Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has explained the decision to start 17-year-old half-back George Marsden in today’s victory over Bradford Bulls.
Marsden played a starring role in what was Wigan’s first win in five league matches.
He didn’t get on the scoresheet, but he had a hand in a number of the Warriors’ seven tries, including a lovely assist to the assister, whereby his cut-out ball found Noah Hodkinson on the flank, who in turn sent Jai Field away for his second of the afternoon.
Marsden partnered Jack Farrimond, 20, in the six and seven spots, in what was Wigan’s youngest spine pairing in over 40 years.
The youngster grew into the game, and after a start that included little touches, he began to find himself on the ball more, and by the end of the tie was dictating the team around the field like he was a seasonsed pro.
Peet has revealed when the decision to start Marsden was made, and when he gave him the news, in what would no doubt have been one of the proudest moments in his young career so far.
He said: “Last weekend, actually, I was sat in the coaching room, sulking off the back of the Warrington game.
“Just in discussion, particularly with Paul Deacon and Tommy Leuluai [assistant coaches], and they tossed his name up.
“I went to watch him the reserve game last weekend and just listening to the way he was directing the team around, we made the decision to go in that way and we told him early in the week.
“I think Tommy and ‘Deacs’ [Deacon] have done a fantastic job with him, blending him in this week, giving him confidence and clarity and ultimately he had to deliver.”
Bringing Marsden in allowed other Wigan players to return to their natural positions, with Adam Keighran going back to the centres and Liam Farrell back playing in the back row.
As a result, Peet felt his side were more polished in attack after weeks of poor execution.
He said: “Maybe I’ve been a little bit defensive in some of my team selections in recent weeks and to see our edges playing in the best positions, I thought we looked a bit more fluent.”
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