Wigan Warriors have earned their third consecutive win after hammering Wakefield Trinity 48-10.
Winger Noah Hodkinson scored four, whilst skipper Liam Farrell dotted down twice. Zach Eckerlsey, Jake Wardle and Oliver Partington also got on the scoresheet.
Trinity would score early on before a penalty goal levelled the scores at 6-6. However, they were by far second best this evening, with their only other points coming from a Tom Johnstone consolation try.
It wasn’t all good news for the Warriors, with concerns over Jack Farrimond, who left the field through injury. In what is a positive for them though, Bevan French returned to Super League action and got through the final 30 minutes unscathed.
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Wakefield Trinity v Wigan Warriors Talking Points
Wigan send ruthless message:
In what is a third straight victory, Wigan have again proved why they are one of the best teams in the competition, despite what the league table may suggest.
After being clinical from minute one to minute 80, Matt Peet’s men sent a statement to the rest of Super League, showing everyone they are a force to be reckoned with in 2026.
They may have lost to the bottom two teams in the league at home, but that won’t matter come September. It will be performances like this one, against a top four rival, that fans will remember as they continue their quest for more silverware this season.
Fatigue could have easily been their downfall in this game, but Wigan look as fresh as ever, with their pack setting the tone before playmakers Farrimond, Field and Smith all strut their stuff in attack.
Another defeat to play-off rival:
Whilst Wigan were dominant, it was a worrying night for Trinity, who again couldn’t come up with the goods against a fellow top six contender.
In league and cup, Wakefield have now lost five games out of seven against teams in the current top six, with wins coming against Leeds in the cup and Hull KR last week.
Trinity look so close to being able to compete with the best, but tonight is yet another night that falls away from them.
Four for Noah:
Youngster Noah Hodkinson had the game of his life on the left wing, crossing for four of the nine Wigan tries.
Capitalising on some excellent play from his teammates, the speedster still had plenty to do for all his tries, using strength and footwork to topple his opposite number Jayden Myers and Will Tate.
Primarily a full-back, Hodkinson has slotted into the wing role seamlessly in the absence of Liam Marshall, with Wigan again profiting from their illustrious academy.
Lethal Nsemba:
After a stellar effort in Paris, back rower Junior Nsemba produced another sublime display, and did so from the very first minute. With his opening carry, he was able to sit down Jack Sinfield, in what would turn out to be the first incident in a tough night defensively for the half-back.
With strong plays in both attack and defence, Nsemba was able to leave two defenders on the ground before offloading to Jai Field, which in turn set up Noah Hodkinson’s first try. He would then produce a great long pass out to the winger for his second try of the evening, both of which came in the first half.
The 21-year-old said to Sky Sports last week that he wants to improve his passing game, and after watching him this evening it’s clear he’s been working on that in training.
Injury concern:
Wakefield were dealt an injury blow in this game with Jayden Myers not returning for the second half due to what looked to be a shoulder issue. Luckily for Daryl Powell’s side, they had Will Tate on the bench, meaning there was a like-for-like replacement ready in waiting.
Myers missed last week’s win over Hull KR, and this evening’s game was his ninth of the campaign. He has scored five tries.
As mentioned, Farrimond also left the field in the win, though it is unknown what his issue is at the time of writing.