Wigan Warriors came from behind to just beat Hull FC in a draining game at the MKM Stadium.
After scoring 72 against York Knights last week, Wigan looked well off it but ultimately won 20-16 to move to third in Super League as Hull FC remain sat in 10th.
In a bizarre game that took well over two hours to complete, Lewis Martin gave Hull FC the lead after just eight minutes as he returned to the action. Zach Eckersley levelled the scored but a Harvey Barron try ensured Hull FC led at half time.
Noah Hodkinson and Adam Keighran scored either side of a Jed Cartwright try and a Keighran penalty levelled the scores with just over ten minutes to play, before Harry Smith saved the day and scored the winner to spare Wigan’s blushes and hand a cruel defeat to the Black and Whites.
It means Wigan’s winning run continues ahead of Magic but they’ve not come through unscathed and here are all the talking points from the fatiguing clash at the MKM Stadium.
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Hull FC and Wigan Warriors talking points
Smith saves Wigan’s blushes late on
For long periods of this very long game, it looked like Wigan Warriors were set to drop points in surprising fashion again, as they did against Huddersfield and against Castleford, however, they did just enough to stay in it before Harry Smith scored the winner with seven minutes to play.
Smith’s mammoth 40/20 had bought them the territory that saw Adam Keighran score his try to bring it within two points and whilst he was far from the levels that fellow England contender Jake Connor showed against Hull KR, he ultimately stepped up when it mattered.
In doing so, he helped Wigan move two points ahead of Hull KR with the Warriors’ unbeaten run now dating back to that game before the Challenge Cup Final when they rested the majority of their side.
Far too long
One of the strongest selling points of Super League historically is just how fast it is but that’s fast becoming a myth with more and more games going well beyond the two hour mark.
Today was the latest example of that and whilst there is clearly mitigation in that hydration breaks have understandably been introduced, there are so many areas where the game can and should be quicker.
Captain’s challenges and video referee reviews are obvious examples but the ruck speed was allowed to be so slow today with Liam Moore seemingly playing by the 2025 rules. All that added up to ensure the game finished at 5.11 pm, over 130 minutes after it started.
Hull FC set for huge test
After the devastation of losing today in a game that they should have won, Hull FC now head to Magic Weekend where they will relish the chance to bounce back against a Hull KR side who aren’t fully at it.
Andy Last’s side will certainly fancy their chances if they can simply stay more disciplined than they were today with the Black and Whites’ penalty count rising high in the second half and ultimately costing them.
Double injury blow for Wigan
The Warriors were able to name Bevan French as a starter for the first time he returned from his hamstring injury, however, their injury woes mounted quickly as both Liam Farrell and Luke Thompson left the field inside the first 15 minutes.
Farrell appeared to pick up a wrist injury when making a tackle and despite playing on, he left the field after Lewis Martin’s first try. The club captain was seen on the sideline in the second half with no strapping or ice on his wrist so there may be hope that any issue is not too severe.
What could be more severe is the ankle injury that Luke Thompson picked up as he was forced off after 15 minutes and by losing two of their senior pack men early, Wigan lost all sync with their interchange plan. That proved costly in the game but the actual injuries may prove even more costly in the weeks to come.
New contract needed
Hull FC have a host of players off-contract and whilst it will likely come down to Steve McNamara on who gets a new deal and who does not, the incoming Hull FC coach should be working to secure Tom Briscoe to a new deal.
The 36-year-old has an option for 2027 and based on his recent performances, the club should seriously consider taking it with the veteran winger playing in every game since round four, back in March.
Starting at centre today, he set up Harvey Barron’s try and then moved onto the wing when Harvey Barron left the field for his HIA. In the tough moments, he stood up, and that’s something that Hull FC must harness for 2027.
