Wigan’s Mr Versatile praised after impressive Good Friday performance

Wigan coach Matt Peet was full of praise for utility man Joe Shorrocks after he came up with a stellar display in the halves in their win over St Helens.

The 23-year-old has played in many a position for Wigan’s first team, from back-row, to centre, loose forward and hooker.

But stand-off is a new one. He played 80 minutes partnering Harry Smith in the halves as they guided Wigan to a 14-6 win over St Helens, the club’s first Good Friday win since 2017.

Shorrocks, who spent a month on loan at Leigh earlier in the season, came up with a couple of clutch moments in the game, and earned the plaudits of Peet afterwards.

Peet said: “We know what we’ve got with Joe, he is a really well-rounded player who can play a range of positions.

“He’s one of our fittest players and he’s very competitive so that play at the end where covered in behind and saved that pass… He does that stuff all the time in practice. I’ve seen him do that since he was 12 or 13, so I’m really pleased for Joe today. His family should be really proud.”

Wigan boss “really pleased” for Joe Shorrocks

Peet added: “He’s a soccer player, he’s got a big engine and he’s end to end, box to box.

“He turns up. He has got massive lungs and a massive heart, so I’m really pleased for him today.

“It could have gone either way. It could have not worked putting him there (at stand-off) but he’s made it happen.”

Peet also praised Wigan’s loose forward Morgan Smithies, who put in a big display through the middle.

He said: “I think Morgan has to keep performing like that in these sorts of games but there’s a reason he’s got the number 13.”

Wigan’s win over St Helens sees them move to second in the Super League table, two points behind leaders Warrington who have a game in hand.

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