Wigan 22-12 Castleford: Player ratings and three major talking points

Wigan were able to overcome a stubborn Castleford side by 22-12, but what were the three major talking points and how did the players rate?

Three major talking points

1. These two sides will meet again in the play-offs

It was a real arm-wrestle between Wigan and Castleford before the Warriors finally secured the game with three minutes left, but the Tigers showed enough to suggest that they will be there or thereabouts at the end of the year.

2. Jackson Hastings is playing without pressure

The news that Jackson Hastings will be returning to Australia at the end of the year seems to have motivated the halfback to an even greater level than before. He kicked Castleford to death and enjoyed a number of darting and dangerous runs.

3. Jordan Turner could be the signing of the season

The former Huddersfield utility man has injected some crazy new life into his career at the Jungle and, taking the place of Gareth O’Brien in the halves, Jordan Turner put in another steely performance and was arguably the Tigers’ best player.

Wigan Warriors
3. Zak Hardaker – 9
22. Jake Bibby – 7
11. Willie Isa – 7
12. Liam Farrell – 8
1. Bevan French – 8
31. Jackson Hastings – 9
20. Harry Smith – 8
17. Tony Clubb – 6
9. Sam Powell – 7
8. Brad Singleton – 6
15. Morgan Smithies – 7
13. John Bateman – 7
14. Oliver Partington – 6
Substitutes
10. Joe Bullock – 7
19. Liam Byrne – 6
21. Ethan Havard – 7
25. Joe Shorrocks – 6

Castleford Tigers
1. Niall Evalds – 7
2. Derrell Olpherts – 8
3. Peter Mata’utia – 7
4. Michael Shenton – 6
23. Greg Eden – 6
6. Jake Trueman – 7
25. Jordan Turner – 8
8. Liam Watts – 8
9. Paul McShane – 8
19. Tyla Hepi – 8
11. Oliver Holmes – 6
12. Cheyse Blair – 7
14. Nathan Massey – 6
Substitutes
10. Grant Millington – 7
13. Adam Milner – 7
26. Lewis Bienek – 6
28. Brad Martin – 6