Wigan Warriors player ratings: Hat-trick hero Jake Wardle scoops top points in win at Leeds Rhinos
Wigan Warriors centre Jake Wardle goes over for a try
A hat-trick from England international Jake Wardle inspired an impressive 50-0 win for Wigan Warriors over Leeds Rhinos at Headingley.
Wardle bagged a hat-trick for the Warriors as he picked up Sky Sports‘ player of the match award, with his side reclaiming top spot in the Super League table.
Jai Field, Liam Marshall, Kai Pearce-Paul, Abbas Miski, Liam Farrell and Patrick Mago also got on the scoresheet for Matt Peet’s side, with Harry Smith kicking seven goals.
Here are our Wigan Warriors player ratings…
Jai Field – 8. A trademark performance from the Australian speedster. He was at the heart of most things Wigan did with the ball in hand.
Abbas Miski – 8. Another solid display from the Lebanon international. He currently sits third in Super League’s try scoring charts with 22.
Toby King – 7. Wigan had much of the ball on their left edge, so King didn’t probably get his hands on the ball as much as he usually does but he was strong in defence.
Jake Wardle – 9. The player of the match. It was as good a performance as you’ll see from an individual this season. Don’t be surprised to see him in this year’s Super League Dream Team.
Liam Marshall – 7. The winger got on the scoresheet to take his tally up to 20 tries in Super League this season. Didn’t put a foot wrong, a steady display.
Bevan French – 8. Just a joy to watch. A box-office type player who is worth the ticket money alone.
Harry Smith – 8. The Wigan half-back has come under criticism for his goal-kicking this season but his in-game performances have been excellent. He guided his side around the park brilliantly again at Headingley.
Kaide Ellis – 8. The Australian front-rower has probably gone under the radar a little this season but his performances have been good. It was a hard-working display from Ellis in sweltering conditions.
Brad O’Neill – 7. Another promising showing from the young hooker. Comparing him to a young Michael McIlorum is probably a bit of a lazy comparison – but he shares similar traits. Solid in defence and doesn’t shy away from the hard work.
Liam Byrne – N/A. The Ireland powerhouse made a strong start to the game with a couple of big tackles but left the action in the 15th minute with a hamstring injury.
Kai Pearce-Paul – 8. The NRL-bound forward has been a key player for Peet’s side in the second half of the season. His offload game is delightful.
Liam Farrell – 8. Mr Reliable.
Morgan Smithies – 8. Smithies has matured and developed his game over the last season or two. A top player for Wigan now who delivers in big games.
Bench
Sam Powell – 7. Like O’Neill, a steady and reliable display from dummy half. Did the tough stuff and defended like a trooper.
Junior Nsemba – 7. This lad has a big future in the game. He’s not taken a backwards step since being introduced into the first team.
Patrick Mago – 7. A bit of a quieter game from Mago compared to recent weeks – but he still came up with several big carries. Opposition defences struggle to bring him down.
Tyler Dupree – 8. The England prop played big minutes after Byrne’s early exit, and kept his work ethic throughout the 80 in the hot weather. He’s made a fine start to his Wigan career.
