Wigan Warriors stormed to second in Super League after sinking Hull FC with a clinical performance.
Wigan Warriors delivered a powerful statement of intent as they brushed aside Hull FC with a commanding 36-12 victory at the KCOM Stadium, moving up to second in the Betfred Super League table.
Bevan French and Junior Nsemba both crossed twice as the visitors dismantled a shaky Hull defence, producing a performance brimming with speed, precision, and grit.
It took Wigan barely five minutes to stamp their authority. French pounced on a defensive mix-up to open the scoring, racing clear for his sixth Super League try of the season. Hull, however, found a brief spark when Will Pryce carved through the Wigan line to level the scores.
The parity was short-lived. Jai Field weaved his way through a static defence to restore Wigan’s lead almost immediately, exploiting a Hull error at the restart. Moments later, Aidan Sezer’s clever kick found Harvey Barron, who dotted down to keep Hull within touching distance.
But Wigan always looked sharper and struck back through Nsemba, whose determined drive pushed the Warriors further ahead. Jake Wardle then sauntered over after Hull’s defensive line crumbled once again, giving Wigan a commanding 22-12 lead at the break.
After the interval, Abbas Miski stretched over in the corner, confirmed after a lengthy video referee check, much to the frustration of Wigan boss Matt Peet, who later called for the sport to become “more fun to watch” amid delays in decision-making.
Wigan’s dominance continued when French collected the ball deep in his own half and tore 80 metres downfield, shrugging off desperate Hull defenders to score his second try and his third against Hull this season.
There was still time for Nsemba to grab his second late on, powering over to add the final gloss to a comprehensive Wigan victory.
Hull FC, meanwhile, were left licking their wounds. The hosts showed flashes of ambition but could not live with Wigan’s relentless pace and organisation. Head coach John Cartwright remained defiant despite another home defeat, insisting brighter days lay ahead.
“Losing is the concern, not where we are,” Cartwright said. “The honeymoon’s over, but we’ve got to find our groove. We’ve faced the top sides early and it’s tough, but there are positives.”
For Wigan, the positives were everywhere. Their defence, particularly against Hull’s stronger attacking phases, impressed Peet.
“I’m proud of the lads,” Peet said. “The intelligence of our defending was excellent against some very good attacking shape.”
French’s blistering pace and Nsemba’s powerful running stood out on a night when Wigan showed they could be serious title contenders.
With nine games played, they sit just two points behind leaders Hull KR, brimming with confidence and momentum.
Hull FC’s line-up included Pryce, Barron, Briscoe, Litten, and Martin in the backs, with Cust and Sezer in the halves. Ese’ese, Bourouh, and Knight anchored the forwards alongside Hardaker, Ashworth, and Asiata, supported from the bench by Chamberlain, Aydin, Balmforth, and Laidlaw.
Wigan’s side featured Field at full-back, with Miski, Keighran, Wardle, and Marshall across the backline. French and Smith marshalled the attack, while Byrne, O’Neill, and Walters led the pack. Nsemba, Farrell, and Ellis added muscle, with Thompson, Leeming, Hill, and Eckersley coming off the bench.
Referee Jack Smith oversaw a contest where Wigan’s ruthlessness shone through – and Hull’s season hit another bump.
