Harry Smith produces a masterclass in game management for the Wigan Warriors to overturn a spirited Huddersfield Giants

Wigan Warriors 44 - 18 Huddersfield Giants

The Wigan Warriors staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming an 8-point halftime deficit by scoring 34 unanswered points in a dominant second half at the Brick Community Stadium. Credit is due to the Huddersfield Giants, who executed a flawless first half and rightfully held the lead at the break. However, the halftime address, coupled with Matt Peet's motivating words, proved effective, as Wigan showcased once again why they are the top team in the Betfred Super League.

Harry Smith emerged as the architect once again, showcasing a repertoire of kicking skills that would impress even Daniel LaRusso at the All Valley Championships. While the more flamboyant players often capture the headlines, it is Harry Smith whom they consider their secret weapon during critical moments. His two 40/20 kicks were instrumental in keeping the Giants contained, particularly when it seemed they had gained the upper hand in restricting Wigan to their own half on two occasions. These strategic plays should not be underestimated, nor should Harry's exceptional bombs and kicks during general play, which frequently split the winger and fullback. What an impressive player!

Let's relive tries and talking points:

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The Coaches Post Match Reaction

Matt Peet

We knew we had to be good for the first half and beyond to get over the top of them. It was something we spoke about. I just like the way we went about our business. The players are feeling good. I think they have enjoyed this week. They look after themselves and they have not made too much of a thing about it to be honest.

Luke Robinson

Social Media Reaction

Wigan Warriors

Harry Smith giving us two vital 40-20s made such a difference to the game.

Cracking second half. Shame we were playing to the North! Ian Hardman

Walters gets better every week. Well done Wigan Warriors I got back on Tues from Vegas and I'm still shattered 😲Andrew Yates

Was always gonna be a slog after last weeks emotion and Huddersfield weren’t gonna lay down and roll over , opened up a little in second half so take it all day long woulda taken a 1 point win today after last weeks emotion too, WELL DONE LADS 🍒🤍🍒🤍🍒 Sean Mulrooney

Huddersfield Giants

Robinson may be the first coach to go this season.. 🤔 And Burgess gives penalties away and then stands around what a waste of money he is.. Michael Morris

4 games winning at half time, 4 games lost. It’s beyond frustrating, but for me, the season defining test comes over the next 2 weeks. 2 must win games for me, with Wakey in the cup and Salford in the league. We win these, and we’re looking okay, and hopefully with some momentum, we can push on over the next month or so. Keep the faith. COYG Michael Byrne

Gutted not on the loss but that it eally got away from us in the end. Some excellent performances. With a big scoreline in the end I'm not saying this was the loosing moment but 18-10 up and first play Burgess strip is just daft. Lead to the first score & gave them momentum. Again....an experienced player!! Back to discipline letting us down (although a few 50/50s could have gone our way another day). But overall done over by an excellent team that kicked on a gear. No shame in that! Chris Allen

The Final Word

What can we say that has not already been discussed when it comes to the Champions? What this performance demonstrates is that you have to play for 80 minutes to an almost perfect standard to stand a chance of coming out on top as Huddersfield found out this weekend. We are in the era of the Warriors V24/25 and it is Rugby League of the highest quality. Even if you don't like the Pies, don't let that get in the way of enjoying this wonderful team.

One cannot help but empathise with Luke Robinson, whose team has led at halftime in all four rounds, only to ultimately succumb to three top-six finishers from 2024: Warrington, Leopards, Warriors, and the season's unexpected standout, Hull FC—the latter being a particularly disappointing loss. It is unjust to question Robinson's leadership, especially considering the marked improvements in the Giants' performance this season.

Defensively, the team has shown significant progress; this defeat should not mislead anyone as the the Giants will not be the only team to concede over 40 points to the Warriors this year. Additionally, Warrington successfully held the Giants scoreless twice last season, yet this time around, the #CowbellArmy displayed a more resilient performance.

Injuries are severely impacting Luke and the Giants, and it is imperative for fans to exercise patience and allow the team to evolve. Flanagan has excelled when called upon, Hewitt stands out as one of the most consistent second-row players in the competition, and Swift is among the league's finest finishers. If there is any team whose standings do not accurately reflect their on-field performance this season, it is undoubtedly the Huddersfield Giants.

The Gladiators who took the Field

Wigan Warriors

1 Jai Field

22 Zach Eckersley

3 Adam Keighran

4 Jake Wardle

5 Liam Marshall

6 Bevan French

7 Harry Smith

16 Liam Byrne

17 Kruise Leeming

10 Luke Thompson

11 Junior Nsemba

12 Liam Farrell

13 Kaide Ellis

Interchange

19 Tyler Dupree

20 Harvie Hill

21 Sam Walters

23 Tom Forber

Try Scorer: Farrell (13, 42), Eckersley (29), Marshall (48), French (60), Wardle (74), Field (77), Leeming (79)

Tale of the Boot: Keighran 6/8

Huddersfield Giants

1 Jacob Gagai

2 Adam Swift

3 Jake Bibby

4 Liam Sutcliffe

24 Aidan McGowan

29 George Flanagan

7 Adam Clune

8 Oliver Wilson

14 Ashton Golding

18 Fenton Rogers

11 Jack Murchie

12 Sam Hewitt

21 Leroy Cudjoe

Interchange

10 Tom Burgess

13 Harry Rushton

19 Tom Deakin

22 Taane Milne (Debut)

Try Scorers: Swift (5), Hewitt (35), Flanagan (39)

Tale of the Boot: Sutcliffe 3/3

HOW IT WENT DOWN: 0-6, 6-6, 10-6, 10-12, 10-18; 16-18, 22-18, 26-18, 32-18, 38-18, 44-18

Man of the Match - The Super League Raw Trophy

3pts - Harry Smith

2pts - Jai Field

1pt - Liam Farrell

Half-time: 10-18

Referee: Liam Moore

Attendance: 17,625

Key Performance Indicators:

Most Tackles – Sam Powell - 37

Top Tackle Busts – Corey Hall, Oliver Pratt, Matty Russell - 5

Most Carries – George Williams, Mike McMeeken - 20

Most Metres/Hard Metres - Mike McMeeken - 170

Most Offloads - George Williams - 5

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