Jai Field fires hat-trick as Wigan Warriors shrug off controversy for top spot

Aussie ace Jai Field grabbed a hat-trick as Wigan blasted past Salford’s second-string to bag the League Leaders’ Shield.

It was never a case of if they’d win tonight but simply by how many. Salford boss Paul Rowley retained only one player - Amir Bourouh - from the 17 who walloped Hull on Saturday. He dished out EIGHT Super League debuts, including seven players who stepped up from reserves grade, so full-back Field and co understandably ran riot for the champions.

It caused some controversy but you can’t argue with Rowley wanting to keep his stars fresh for next week’s play-offs eliminator, even if they risked dropping from fourth to fifth and losing home advantage. Admittedly, it ruined any hopes of Hull KR pipping Wigan to top spot but that’s not his problem either. Centres Billy Glover and Josh Wagstaffe made their bow along with wing Ethan Fitzgerald.

Nathan Connell on the other flank had played just twice before. Those four players’ squad numbers alone totted up to 128 - and Salford fans may have feared their side conceding 128 points. It wasn’t that bad but it was an emphatic rout for the World Club champions who now stand just 80 minutes away from another Old Trafford appearance.

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Wigan boss Matt Peet said: “I’m proud of the group and the staff. We’ve got big games to come and we’ll start talking about that on Monday. But it’s a big achievement. We all know it’s not the one everyone wants to win. It’s probably the one people want to win third most. And it’s difficult to celebrate. You can’t party too hard. But we will celebrate."

His side took just six minutes to open the points-fest with Liam Marshall sliding over for his 26th Super League try of the season from Field’s pass. Field scampered over himself just only four minutes later and there was little respite for the rookie-laden visitors. There were ironic cheers when Wigan powerhouse Junior Nsemba spilled to give them some ball.

But they soon won it back and the young towering second-row - - backed to make his England debut versus Samoa next month - showed he really has got all the tricks. After Man of Steel Bevan French scored next, Nsemba looked like Andy Farrell when he surprisingly dabbed in a kick to force a drop-out. From there, Harry Smith caught Fitzgerald cold with a raking long pass for Zach Eckersley to cross.

When Salford finally created some pressure, Cade Cust’s pass went astray and Jake Wardle raced in 70m for another try and a 28-0 interval lead. Field sped in for his second after more slick interplay before Marshall tore away for his second. Kruise Leeming added a quick double ahead of livewire Field completing his treble and French rounded it off.

Adam Keighran slotted ten goals as Wigan became only the second club after St Helens to retain the Shield in the trophy’s 23–year’s history. Rowley admitted: “We picked a very young and inexperienced side to come here and face the World Club champions. They came with enthusiasm, excitement and all applied themselves brilliantly.

"It will give them some clarity on their career paths and some dreams came true; it was a day some people probably thought they’d never get. I’m very proud of them and the senior guys, too. Our objective is to have a fit squad for our big play-off games; that’s why we changed the team.”