Thur 13 Feb: SL: Wigan Warriors v Leigh Leopards KO 20:00 (Sky)

[Damien]

2 minutes ago, Lucy_1873 said:

Do they often start slow as players are still missing some competive match sharpness?

They can quite error ridden and teams just don't look quite there yet. Not this though. Very enjoyable so far.

[tiffers]

1 minute ago, Lucy_1873 said:

It's really good to see an active thread!

You'll find the Thurs and Fri night threads tend to have a good debate to them.

Must say Leigh have surprised me with how they've coped with the Wigan attacking threats.

[Click]

Good game so far this.

Glad to see the ref has been quite "on" it in terms of certain players and their constant play acting on every tackle (Marshall).

Not so much of a fan at how easy he has called some of the "surrender" tackles - half of them didn't look like a surrender tackle and it just slows the game down more.

[Futtocks]

0:0 at half time. Can't wait for the first "Too many blowouts in Super League" thread of 2025.

[sam4731]

Well one for the purists to say the least.

[Futtocks]

5 minutes ago, Lucy_1873 said:

It's really good to see an active thread!

Just wait 'til the tinfoil hat-wearers emerge from their Winter hibernation.

[Just Browny]

Good standard for a first game this. Niu and Liu both looked very good for Leigh, who really did well to withstand that first 15 minutes.

[DoubleD]

Very enjoyable half. 2 very fit and well drilled sides. 

Not sure where Nsemba has put the 20kgs on……….he looks no different than last year 

[Snowys Backside]

Any penalties yet ?

[Waynebennettswinger]

As a neutral I thought that was a brilliant absorbing first 40 minutes of the season. I think Wigan will edge it still as Leigh will tire. Liam Moore has reffed fairly well. 

[Lucy_1873]

Half-time: For my first SL game I am really happy for Leigh who were defensively solid and held their own. Wigan threatened to turn the thumbscrews and I expect their draw first blood by the 55th minute, but the Superleague has gone off with a bang

[dkw]

Enjoyed that half, great defence from Leigh at times, both teams playing a bit too much percentage stuff in attack though, wish wigan would open up a bit more, they have some special players with the ball but seem to be playing within themselves. 

Also, Marshall is an annoying whinge when tackled. Just get up and get on with it.

[Waynebennettswinger]

5 minutes ago, Click said:

Good game so far this.

Glad to see the ref has been quite "on" it in terms of certain players and their constant play acting on every tackle (Marshall).

Not so much of a fan at how easy he has called some of the "surrender" tackles - half of them didn't look like a surrender tackle and it just slows the game down more.

Marshall really lets himself down with that side of his game. 

[Archie Gordon]

8 minutes ago, LeytherRob said:

Well so far so good and this years cohort of imports look more than capable replacements. Tesi Niu in particular has gotten through and absolute mountain of work

Just had same discussion here. Admittedly it's an assessment after just 40 mins but Leigh's recruitment looks spot on.

[dkw]

Oh and Tesi Niu has the biggest thighs in rugby, was stood near us last week and it's ridiculous. 

[wakeyranger]

Enjoying this. Being reffed well as well.

[Gooleboy]

Both teams defending really well, who is going to come up with a bit of class to open the opposition defence up? I have been impressed with Armstrong the Leigh full back.

[JonM]

8 minutes ago, Snowys Backside said:

Any penalties yet ?

I don't think so, but can anyone confirm?

[Andrewj]

Just now, JonM said:

I don't think so, but can anyone confirm?

One for Wigan

[LeytherRob]

1 minute ago, Archie Gordon said:

Just had same discussion here. Admittedly it's an assessment after just 40 mins but Leigh's recruitment looks spot on.

I always had faith because of Lam and Chester’s track record both just at Leigh but Wigan and Wales for bringing over shrewd imports but you never quite know until round 1. 
 

Early shout, but for me Armstrong, Niu and Liu and immediate improvements on their 2024 counterparts(2023 Asiata is a different story). O’Neill and Tuitavake have shown some promise that they might grow into O’Donnell and Amones shoes over time.
 

It’s immediately apparent to me that the speed has increased in the team and there have been a few plays we’ve defended that we would have conceded last year when Wigan broke. Attack is going to take time to click but we at least look like we’ll be hard to beat in the meantime.

[JohnM]

Great game for the first real competitive game of the season. In my view, the score truly reflects the game. 

[graveyard johnny]

great game - is there any need for that scarf though sam? it looks a utcn 

[Lucy_1873]

3 minutes ago, Gooleboy said:

Both teams defending really well, who is going to come up with a bit of class to open the opposition defence up? I have been impressed with Armstrong the Leigh full back.

I agree Armstrong looks really good 

[Damien]

13 minutes ago, sam4731 said:

Well one for the purists to say the least.

In what way? Its been a good game and you don't need to be a purist to enjoy that.

[Andrewj]

Impressed so far with the new Leopards to replace the out going players but also must recognise the work of Halton.. solid as always. We just need to stick to the same in the second half, feel that fitness will win this one !!!