George Williams scores two tries as Wigan put weakened Leeds to sword
Harry Newman made history by becoming the first player born this century to play in Super League.
England stand-off George Williams scored two tries to make up for an off day with the boot as Wigan put a weakened Leeds to the sword with a 34-0 victory at the DW Stadium.
With an eye on next Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Hull, Leeds coach Brian McDermott went into the last match of the regular season before the split for the Super 8s without 15 senior players and it was men against boys for most of it.
The Rhinos had three debutants, including 17-year-old threequarter Harry Newman, who made history by becoming the first player born this century to play in Super League, and another three players on the bench with just three Super League appearances between them.
Tweet of the match
@cunners4 (former St Helens centre Eddie Cunningham) was not impressed by the match
Star man
The sublime footwork and sheer pace of George Williams lit up an otherwise drab encounter as he tormented the Leeds defence and capped a man-of-the-match performance with two of his side’s seven tries.
Defining moment
Substitute Tony Clubb has made a habit of making an impact from the bench and Leeds’ acting captain Jamie Jones-Buchanan felt the full force of his barnstorming run within minutes of entering the field. Referee Ben Thaler stopped the clock to give a staggering Jones-Buchanan the chance to get back into the defensive line.
Ratings
What’s next
Both teams take a break from the league as the Challenge Cup takes centre stage next weekend. Wigan will be strong favourites on this form to get past Salford while Leeds will hope to get the majority of their injured players back for the clash with holders Hull.
