I thought the same in that French looked a little 'chunkier' than normal. I'm just putting it down to pre season though as all players put on weight but then lose it once they gain match fitness.

He’s come back before looking heavier but seems to lose it quickly when the game starts. They might not be too fussed about him being a bit heavier this season mind, with him defending in the line.

Anything on Walters going off?

I thought we were too big, strong, fast and skilful compared with Hull. We were definitely fitter, a number of the Hull lads looked like they were carrying a fair bit of timber whereas our lads looked lean and primed.Our pre-season is coming along nicely, hopefully the rough edges can be knocked off at Castleford and we can go into the WCC in good form.

I couldn’t decide if it was a head injury or a shoulder knock. Given that he stumbled out of the tackle, and went back into the defensive line immediately, I wouldn’t think it was significant.

Very encouraging, switched seemed to get flicked in the second half.

French’s weight is always annoying to me, obviously amazing player and man of steel but I always thing how good he’d be if he got in peak physical fitness.

I expected Keighran to cop a ban for the tip tackle (especially as he did the same thing in the grand final). Hopefully he can play against Penrith.

Hopefully Walters is okay. He shot out at one of their big new props, hopefully just a stinger.

Hookers were excellent for Wigan as was Dupree, Farrell, Hill and Mago.

If anybody noticed the team wearing black armbands today, this was in response to the sudden passing of Liam Marshall’s mum. My thoughts are with Liam, David and their family at this very sad time.

Excellent hit out, especially that 2nd half. Leeming, Mago, Smith, Field and Wardle among the stand outs but most acquitted themselves well. The young lads didn't look out of place and the Hampshire/Farrimond pairing looked sharp. Terrific options to have as backups.

Douglas seems a lot bigger than I thought and took both his opportunities well, albeit 1 ruled out for the forward pass.

I've got to say that Leeming looks good. Very good! I tipped him to go well and said I thought he'd be better than Clark this season. Only a friendly, I know, but all the signs were there and I didn't see anything to make me change my mind. I think the competition will be good for O'Neil too. He certainly seemed to go up a gear when he came back on after Leeming's impressive stint.

Walters out long term - exactly what you want to avoid in pre season. 2nd row is actually the one position we don't have too much depth in with Nsemba also out.

That's a real blow.

Collarbone injury according to Peet.

I think there's an argument to rest Willie Isa for the Cas game to make sure we have him for Penrith. The only back up option looks to be Chan but even he's not a natural backrower.

Bloody hell, rotten luck, the dreaded cyclists injury, up to 12 weeks if it's broken

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ry-4504656

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ry-4504656

If we do end up having to stick someone else in at second row to fill a gap then Tyler Dupree might be a shout. Not ideal by any means.

How long is Junior out for ?

Think till April

Just watched on Wigan tv.

Highlight for me was Smith think he was outstanding as was Wardle.

Mago excellent going forward but he’s a target in defence due to him consistently being a late retreater. Hull went at him a few times, a sharper attack will take advantage.

Scrappy first half and a better second however Hull were poor after initial promise. Big pack and Pele put himself about but their drop off in intensity and fitness was very concerning from their point of view.

Just waiting now for the disciplinary to hand out some 3 match bans

Keighran will definitely get some sort of ban.

To be fair deservedly so. I was surprised he didn't get a yellow

I find it crazy how much people love a good banning session.

It was pre season & no one got hurt. No need to see players miss important matches for something trivial.

Slap on the wrist and nothing more

I agree but unfortunately common sense won’t be applied.
I think Huddersfield have had 2 players receiving bans from friendly games so the precedent has been set.

Then it's hypocritical.

The OP mentioned that no card was shown, even though one probably would have been handed out in a "regular" game. On top of that, if it was a regular game, we'd probably have seen a yellow for the 3/4 offsides we gave on our own line.

You can't on the one hand be lenient in the game and then not in the disciplinary. You either accept players are rusty and let it slide, or you don't.

I’m not disagreeing but I fear the worst particularly if Huddersfield players have had bans relating to friendly games.
Hope I’m wrong.