‘The biggest game of the season ruined’ – How social media reacted to Wigan’s win over Leeds

In a pulsating and physical game, Wigan Warriors defeated a valiant yet injury hit Leeds team at Emerald Headingley Stadium. Zak Hardaker and Jackson Hastings were brilliant. Meanwhile the young Rhinos produced a stellar effort.

But enough of how I saw the game. Let’s look at how social media reacted.

Unsurprisingly, Hardaker received plenty of attention online. The former Rhino, who claimed the Man of Steel whilst at Leeds, continued his brilliant form staking a claim for both the Wigan fullback spot and the England number 1 jersey.

https://twitter.com/Suareyyy/status/1382776492447399949

Zak Hardaker with a glorious try, Leeds defence has been really good considering the absentees.#SLLEEWIG

— Phil Rogers 👹🐯👹🐯 (@philisared) April 15, 2021

Zak Hardaker's pretty good at this full-back lark, eh?! https://t.co/q4mK98fk6a

— Phil Wilkinson (@PWilkinsonWIG) April 15, 2021

Jake Connor is a great player, but he's played barely 25 games at full back.

Just don't see how he can be in any discussion with Sam Tomkins and Zak Hardaker for England number one shirt.

As a utility bench option, sure…

— James Gordon (@jdgsport) April 15, 2021

His superb solo try caught a lot of attention too.

https://twitter.com/thedaveriley/status/1382776857213468674

That was so good from Zak Hardaker 🔥 #SLLEEWIG

— Thomas Stirk (@TomStirk1992) April 15, 2021

Unfortunately for him so did his hair.

Has Zak Hardaker had a hair transplant? #wiganWarriors #LEEWIG

— Will (@WillAmos13) April 15, 2021

A few other Warriors stood out such as Liam Farrell and Jackson Hastings as Wigan’s big players proved to be the difference.

Liam Farrell's pretty good at this centre lark, eh?!

— Phil Wilkinson (@PWilkinsonWIG) April 15, 2021

https://twitter.com/joebradley97/status/1382791920972398598

What a joy to watch Jackson Hastings is 🏉

Some player

— Chaz (@ChazHKR1) April 15, 2021

One of Leeds’ big players, the debuting Kyle Eastmond, unsurprisingly stirred up a lot of discussion as well. It was agreed he had a quiet debut but showed a few glimpses to get Leeds excited about the future.

Give Eastmond until June / July to get up to speed & he'll be devastating. His defence was brilliant & his kicking was very good.

— Alan Thompson (@thombo1987) April 15, 2021

Despite being on the wrong end of the score line, there were plenty of positives for Leeds fans as the youngsters shone and their makeshift team put in a great effort.

Disappointed to lose again? Of course. Concerned? Not at all.

Seen enough in these displays to suggest we've got the character and steel to go up against any team, it's just we're understandably lacking quality right now. So I'll say it again- get a few back and we'll be fine.

— Leeds Rhinos Newsroom (@RhinosNewsroom) April 15, 2021

Fully deserved win for Wigan. Some good efforts from the boys. Oledzki outstanding. Leeming, Smith and Prior very good.

— Steven Hodgson 💙💛 (@86Hodgson) April 15, 2021

Unfortunately, it wasn’t too positive for viewers as plenty of people complained about being unable to differentiate between the two kits as Wigan wore their third kit for the first time this year.

The biggest game of the season so far @leedsrhinos v @WiganWarriorsRL ruined by an unnecessary kit clash. Really frustrating how something so simple can be authorised at @SuperLeague – Leeds should change to their white kit at half-time. #shambles #SLLEEWIG #RugbyLeague pic.twitter.com/6M9QseLkTq

— Danny Reuben (@dannyreuben) April 15, 2021

However, it was a brilliant spectacle and perhaps one of the games of the season so far. And it was adorned by the wonderful gesture of former Rhino Brad Singleton who boasted the Motor Neurone Disease Association logo on his shirt which is due to be raffled to raise money for the charity in the name of his former teammate Rob Burrow.

Love how much every single team is getting behind the @mndassoc 👏👏 big one coming in August. @derek_beaumont @leedsrhinos @LeighCenturions 👌👌

— Rhinos Faithful 💙💛 (@RhinosFaithful) April 15, 2021