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Wigan Warriors coach speaks after being outplayed by Wakefield Trinity

Wigan Warriors Kris Radlinski Matt Peet

As the game between Wigan Warriors and Wakefield Trinity at Belle Vue was abandoned after 63 minutes, Super League Champions Wigan trailed 22-12.

This was despite giving debuts to star signings like Krusie Leeming, Sam Walters and former NRL star and St Helens Grand Final winner Luke Thompson.

Wigan also had key first teamers like Jake Wardle and Kaide Ellis involved in the game. Wigan started strong with Walters, playing in the back-row, producing a lovely assist for Jack Douglas to open the scoring.

But two tries from Jermaine McGillvary and one for Renouf Atoni gave Wakefield a 16-6 halftime lead. Ryan Hampshire created a terrific try for Wigan on his old stomping ground but McGillvary completed his hat-trick to make it 22-12.

Wigan Warriors coach addresses performance

Wakefield Trinity v Wigan Warriors Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com – 07/07/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League – Wakefield Trinity v Wigan Warriors – Be Well Support Stadium, Wakefield, England – Wakefields Lee Kershaw is tackled by Wigans Joe Shorrocks Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxOllyxHassell/SWpix.comx SWP-2133-0048

When asked about the selected squad for the clash, Wigan Warriors assistant coach Sean O’Loughlin said on the club’s website: “There were lots of lads – especially the middles – who wanted to get more minutes in ahead of next week. There were also a individuals who were shy on the minutes we wanted them to play and younger lads on the bench who didn’t get on.

“For the likes of Kruise [Leeming] and Tommo [Luke Thompson] that was their first hit out since September which is a long time without playing a game so tonight was about opening the lungs and getting the body right again.”

Despite missing out on the final 20 minutes, O’Loughlin believes the Warriors remain in a strong position heading into next weekend’s pre-season friendly against Hull FC.

He said: “The lads have been out there now doing more running with a little bit of wrestling to get the contact element in. We have a long week now in the build up to Hull FC so we wont need to cram anything in. For the established lads it was good for them to get a hit out without picking up any injuries.”

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