French rampant in Super League rout

By ANDY HAMPSON

Indigenous  star Bevan French led English Super League giants Wigan to a convincing 54-0 victory over neighbours Leigh on Thursday evening as Leigh’s PNG  coach Adrian Lam described it as the worst performance of his coaching career.

The Leopards were overwhelmed as they shipped nine tries to the rampant Warriors in a one-sided Super League contest at the Brick Community Stadium.

Lam, who took charge in 2022, said: “That’s probably our worst performance of my time as coach at the club.

“I just want to go home, wake up and start next week as soon as possible, really. We were very poor and they were very, very good. That’s the bottom line.

“It was just a nightmare, really, the way it unfolded tonight.”

‘Nightmare’ performance

The Papua New Guinea coach refused to single out any players for criticism or use injuries – Bailey Hodgson, Joe Ofahengaue and Matt Davis were forced off during the game – as an excuse.

“I’m not going to point the finger. It’s round three,” the ex-Sydney Roosters star said.

“But it’s clear that we’ve got a lot of hard work to do. I’m going to give them an opportunity to respond and hold all of them accountable. It’s just not one or two.

“They haven’t played their best rugby and there was a lot of softness about us.”

Adam Keighran opened the scoring for Wigan and converted all nine of their tries.

Jai Field scored twice as Wigan romped to a one-sided win over Leigh. (AP)

Ex-St George Illawarra star Jai Field and Harry Smith both touched down twice while former Parramatta and Indigenous All-Star Bevan French, Zach Eckersley, Junior Nsemba and Tom Forber also crossed as the Warriors maintained their winning start to the campaign.

Wigan coach Matt Peet said: “We’re very happy. I always talk about when you’re driving down to the game, the performance you’re looking for – a win first and foremost and to come through healthy.

“So then to get a convincing win, obviously, I’m pleased.

“But don’t miss the fact that Leigh were missing a lot of their talent, some coming into the game, some during the game, so let’s keep it in context.”

PA