Academy derby : Sat Jul 16, 2022 2:06 pm  

Just come back from the academy Derby at Robin Park and it was the first Academy game I have been on for a few years. The Wigan pack is the biggest I can remember us ever having but not sure if that worked against them in the heat? After jumping out to an 18-0 lead after 10/15 minutes Saints pretty much controlled the game from then on and scored 6 unanswered try’s after that and finished the game with the final try, if they had more accuracy with the kick the final result could have been wider than the 22-36 score line I think it finished. Wigan really struggled to stem the momentum from Saints at times.
Eckersley was in a boot and on crutches at the end which isn’t a good sign. The Wigan side seem to be on a bad run and results wise must be one of the worst seasons in recent memory as I believe we’ve been beat quite a few times this season. I did think the standard was high and I was impressed by Nsemba, I do think he has the potential to be a good player.

Re: Academy derby : Sat Jul 16, 2022 7:48 pm  

I know for a fact that st Helens don’t get hung up on academy results. This is straight from the mouth of Mike Rush. It’s about realising who you think will make it and making sure they do. Given the amount of players Wigan have produced I would imagine they have the same principles so where Wigan finish is irrelevant

Re: Academy derby : Sat Jul 16, 2022 10:57 pm  

TheWarringtonWolve69 wrote:

I know for a fact that st Helens don’t get hung up on academy results. This is straight from the mouth of Mike Rush. It’s about realising who you think will make it and making sure they do. Given the amount of players Wigan have produced I would imagine they have the same principles so where Wigan finish is irrelevant

That’s the most sensible thing you have ever posted.

Re: Academy derby : Sun Jul 17, 2022 7:27 am  

TheWarringtonWolve69 wrote:

I know for a fact that st Helens don’t get hung up on academy results. This is straight from the mouth of Mike Rush. It’s about realising who you think will make it and making sure they do. Given the amount of players Wigan have produced I would imagine they have the same principles so where Wigan finish is irrelevant

I’m sure the players and coaches directly involved want to win every game, they should do anyway but I do agree that an all conquering academy side doesn’t necessarily translate into loads of the lads breaking into the first team but more often than not there is a correlation. Wigan have the most successful academy in terms of results and it has also translated into more Wigan academy lads playing Superleague than any other.