Wigan Warriors 20-0 Salford Red Devils: Highlights, player ratings & talking points

Wigan Warriors took on Salford Red Devils tonight at the DW Stadium in the first game of the Challenge Cup Sixth Round.

The Warriors had Jake Bibby back in their side whilst Joe Shorrocks also came onto the bench. Meanwhile, Ken Sio, Shane Wright and Greg Burke all dropped out for Salford through injury.

Wigan were by far the better team, putting 20 points on the Red Devils without reply, running out 20-0 winners

Highlights

Joe Burgess going up against Zak Hardaker was a great battle.

Talking points

1. Tommy the tackler

How good is Tommy Leuluai in defence? He is known as a general, commanding Wigan around the field but how good is he in defence? On numerous occasions, the halfback folded one of the Salford men in half. However, he may well have a case to answer to after tackling James Greenwood in an unorthodox fashion.

2. Wigan’s defence

Their defence at times this season hasn’t been cracking, but Wigan fronted up expertly tonight, keeping Salford out on numerous occasions. That steel will have pleased head coach Matty Peet considerably.

3. Bateman to the rescue

John Bateman had to shift to centre following the departure of Kai Pearce-Paul to injury. But, he was the man of the match by quite a long way, putting in a massive shift and completely shutting out his opposite number Tim Lafai.

4. Salford’s errors

Salford’s completion rate was utterly dire – especially in the first-half – and the amount of errors they made hurt their chances considerably. Too many times an offload didn’t stick or a kick went wayward and that was the story of the Red Devils’ night.

Player ratings

Wigan Warriors

23 Jai Field – 7
3 Zak Hardaker – 8
21 Kai Pearce-Paul – 6
2 Jake Bibby – 7
5 Liam Marshall – 7
6 Cade Cust – 8
7 Tommy Leuluai – 8
14 Morgan Smithies – 7
9 Sam Powell – 8
20 Liam Byrne – 8
12 Liam Farrell – 8
13 John Bateman – 9
11 Willie Isa – 8
Substitutes
10 Patrick Mago – 8
17 Oliver Partington – 7
19 Ethan Havard – 7
22 Joe Shorrocks

Salford Red Devils

1 Ryan Brierley – 7
22 Rhys Williams – 7
28 Deon Cross – 7
4 Tim Lafai – 6
5 Joe Burgess – 7
6 Brodie Croft – 8
7 Marc Sneyd – 6
19 Jack Ormondroyd – 6
9 Andy Ackers – 7
20 Jack Wells – 6
16 Ryan Lannon – 5
12 James Greenwood – 6
13 Elijah Taylor – 6
Substitutes
15 King Vuniyayawa – 7
18 Chris Atkin
21 Josh Johnson – 6
29 Alex Gerrard – 5