Wigan 19-18 Hull: Harry Smith drop goal seals win for Warriors

A late drop goal from Harry Smith sealed a pulsating 19-18 win for Wigan over Hull at the DW Stadium. 

Wigan coach Matt Peet made three changes to the side that beat Salford 20-0 in the Challenge Cup sixth round last week. Bevan French, Brad Singleton and Harry Smith came in for Tommy Leuluai (suspended), Kai Pearce-Paul (leg) and Joe Shorrocks.

Star full-back French made his first appearance in almost 10 months, and he was welcomed back to a round of applause on the DW terraces.

Luke Gale returned for Hull having completed his five-match ban. He took the place of Ben McNamara in the halves. Kane Evans and Carlos Tuimavave missed out due to them both having calf injuries.

It took just five minutes for the first try to be scored. Willie Isa ran a smart line to open a gap for Jai Field to score.

Hardaker then added a penalty goal to give Wigan a 6-0 lead after 15 minutes.

Hull came back into the game as the half went on. They drew level when Adam Swift touched down in the corner after a quick passing move.

The Black and Whites took the lead for the first time in the game just seconds before the half-time hooter sounded thanks to Danny Houghton.

HT: Wigan Warriors 6-12 Hull FC

French came off the bench at the start of the second half to play his first game of 2022.

Wigan tied the score shortly after the second half restart when Bulgaria-born prop Ethan Havard crashed over from close range. Zak Hardaker converted.

But it was Hull who went back in front on the hour. Powerhouse prop Chris Satae bulldozed over following a superb offload from Joe Lovodua.

Field got his second with a trademark solo effort in the 64th minute. Hardaker converted and the score was 18-18 with 15 to go.

And with just two minutes left on the clock, Smith stepped up to slot the one-pointer and secure Wigan’s eighth win in nine games in all competitions.

FT: Wigan Warriors 19-18 Hull FC

Wigan: Field; Hardaker, Bateman, Bibby, Marshall; Cust, Smith; Singleton, Powell, Byrne, Isa, Farrell, Smithies. Subs: French, Mago, Partington, Havard.

Tries: Field (2), Havard Goals: Hardaker 3 Drop Goals: Smith 1

Hull: Connor; McIntosh, Vulikijapani, Griffin, Swift; Lovodua, Gale; Sao, Houghton, Satae, Savelio, Ma’u, Lane. Subs: Brown, Johnstone, Fash, Wynne.

Tries: Swift, Houghton, Satae Goals: Gale 3

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