023
It was suggested that it could be the end for Rohan Smith now.
Sharpe and ruthless Wigan side.
Young and lacking direction Leeds side.
— John Bateman (@johnbateman1) September 9, 2023
Former Wigan man John Bateman summed it up best perhaps.
Meanwhile Rohan Smith said on Sky Sports:
“We weren’t good enough with possession and got beaten to the bouncing ball and were put on the back foot.
“We had a lot of young players today and it is very difficult to play against a red hot team like that.
“It will be tough to get back up from that. We have to focus on the next two fixtures.”
Asked about the club’s play off hopes, Smith said: “I’d imagine it is over. I’ve not had a look yet.
He did say the Rhinos were good in some areas:
“We’ve done a lot of decent things today, we actually defended Field and French really well today.
“They’re a good team at full strength and we’re not.
“When you build something you have to expect some suffering.
“We have had a lot of challenges this year and we have tackled them really well.
“There is always things and need to change no matter where you are. We are going to have a different roster, Round One next year will look a lot different.
“We have backed a lot of players to improve and they will do.
“You have to front up to that.”
He also spoke about the fans: “The fans have been unbelievable through the highs and lows. Many of them were still cheering at the end and respecting the effort.
“The fans know what is going on and the transition going on.
“But there is a lot to do and it will take some time.”
