WARRINGTON Wolves failed to deliver in their biggest game of the season so far against Wigan Warriors – but there are some clear reasons for that.

With five props from the season’s starting squad not involved, The Wire lacked the punch of their previous eight wins that had equated to the club’s best start to a campaign for 34 years.

Wigan continually angled their runs towards the ruck to tire out the middle men that Warrington did have available, with Danny Walker’s 56 tackles leading six other forwards sapped of energy from making 34 tackles or more.

Warrington Guardian: Warrington Wolves' Danny Walker and Sam Kasiano stop Wigan Warriors' Liam ByrneWarrington Wolves' Danny Walker and Sam Kasiano stop Wigan Warriors' Liam Byrne (Image: Mike Boden)

Warrington’s kicking game was not as good as Wigan’s in the greasy conditions that developed from several downpours, and handling mistakes were aplenty.

They were also up against the meanest defence in the competition, one that has not conceded more than six points in any of their last three games.

They probably did not need any help in that regard but the leniency that referee Chris Kendall showed in allowing lying on at the play-the-ball played into Wigan’s hands, given the other points already made.

Warrington Guardian: Wigan Warriors' Liam Farrell and Ethan Havard swarm around Warrington Wolves prop Paul VaughanWigan Warriors' Liam Farrell and Ethan Havard swarm around Warrington Wolves prop Paul Vaughan (Image: Mike Boden)

These aspects brought about Wigan getting on top early on and not relenting, with Daryl Powell’s men hardly getting a sniff of the visitors’ 20-metre area never mind the try line.

They spent the majority of the game defending, or trying to get out of their own half. Wigan basically suffocated Warrington, and as a result stifled much of the game’s potential attacking flair.

Warrington Guardian: Lucas Green gets down low on his debut for Warrington Wolves against Wigan WarriorsLucas Green gets down low on his debut for Warrington Wolves against Wigan Warriors (Image: Mike Boden)

The one touchdown The Wire scored courtesy of impressive back rower Matty Nicholson came as a result of a George Williams and Matty Ashton breakaway after a Wigan handling error deep into enemy territory.

Warrington Guardian: Matty Ashton on the break which led to Matty Nicholson's Warrington Wolves try two tackles laterMatty Ashton on the break which led to Matty Nicholson's Warrington Wolves try two tackles later (Image: Mike Boden)

Warrington Guardian: Matty Nicholson's try for Warrington Wolves against Wigan WarriorsMatty Nicholson's try for Warrington Wolves against Wigan Warriors (Image: Mike Boden)

With all of that said, and how dominant Wigan were, it shows how well Warrington defended to only lose 13-6 and only concede a Harry Smith penalty goal and drop goal in the second period.

Although The Wire looked out on their feet at times, it is testament to their fitness that they finished the game strongest and could have even pinched the result in the last five minutes when they had two tries ruled out – the second one from Greg Minikin on the hooter looking a harsh call by the officials as a knock-on over the line.

Warrington Guardian: This Josh Drinkwater try five minutes from time was ruled out for a knock-on by Paul Vaughan in the build-upThis Josh Drinkwater try five minutes from time was ruled out for a knock-on by Paul Vaughan in the build-up (Image: Lewis Tate)

There was controversy over Wigan’s tries, the first from ex-Wire centre Jake Wardle possibly being forward from Bevan French whether you agree with the momentum rule or not, while the second from Brad O’Neill off a deceptive kick by French needed checking by video referee Tom Grant because the ball bounced back up in the air but replays showed his fingers were on the ball when it landed on the turf.

 

On a night when The Wire could have made it nine straight wins at a season’s start for the first time since 1950 and having attracted a record crowd to The Halliwell Jones Stadium, it was frustrating and disappointing how things panned out but it is important that nobody allows one bad night to spoil what has been achieved so far in 2023.