Match Report: Huddersfield Giants 31 Wigan Warriors 22

In a Nutshell

Huddersfield Giants recovered from an early 12-point deficit to earn a convincing victory – their second of the season against Wigan – at the John Smith’s Stadium

How it unfolded

Wigan scored two tries in the opening quarter of the game through returning captain Sean O’Loughlin and Matty Bowen, after having had one disallowed by reserve hooker George Williams, who was in for the injured Michael McIlorum.

But the Giants gradually fought their way back into it and led 18-12 at half-time through tries by Aaron Murphy, who later had to leave the field with concussion, Shaun Lunt and Joe Wardle, with Danny Brough converting all three tries.

In the second half the Giants extended their lead to 13 points through another try by Wardle off a brilliant Brett Ferres offload and a field-goal by Brough.

Wigan got to within 9 points when Dominic Manfredi brilliantly caught a bomb from Smith, although the halfback couldn’t convert.

But the Giants appeared to seal the game in the 68th minutes, when Jermaine McGillvary picked up a loose ball and sprinted over half the length of the pitch, with Brough’s conversion making it 31-16.

Wigan scored a consolation try from Joe Burgess in the final minute, with Smith’s conversion making the final score 31-22

A full report and pictures will appear in Monday’s edition of Rugby League Express.