Warriors complete historic Vegas win

[josie andrews]

'The big stage is his' - Wigan Warriors star hails 'unbelievable' Bevan French after Las Vegas masterclass

Bevan French helped Wigan Warriors to a 48-24 win over Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas on Saturday

Bevan French proved once again that he belongs on the biggest of stages on Saturday night in Las Vegas. That's according to Wigan Warriors' Kaide Ellis, who was speaking after the Cherry and Whites' more than comfortable 48-24 win against Warrington Wolves at the Allegiant Stadium.

French was one of eight different try scorers in Sin City, with the stand-off touching down in the first half against Sam Burgess' side. The Australian found himself in the right place at the right time, as he has such a knack of doing, to collect a Junior Nsemba offload off the deck and touch down unchallenged.

Just a few minutes later he turned provider, setting Harry Smith on his way just before the interval. However, in the second half French really caught the eye, slipping through holes in the line and breaking away into space on several occasions, with his efforts leading to more Wigan tries.

Indeed, he finished the game having made 209 metres in 18 carries, with 10 tackle busts and three clean breaks. There were plenty of star performers for Wigan to mark an unforgettable week, but French was the man who was arguably the brightest.

"When you talk about big games that's probably him to a tee," Ellis told the press after the game. "He's a big game player, you can't coach or teach what he does, he's just a natural footballer.

"I don't know how he does it, there's nothing going on and suddenly he's through the other side of the line and off the try line. We're very lucky to have him, he's a great mate and teammate. The big stage is his, he's just an unbelievable player."

French is part of a team that has made a habit of succeeding in the biggest of games in recent seasons, with last season's quadruple winners looking more and more comfortable in the moments that matter most.

Reflecting on the occasion, which will be part of the Super League calendar next season, too, Ellis said: "It was incredible. I wasn't sure what to expect crowd-wise or atmosphere-wise, but it was unbelievable.

"You sort of caught yourself watching it, particularly when you first come out, the warm up and at the start of the game. It had that finals feel about it, the way the fans were reacting and things like that and certainly the start of the game felt that way as well.

"That's what you want. You want to have that big game feel and I think that's when we're at our best when we're playing that way.

"I think it's just a different ball game, you're tapping into a different country so there was a bit of unknown but it's very impressive and I think the neutrals and Americans can appreciate the fans, particularly Warrington as well, two English teams going at it verbally. It's great for the game and hopefully they can take to it."

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ss-5013684

[moto748]

I've just re-watched the game (I only saw it down the pub live), and how enjoyable was that? And I've watched the other two NRL games (didn't bother watching the women's game blow-out), and I think it's fair to say, Wigan were the entertainers of the day, and the team that neutral fans will remember.

[EDINBURGH-WARRIOR]

Great performance by Wigan . Can't believe they didn't go for 2 in the last minute to make it 50 and run the clock down . The ladies game should have been on first it was a bit of an embarasment also Wigan deserved a bigger crowd of NRL fans as their performance was class . Exxx

[josie andrews]

Wigan Warriors chief compares Las Vegas to Barcelona ahead of Warrington Wolves face-off

Matt Peet has paid tribute to Sam Burgess – who was a late arrival in Las Vegas to face Wigan Warriors after successfully negotiating late visa issues to reach ‘Sin City’.

Warrington Wolves boss Burgess was unable to travel with his squad to Vegas last Sunday after his application was held up, before being cleared to travel to the United States.

Peet has huge respect for the former South Sydney Rabbitohs star, saying: “I thought Sam did an unbelievable job last season. He transformed Warrington and I think we all thought he’d have a positive impact.

“But just how quickly he did it – you could clearly see Warrington’s players playing with a smile on their faces. They’ve got great talent, so you combine with his leadership and he led them really well.

“When a club has not had success for a few years, they’re desperate for it. It’s not like they haven’t been trying hard – it would be foolish to think that.

"The players want success more than anyone and I think Sam led them really well. He did a remarkable job and I think it was underrated.”

Burgess enjoys legendary status down under and Peet added: “That’s another thing that Sam deserves credit for. He’s a great ambassador for Super League, being a proud Englishman, and he went to Australia as a player and took the NRL by storm.

“Now he’s doing really well as a coach but he’s a proud Englishman and I think he’s quite unapologetic about that. Like I say, he’s just a great person to have leading Warrington

Peet has already achieved remarkable success with the Warriors but downing Warrington in Sin City would be another huge feather in his cap.

He was there at the Nou Camp in Barcelona in May 2019 when Adrian Lam’s Wigan side lost to Catalans Dragons.

Peet remembered: “I went along but I wasn’t coaching hands on. It was literally my first week so I went along with Lammy to get to know everybody and observe.

“It was a massive event but, because I wasn’t involved in the build-up, I hadn’t given it loads of thought. It came out of nowhere but you could see how much it meant to the supporters.

“It probably meant more to Catalans followers that day unfortunately. I think Wigan and Warrington have got similar motivation in that we want to put on a show for Super League this weekend.

“We both hope it’s a great game but we’ll also both be saying that we want to look back with fondness - players and supporters - that we need to win the game.

“In some areas I think we’re aligned in terms of driving the game forward off the field. We try to do things differently and Kris and Karl have a good relationship – as a club Warrington are always very respectful and hopefully they feel the same about us.

A lot of people have been involved in both camps over the years. Fitzy (Karl Fitzpartrick, CEO) is a Wigan lad, as are Stef Ratchford and George (Williams)...they’ve got a lot of Wiganers there. They’re friends really so I think we share ideas and want the best for Super League – not just our own clubs.”

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ff-5011164

[widdenoldboy]

Not one good thing to say about Wigan, Burgess is classless.

I said exactly he same thing when he was interviewed after the game by Brian Carney

Maybe he has put some positive comments about us somewhere - not found any yet

The Byrne incident seemed an accident to me, I guess we will see once the disciplinary review.

On Kendall, he did let the game flow but same for both sides TBH - he should be credited for that?

Not sure if this is the best thread for this but I thought Sky's presentation was good.

Carney was comfortable on the commentary team and worked well with Vossie and Brandy.
I also enjoyed Tomkins and Wilkins analysis, it was balanced, interesting and exciting.

[josie andrews]

How good is our head coach? Not just with coaching the team but the way he compliments other clubs, their coaches, CEO’s etc.

I knew when we played Warrington away at the back end of 2021 that Matt was being promoted, as usual just kept the excitement to myself

I’ve known Matt a long, long time & I was thrilled when he was made head coach, although he said many years before he didn’t want a head coaches job. He was happy with coaching the younger players, six GF out of 7 wins while he was Academy coach.
Bloody hell, I’ve watched the academy teams for years & was happy to see Matt take over from Darren Fletcher & Peter Williams (George’s Dad) who were very successful also.

He’s always been calm & very thoughtful of others. I was actually shocked in the documentaries to see he him rant, rave & swear

But we have a very special person in charge of the team in Matt, as well as Kris Radlinski as CEO in charge of the club.

Long may it continue

[josie andrews]

Not one good thing to say about Wigan, Burgess is classless.

I said exactly he same thing when he was interviewed after the game by Brian Carney

Maybe he has put some positive comments about us somewhere - not found any yet

The Byrne incident seemed an accident to me, I guess we will see once the disciplinary review.

On Kendall, he did let the game flow but same for both sides TBH - he should be credited for that?

I thought the same & thought Fitzgibbon’s re actions were a bit OTT. Why wasn’t he sent off for a HIA if it was such a bad tackle that it was put on report.

Other than that, I thought Chris Kendall had a very good game.

[fozzie58]

Kendall,while at times I’ve certainly criticised him is fast becoming a very good referee he gets most things right and you can’t ask for more than that.

The Byrne incident gut feeling it was a little clumsy but accidental the way the new discipline system works now who knows could get a ban for it.

As for Matty Peet well let’s hope he is here for many years to come as for the documentary it was great to see him rant it shows the side that we don’t see but also how much it means to him.

[josie andrews]

Kendall,while at times I’ve certainly criticised him is fast becoming a very good referee he gets most things right and you can’t ask for more than that.

The Byrne incident gut feeling it was a little clumsy but accidental the way the new discipline system works now who knows could get a ban for it.

As for Matty Peet well let’s hope he is here for many years to come as for the documentary it was great to see him rant it shows the side that we don’t see but also how much it means to him.

Exactly. It’s just with knowing him for so long it was a surprise to hear him like that, he’s so calm normally

[WarriorWinger]

Kendall,while at times I’ve certainly criticised him is fast becoming a very good referee he gets most things right and you can’t ask for more than that.

The Byrne incident gut feeling it was a little clumsy but accidental the way the new discipline system works now who knows could get a ban for it.

As for Matty Peet well let’s hope he is here for many years to come as for the documentary it was great to see him rant it shows the side that we don’t see but also how much it means to him.

For me when these are reviewed the panel need to also take into consideration the actions of the attacker, if you purposely turn your back to the defenders and keep backing up, then you increase the risk of going down and the defenders being over the top of you, the attacker also has to consider his own welfare when deciding to turn his back and how he is then going to try and move his body so as not to end up underneath the defenders in a sitting down position.