Dan’s the man to cover bases
Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 12:03 pm
DAN Sarginson says he will be happy to continue as Wigan’s ‘Mr Versatile’ as the campaign nears the halfway point.
The 20-year-old has played wing and centre since his arrival from London Broncos in the off-season.
And last Friday night, he was handed his first appearance at full-back for the Warriors - and responded with his first career hat-trick.
Sarginson was also assured under the high ball as the champions marched to a 44-16 victory, propelling them into the top-three for the first time this year.
Sarginson said: “I played at full-back for London last year when there were a few injuries, and I really enjoy it.
“It was my first ever hat-trick in Super League, which was nice.
“I was happy to play there. Mango (Matty Bowen) was a maybe all week so I was preparing for it. I kept asking Mango, ‘Are you alright, are you alright?’ - I was itching to play it.
“I was really excited, I couldn’t wait to play there.”
A season-ending injury to Iain Thornley has created a vacancy in the left centre spot, which Sarginson could fill.
But Shaun Wane has other options, with in-form Anthony Gelling also pressing his claims for the role with two shining displays against Leeds and Hull FC.
Sarginson says he is happy to fit in anywhere - as long as he is in the match-day squad.
“I’ll try and do a job wherever I play,” he said. “I honestly don’t mind. Wherever Waney wants me, I’m happy.”
Sarginson’s early-season success stands as a tribute to Wane’s ability to identify players with potential and develop them, rather than recruit seasoned professionals.
“You could play him in the backrow and he’d go well, because he’s a competitor,” said Wane. “He has good feet, good skill - but the main ingredient is he competes at everything.
“Sean O’Loughlin has it, Mike McIlorum has it - and that’s the backbone of this club.”
Wigan’s latest win was achieved without seven front-line players. Wane hoped to gauge a better idea of who, if any, may return for Saturday’s Magic showdown with Leeds - just two weeks after the Rhinos ran out 28-12 winners at Headingley.
Sean O’Loughlin, Liam Farrell and Eddy Pettybourne are close to recovering from their injuries.
Sarginson added: “After you lose you always want a response, and it was good to get that with a convincing win against Hull.”
The Magic Weekend will be officially launched in Manchester later today.
http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... -1-6611415
The 20-year-old has played wing and centre since his arrival from London Broncos in the off-season.
And last Friday night, he was handed his first appearance at full-back for the Warriors - and responded with his first career hat-trick.
Sarginson was also assured under the high ball as the champions marched to a 44-16 victory, propelling them into the top-three for the first time this year.
Sarginson said: “I played at full-back for London last year when there were a few injuries, and I really enjoy it.
“It was my first ever hat-trick in Super League, which was nice.
“I was happy to play there. Mango (Matty Bowen) was a maybe all week so I was preparing for it. I kept asking Mango, ‘Are you alright, are you alright?’ - I was itching to play it.
“I was really excited, I couldn’t wait to play there.”
A season-ending injury to Iain Thornley has created a vacancy in the left centre spot, which Sarginson could fill.
But Shaun Wane has other options, with in-form Anthony Gelling also pressing his claims for the role with two shining displays against Leeds and Hull FC.
Sarginson says he is happy to fit in anywhere - as long as he is in the match-day squad.
“I’ll try and do a job wherever I play,” he said. “I honestly don’t mind. Wherever Waney wants me, I’m happy.”
Sarginson’s early-season success stands as a tribute to Wane’s ability to identify players with potential and develop them, rather than recruit seasoned professionals.
“You could play him in the backrow and he’d go well, because he’s a competitor,” said Wane. “He has good feet, good skill - but the main ingredient is he competes at everything.
“Sean O’Loughlin has it, Mike McIlorum has it - and that’s the backbone of this club.”
Wigan’s latest win was achieved without seven front-line players. Wane hoped to gauge a better idea of who, if any, may return for Saturday’s Magic showdown with Leeds - just two weeks after the Rhinos ran out 28-12 winners at Headingley.
Sean O’Loughlin, Liam Farrell and Eddy Pettybourne are close to recovering from their injuries.
Sarginson added: “After you lose you always want a response, and it was good to get that with a convincing win against Hull.”
The Magic Weekend will be officially launched in Manchester later today.
http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... -1-6611415