Wigan youngsters shine in win over Warrington

Wigan Warriors, despite a host of injuries, secured a convincing 30-18 victory over Warrington Wolves in the Betfred Super League. Five young players – Josh Cartwright, Taylor Kerr, Kian McDermott, and Austin Daniel – scored their first senior tries in Super League, justifying the faith of head coach Matt Peet.

Warrington took an early 12-0 lead through tries from Albert Hopoate and their own teenage prodigy Ewan Irwin, who is just 18. Wigan fought back after James Bentley was sin-binned for repeated infringements, with Cartwright scoring to reduce the deficit to 12-6 at halftime.

In the second half, 19-year-old loose forward Kerr used fancy footwork to level the scores at 12-12. Irwin then kicked a penalty after being caught high by Kaide Ellis, putting Warrington back ahead 14-12. Wigan took the lead for the first time when Harry Smith's pass set up Zach Eckersley for his 16th Super League try of the season. Warrington responded with Matty Ashton's 99th club try, making it 18-18.

McDermott forced his way over from a neat offload by Daniel to open a six-point gap, and Irwin had a try disallowed for a knock-on. Daniel sealed the win with five minutes left, and Adam Keighran converted all five attempts to complete the 30-18 victory. Wigan moved within two points of league leaders Leeds Rhinos.