Wigan Warriors have claimed their first league win in five after a 38-14 win over Bradford Bulls.

The Warriors proved too strong for a depleted Bulls side, who could have picked up a couple of other concerns this afternoon.

They were by no means at their best, as they haven’t been for most of the season, but it’s a good building block ahead of their Challenge Cup semi-final game against St Helens.

Bradford, who crossed twice through Ethan Ryan and once from Zac Fulton, head into the break with five straight losses, and the 14-day lay-off will give Kurt Haggerty a chance to rest and recover ahead of games against Hull FC and Warrington Wolves.

Wigan Warriors v Bradford Bulls talking points

Back to winning ways:

After four straight league defeats, Matt Peet’s side re-entered the winning circle, thanks to a seven-try performance.

The boss made changes to the side that lost to Warrington last time out, and it paid off with the home side putting in a much needed performance ahead of such a big game next week.

Liam Marshall’s replacement, Noah Hodkinson, crossed for a hat-trick, whilst Jai Field scored two of his own.

Liam Farrell returned to his natural position of back-row, whilst Adam Keighran returned to the centre after playing the last two in the halves.

Warriors had two debutants, with George Marsden playing in the halves and Josh Cartwright featuring off the bench.

Wigan’s half-back record:

With Marsden partnering Jack Farrimond in the halves this afternoon, it meant that Wigan fielded their youngest half-back pairing for 41 years.

The pair have a combined age of 38 years and four months, which is younger than Leeds Rhinos winger Ryan Hall!

Marsden, on Super League debut, set up some nice plays, with his cut-out pass setting Hodkinson free, who then gave the ball back inside to Field for his second.

Farrimond, 20, took control of the game and his kicking from deep played a big part in Wigan winning the territory battle in the first half.

His second half kick over the top to send Hodkinson in for his second was a thing of beauty, and was one of his many involvements in the game.

Field finds his feet:

After a disappointing few games since his return, Wigan star Jai Field has an improved performance compared to the last few weeks.

Breaking from deep, his first try saw him pass the ball out to Adam Keighran who made a line-break, before he was able to catch up to his teammate and receive a pass back on the inside to convert.

Field is one of many Warriors players to have been disappointing in the past few games, but the Australian has started to hit form at the perfect time, with a Challenge Cup semi-final just a week away.#

His efforts were by no means to the standard of his electric best, with far too many errors limiting his game, but if he can keep on the upwards trajectory, Wigan will no doubt improve.

Warriors’ thriving academy:

We’ve mentioned the success of Marsden, Farrimond and Hodkinson already, but they are just some of the homegrown products the Cherry and Whites had on show.

Cartwright was another who made his debut, coming from the bench as Peet opted to use all 17 players this week.

Zach Eckersley was impressive as ever on the wing, whilst pack men Ethan Havard and Junior Nsemba helped set the tone in the middle of the field.

Hooker Brad O’Neill crossed for a try, whilst Oli Partington was another who made his presence felt in the middle of the field.

Wigan are renowned for their academy, and with 10 of the 17 players today all coming through their system, it was another game that highlighted how prosperous their youth development has been.

Bulls injury concerns:

Kurt Haggerty’s side were already well down on troops this week, and whilst no player came off the field due to injury, they still left Wigan with some concerns.

Zac Fulton looked to suffer a collarbone injury, but he managed to stay on for the full 80, whilst Ed Chamberlain looked to be in significant pain with a knee issue.

The Challenge Cup break will help Bradford recover, and a two-week break could see them bring back some much-needed bodies.