Barrie McDermott says these fans “get on players’ backs”

On Friday night Wigan Warriors imploded against Leeds Rhinos.

Despite leading 14-6 against the Rhinos at the break who were a man down they lost 40-18.

It was a tough second half to watch from a Wigan perspective and Jon Wilkin summed it up perfectly as he said of their defence:

“Wigan have been physically dominated by Leeds. The Wigan players are shell shocked and they have been blitz into pieces

“Matt Peet will be devastated in their attitude, in their attitude to defending. Leeds have given them a lesson in how to run over their opponents.

“That is shocking.”

Barrie McDermott then had his say on the fans. He suggested that they can sometimes get on players’ backs: “When you are at Wigan’s DW Stadium, sometimes the crowd can get on the back of players. There is a nervous, pensive quietness.”

This was something re-emphasised by Sky Sports reporter Kyle Walker who said:

“Matt Peet’s frustration is shared by the Wigan fans. They are not happy as some turn to the exits.”

Bill Arthur meanwhile added: “In the second half they have just fallen apart.”

As Barrie McDermott claimed their performance would not sit well: “They have conceded five tries to 12 men and that never ever sits well.”