Five Warriors star in Origin win

[josie andrews]

Five Wigan Warriors youngsters starred for Lancashire in their Academy Origin win over Yorkshire in Widnes on Sunday.

Junior Nsemba scored a hat-trick and Harvie Hill got on the scoresheet as the Red Rose ran out 56-34 winners at the DCBL Stadium.

Jacob Douglas, Billy Myers and Max Wood also featured for Lancashire in a 17-try scoring thriller.

On a fast 4G surface the game rattled along at more than a point a minute throughout, with Yorkshire opening the scoring as early as the third minute and closing it through as the final hooter loomed.

But in between those two tries for the White Rose, Lancashire scored five either side of the interval to take a one-nil lead in the three-match series.

Lancashire had a first half hat-trick from second rower Nsemba to thank for a 28-16 half time advantage.

The game was graced with eye-catching tries, moments of brilliance and occasionally eye-watering defence from players on both sides.

Lancashire Head Coach and also Warriors Academy Head Coach, Shane Eccles, said: “As a youth coach it’s more about the development – although it’s also pleasing to win. It’s the highest standard these lads have played at and we scored some really good tries. The players really expressed themselves and we had fluidity in attack. If we get a point a minute next time and they don’t score I’ll be very happy.”

England RL Academy is part of the RFL’s talent pathway, which also includes England Knights and the senior men’s squad.

Paul Anderson, Head of England Pathways, said: “I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from both coaches in camp this week, and with greater connectivity within playing groups and stronger relationships between staff and players things will get even better. Today has been a real learning curve for the players. A 56-34 score line tells us that there are some key areas to work on, but we’ll have a much better understanding of where we are at after game three.”

Game two will be played at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium on Sunday 26th June, with the third and final encounter taking place at Wakefield on Sunday 24th July.

Lancashire: Ben Lane (St Helens), Jacob Douglas (Wigan Warriors), Sam Haynes (St Helens), Jack Darbyshire (Warrington Wolves), Jake Thewlis (Warrington Wolves), Billy Myers (Wigan Warriors), Leon Hayes (Warrington, Captain), Harvie Hill (Wigan Warriors), Aiden Doolan (Warrington Wolves), George Delaney (St Helens), Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors), Mckenzie Buckley (St Helens), Kalan Devine (St Helens).

Interchange: Ciaran Nolan (St Helens), Nolan Tupaea (Warrington Wolves), Leunbou Bardyel Wells (St Helens), Max Wood (Wigan Warriors).

Tries: Nsemba (3), Doolan (2), Lane, Haynes, Thewliss, Hayes, Hill

Goals: Hayes 8/10

Yorkshire: George Flanagan Jr (Bradford Bulls), Jack Smith (Leeds Rhinos), Max Simpson (Leeds Rhinos), Connor Barley (Hull KR), Lewis Martin (Hull FC), Sullivan Medforth (Hull FC), Kai Morgan (Leeds Rhinos, Captain), Matthew Laidlaw (Hull FC), Denive Balmforth (Hull FC), Jake Higgins (Leeds Rhinos), Luke Mearns (Wakefield Trinity), Adam Holroyd (Warrington Wolves), Lucas Green (Warrington Wolves).

Interchange: Sonny Cooper (Hull KR), Leo Tennison (Hull KR), Xander Nash (Huddersfield Giants), Mano Wacokecoke (Hull FC).

Tries: Green, Smith (2), Holroyd, Martin (3)

Goals: Medforth 3/7

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2022/05/ ... rigin-win/