Huddersfield Giants 12-14 Wigan Warriors: Talking points and player ratings

Tonight Wigan Warriors edged Huddersfield Giants in a game that highlighted the short comings of both sides at present.

Talking Points:

Two top teams not yet at their best
This was two of last year’s top three and at the start of the year the two teams tipped by most at being the most likely to dethrone St Helens. There was glimpses tonight of what they can do and their respective styles but early in the season there are some creases they need to iron out.

Why Huddersfield need Jake Connor
Huddersfield are clearly a very good side based on last year and their overall play in 2023 but it is clear that they need their new signing to come in and set the world on fire as again tonight their inability to score points proved costly.

Wigan goal kicking
On the other side of things Wigan’s inability to turn tries into six points was nearly costly for them. This is something that needs to improve because at the top it is the difference between winning and losing.

Wigan ill-discipline
As can be penalties. The fact that six of Huddersfield’s points tonight came from penalties emphasises a touch if ill-discipline in the Warriors side tonight.

Wild ruck
As you might expect between two top teams the ruck was quite wild tonight with quick play the balls and a desperation to stop them. This only highlighted the persistent confusion around the six again rule as the 5,577 fans often felt hard done by.

Field and French the difference
With no Jake Connor to provide the magic for Huddersfield, Bevan French came up with a game winning try and the duo also linked up masterfully in the second half to often swing the game’s momentum back their way.

Player Ratings:

Huddersfield Giants
6 Tui Lolohea – 6
5 Jake Bibby – 6
4 Kevin Naiqama – 7
3 Esan Marsters – 8
21 Leroy Cudjoe – 6
23 Olly Russell – 7
32 Will Pryce – 7
8 Chris Hill – 7
9 Nathan Peats – 7
20 Oliver Wilson – 8
11 Josh Jones – 7
12 Chris McQueen – 8
13 Luke Yates – 8
Substitutes
14 Ashton Golding – 7
27 Jack Ashworth – 8
18 Seb Ikahihifo – 8
16 Harry Rushton – 6

Wigan Warriors
1 Jai Field – 8
2 Bevan French – 8
3 Toby King – 7
4 Jake Wardle – 7
5 Liam Marshall – 7
6 Cade Cust – 7
7 Harry Smith – 7
14 Mike Cooper – 7
9 Sam Powell – 7
10 Liam Byrne – 7
11 Willie Isa – 8
12 Liam Farrell – 8
13 Morgan Smithies – 7
Substitutes
15 Kaide Ellis – 7
16 Ethan Havard – 7
17 Kai Pearce-Paul – 7
20 Patrick Mago – 7