Super League side face five consecutive away games due to pitch

Wigan Warriors suffered a very disappointing defeat to Leeds Rhinos on Friday night.

The Warriors stormed 14-0 ahead early and despite a Harry Newman intercept try, the Warriors were in pole position to win the game when Zane Tetevano was sent off for a late hit on Harry Newman which was deemed to have made contact with Smith’s head.

Wigan were cruising but in the second half the unthinkable happened. Tries from Tom Holroyd and RIchie Myler put Leeds ahead before the Warriors struck back through Iain Thornley which levelled the scored.

But it was Leeds who finished stronger with tries from Newman, Rhyse Martin, Cameron Smith and Liam Tindall to wrap up a 40-18 win.

Making matters worse for Wigan fans is this home defeat will be their last memory of playing at home for some time as they face a long run of away fixtures starting now with their pitch being dug up after Wigan Athletics’ disappointing season in the EFL Championship concluded.

As Bill Arthur said on Sky Sports:

“Bevan French better enjoy it because it will be the last time he will be playing on it until the end of June Wigan because they are going to dig it up all up on Monday. After tonight’s game the diggers move in.”

But there was little to enjoy in the end for French, his teammates and their fans.

Their next home game isn’t until the end of June against Huddersfield Giants.

Next week their run of five away games in a row starts in the Challenge Cup away at Leeds Rhinos and also includes a trip to Newcastle for the Magic Weekend against Catalans Dragons.