Wigan 38 Crusaders 6

[ancientnloyal]

Not much expectation from tonight, we were playing a team that we should have won quite easily, and we did. TBH no major problems just the usual handling errors. I felt though at times we rushed our plays where we should have perhaps taken a tackle or thrown a pass instead.

Went to the game optimistic and the atmosphere was expectant from the new regime. Really like the flags on the south stand well done to the guys from rlfans who I presume have put a lot of work into getting them made/placed etc... Adds to the atmosphere

Hull KR next week a tougher test defensively so nothing to moan about just waiting for a few rounds of rugby until we see what this Wigan team is about.


We are top of the league!

[weststand-rich]

Poor opposition but the warriors look much improved. Quick on the play the ball and dominent in defence.

Roberts has got some zip!! Fielden looks like he's got a bit of his mojo back. Deacon looks like he's bringing something novel.

Promising, but I'm not getting giddy since the crusaders were outclassed massively.

[exile in Tiger country]

Think I'm getting a nosebleed from being this high up the table

[Salsa Caliente]

Agreed - promising start to the season, but I think the first major acid test for this squad is Warrington in two weeks, then we can start really examining their credentials for the league.

That said, a very pleasing game technically speaking and Deacs has definitely added a new kicking game to the arsenal.

We're definitely moving in the right direction and it was nice to see the backs being utilised to greater effect rather than being used as another set of battering rams down the middle.

[THE 18th Man]

good defence, good kicking game and a new Roberts and Fielden, good work in the forwards. i know its only Crusaders but we never looked tired and looked impressive. hope we keep it up next week when the real test of Hull KR come to town

[GeoffN]

I was very impressed, especially with the attitude, fitness and enthusiasm of the players. A good all round performance, without any real weak links. Massive improvement from Roberts, Riddell & Fielden, who have all been criticised in the past. I have to say, though, that I'm still unconvinced with Riddell, despite his increased fitness - we still look a lot sharper with TL at hooker and Sam & Deacs in the halves. Also not sure how much Feca's weight loss has helped - he didn't appear to be on the pitch any longer, and was perhaps less effective than usual in running the ball in.

Superb defence - Crusaders really only looked like scoring with plenty of help from the ref, and the forwards in particular were putting in some massive hits. A bit rusty in attack still, but that's only to be expected in the first real game - with a bit more composure we could easily have doubled our score.

[botica]

But WOW Feka and Piggy looked amazing. I was wondering who had borrowed Feka's bash hat...

[centralparkforever]

I think that was a good hit up for the first match,the boys looked very slick with the ball.The second row pairing of Joel Tomkins and Harrison Hansen were impressive,both seemed to have bulked up but not lost any of their speed.Before the season started I wanted certain players to stand up and be counted.On my list was Stuart Fielden. He was awesome tonight,Andy Coley did well too.We played to a differant style when Paul Deacon came on and he and Sam Tomkins will hurt a lot of teams this season.
On the whole very happy,roll on next week.

[baldrik]

A very good performance,I couldnt fault any of our players. They played with an eagerness and confidence,It was good to see Stu Fielden put in a good performance, the crowd still applauded when he made that run then dropped the ball. Lockers had a good game, and Sam T also shone. All in all I thought the team did well and certainly were a lot fitter and faster. Amos' run was nearly reminiscent of Martin Offiah when he left Crusaders for dead before reaching over for his 2nd half try.

[lucky 13]

Good first hit out, MoM was Joel Tomkins with Lockers doing some good work, mentions for Roberts, Lulu, Feilden, Gleeson and Hansen. The line speed was better but we also got set better, we looked dominant in the tackle. Good short kicks all round better play . This is just the start though and they may not be the best opposition but I thought that first game last season so a wins a win.
I have thought for a while Joel Tomkins could be a top player
he needs to improve but the raw talent is there, he needed to be coached and the early signs are good. Hansen as always run good lines but those runs now look like they may break the line, he's bulked up and looks very fit.
Roberts got slated last year and I was one who thought his play poor, not tonight looked sharp fast and just....well good!! Gleeson looked better as did Feilden. Lulu did well in both roles all in all not a bad start.