JOHN DUFFY was relatively pleased with what he witnessed as a very youthful Wigan Warriors side went down 34-22 to an experienced North Wales Crusaders in Colwyn Bay on Saturday.
Reserves head coach Duffy admitted the main objective of the game was to see how the new players gelled in a new system while giving them much-needed minutes on the pitch.
Jonny Vaughan and Dayon Sambou – off-season signings from St Helens – both made their Wigan debuts, while the likes of Finn McMillan, Shea O’Connor, Leo Wadswoth and Lukas Mason got valuable minutes.
“Our start was not great,” said Duffy.
“We did not cope with the start of the game well and we didn’t cope with their older-headed players.
“There were some positives there too, which I am sure we will see when watching the video back.
“We’ve had a look at the new lads. We got a look at Shea (O’Connor), who has come up from the Academy who I thought was absolutely brilliant.”
Duffy admitted he changed some things at half time, with Vaughan moving from centre to the back row, with George Hirst partnering Sambou as his centre.
“We wanted to have a look at Jonny (Vaughan) in the back row,” added Duffy.
“He is the same as he has been in training. His attitude has been first class.
“Putting him with Dayon (in the first half) settled him down because they are used to each other. We will have to watch the video back to see how he went overall.”
Tom Forber was named as captain for the game and Duffy believes it us up to him to work hard to push for a regular spot in the first team and hopefully keep injury free.
“You would have to ask Matty (Peet) that, but yeah, he should be kicking on this year. He is back from his injury which he has done a good job on getting back. It’s good to see him getting some minutes.”