Five things we learned: Wigan lay down marker, Widnes all but down, Hull exodus

There are plenty of talking points from the weekend.

Wigan put out title credentials

A lot of heads were turned when the final hooter sounded at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday night when Wigan Warriors ran-out 30-10 winners against old enemies St Helens.

Saints have been title favourites for a lot of people this season but with the way Wigan played on Friday, some people will probably be wanting to change their betting slips. The Warriors laid down a big marker for their title hopes. Shaun Wane’s side played free and flowing rugby going forward, with the left edge being sharper than it’s ever been. Wigan were also stern in defence as well and defended their own line countless times.

Hull FC squad playing for future

Hull FC players have been left fighting for their spot in the team for next year following their humiliating 80-10 defeat to Warrington Wolves on Thursday.

Hull FC owner Adam Pearson has revealed that the club will be making changes in the off-season. He told Hull Daily Mail: “We are going to move some players out and bring some new ones in and completely refresh the squad. We will move players on who we feel have let the club down over the past two months.” A clear-out at Hull in the off-season is on the cards.

Huddersfield top four chances slim

Huddersfield Giants had a glimmer of hope of making the top four prior to last weekend’s round of fixtures.

But they couldn’t keep the pressure on fourth-placed Warrington as the Giants fell to a 42-16 defeat to Wakefield Trinity at the John Smith’s Stadium on Friday. The weekend’s results see’s Warrington now six points ahead of Huddersfield with just four league games left. It looks highly unlikely, but let’s not take anything away from the magnificent job Simon Woolford has done since he came in.

Widnes all but relegated

Widnes Vikings lost for the third time in as many games in The Qualifiers on Saturday. The Chemics fell short to a 42-22 defeat to Championship side Toulouse Olympique in France.

Toulouse led 18-10 at the break and Francis Cummins basically said his side gave up when the tough got going in the second half, which is very disappointing to see. What is worrying that Widnes have now lost to two Championship sides in The Qualifiers. They sit second bottom of The Qualifiers and are only above Halifax on points difference.

They still have to face Super League sides Leeds Rhinos and Hull Kingston Rovers as well as a trip to Toronto Wolfpack. There is very little hope for the Vikings’ Super League status.

St Helens need a confidence boost

St Helens have lost three out of their last four games and it seems as though they need picking up a little bit.

Justin Holbrook’s side probably haven’t played their best rugby since June, but what has been a positive up to recent defeats is that they could win without necessarily playing to their potential. However, they have been lacklustre in recent weeks. They are still very much likely to lift the League Leaders’ Shield, but they need to improve their displays if they are to reach Old Trafford.