Wigan Warriors pull off inspiring upset against Catalans Dragons

It was a very impressive performance from Adrian Lam’s side as the Warriors beat the Dragons during the final game of the regular season.

Adrian Lam’s team selection was the main talking point in the build-up to kick-off as he chose to rest a number of key players such as Sam Powell, John Bateman and Liam Farrell ahead of their ‘Eliminator game’ on Thursday night in the play-offs.

With Catalans having a week’s rest before their play-off semi-final, Steve McNamara chose to go with a full-strength Dragons side at the DW Stadium. The selections had many writing off the Warriors before a ball had even been kicked, but how wrong they would be.

The game started quickly with both sides very strong defensively and Wigan slightly more dominant in the opening minutes

The key point in the first half was when Catalans’ Sam Tomkins pulled up immediately after a tackle and hobbled straight off the pitch in some discomfort.

From the moment Tomkins went off, the visitors appeared to lose a bit of control as Wigan took full advantage of their former player’s injury.

The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute as Jackson Hastings showcased another piece of brilliance. He split the Dragons defence open with a short kick that was latched onto by Willie Isa, who made his return to the squad with a try whilst also wearing the captain’s armband.

Early in the second period, Catalans levelled the scores with a try from another former Wigan player in the form of Tom Davies. The winger eased over the line after great work from Mike McMeeken to set up the try.

As the game went on, up stepped James McDonnell to provide a moment of brilliance for the hosts. The Wigan man had just been recalled from York City Knights and made quite the impression with one of the tries of the season for the Warriors.

Driving from near 30 metres, McDonnell powered past a number of Catalans defenders before slipping past another challenge and touching down which led to the DW Stadium erupting as the youngster crossed for the first try of his career.

The visitors did threaten a late comeback with a try from Mathieu Languerre, but a late sin-bin for Sam Kasiano meant Wigan saw the game through and picked up the win which will give the Warriors a huge feeling of confidence and momentum heading into Thursday’s ‘Eliminator Game’.

Speaking to the media after the game, Adrian Lam was proud of his players’ performances but was keen to praise his sides’ defensive unit which he described as ‘awesome’. He also credited James McDonnell who he felt impressed on his return to the Warriors team.

Leeds Rhinos beat Hull KR at Headingley meaning they will face Wigan at the DW on Thursday evening in the first game of the 2021 Super League play-offs.

The result was a brilliant way to remind people that the Warriors can still be a force to be reckoned with given the performance last time out despite resting a number of key players.

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