Warrington suffered an eight-point defeat in Daryl Powell's first non-competitive outing in charge of the club, going down to rivals Wigan in Stefan Ratchford's testimonial match.
Wire started quite slowly and it was the Warriors who struck first with a try from Jai Field after Gareth Widdop's high kick bounced in Wigan's favour. The away side extended their lead with a score from Iain Thornley in the corner, giving Matty Peet's team a 0-10 lead at half-time. The Wolves did cross in the second half though, with man of the moment Ratchford finding Matty Ashton with a cut-out pass to score. The final try of the evening again came from full-back Field, who capitalised on an offload from Patrick Mago. Wire were missing Mike Cooper, Toby King, Jack Hughes, Billy Magoulias, Greg Minikin and James Harrison through injury, and after the match Powell confirmed that only Cooper is likely to be available for the first game of the season at Leeds in just under two weeks' time. Here are my six talking points...
1) A new era begins
The Daryl Powell era begins in earnest. Not a great start in terms of performance, although that is perhaps to be expected, with a number of new players, a new coach, a new attacking structure. I wanted to see better than this though, and hope for better on Friday against Salford.
2) The signings look good
The main positive I took from last night's game was the performances of the three new signings that took to the field. Peter Mata'utia and Oliver Holmes were very good, while Joe Bullock went well from the interchange bench.
3) Relying on Mike again
Wire once again found themselves beaten in the pack. Wigan were just far too big for Wire's lightweight forwards, particularly the starting duo of Joe Philbin and Robbie Mulhern. This was yet another indicator of the depravity that occurs when Mike Cooper is unavailable. Why did Wire not go big on a prop in the off-season?
4) The wide boys
I felt that both wingers really struggled in this game. Ashton was poor for both of Wigan's first two tries, while Charnley failed to have any impact on the game. Charnley has switched from number 5 to 2 yet is still playing on the same side, strangely. Josh Thewlis needs to be starting against Leeds because he's better than both of these two.
5) Cherries on top?
Before this game, I felt Wigan would have a mediocre season and be battling for the top 4 places. I was really impressed with their defensive organisation and attacking structure though. Jai Field was terrific on his return from injury, and new signings Cade Cust and Patrick Mago were good. With Zak Hardaker and Bevan French still to return from their own absences, Matty Peet's team could be better than any of us expected.
6) A great servant
The night belonged to Warrington's number one, Stefan Ratchford, who in ten seasons has been an excellent player for the club. Doubts persist over his best position and rightly so, but it's worth celebrating someone who has been one of our most consistent players in the last decade.
Player Ratings
Stefan Ratchford - 6/10
Struggled to get involved in the game offensively until the try but was solid at the back.
Matty Ashton - 3/10
A really poor defensive effort for Wigan's first two tries. Crossed well for a score of his own.
Peter Mata'utia - 7/10
Wire's best player, in my opinion. Put himself about and carried the ball really well.
Connor Wrench - 7/10
Showed up really well in defence. Gets better every time I see him.
Josh Charnley - 4/10
Just not up to the standard any more I don't think.
Gareth Widdop - 5/10
Couldn't get into the game at all.
George Williams - 4/10
Saw more of it than Widdop but kicking game was dire.
Joe Philbin - 4/10
Beaten in the pack comfortably.
Danny Walker - 5/10
Distributed the ball reasonably well but the improvement when Clark came on was clear.
Robbie Mulhern - 3/10
Desperately struggled. Blowing out of his backside after 15 minutes.
Ben Currie - 5/10
A nice bit of play with Widdop but that was his only meaningful contribution.
Oliver Holmes - 7/10
Impressive debut. Ran the ball really hard and tackled well.
Matt Davis - 6/10
Industrious as ever and worked hard.
Joe Bullock - 6/10
Very solid first hit-out in Wire colours - better than the starting two props.
Jason Clark - 5/10
Hardly noticeable.
Daryl Clark - 7/10
Brought a big improvement in pace and threat in the second half, from the ruck.
Ellis Robson - 6/10
Went well. Probably our best prop on the night - although I always thought he was a second row?
Josh Thewlis - 5/10
Rate Thewlis highly and should be starting at Leeds.
Ellis Longstaff - 5/10
Would've liked to see more of him.
Riley Dean - 5/10
Played at both six and seven.
@ALooseWire
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