The 18th Man column: 'Wigan Warriors are enjoying Adrian Lam's brand of rugby'

Our 18th Man columnists talk form, improvement - and who is the best rugby league TV pundit...
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How impressed were you with Wigan’s performance against Huddersfield?

Alex Graham: I predicted in my 18th man column last week that Wigan would win convincingly despite the start Huddersfield have made and Sunday’s performance proved why.

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We looked confident, hungry and seemed to be enjoying the brand of rugby Adrian Lam has introduced to the team.

Liam Marshall scored a hat-trick at HuddersfieldLiam Marshall scored a hat-trick at Huddersfield
Liam Marshall scored a hat-trick at Huddersfield

The squad depth and competition for places is really putting us in good stead for 2020 with Joe Burgess already dropped for Dom Manfredi, Tommy Leuluai looking over his shoulder at Harry Smith and George Burgess undoubtedly earning his spot for next week in the front row.

There was an element of unpredictability about our attack with Jackson Hastings hovering across the defensive line with plenty of options, whether it’s Liam Farrell on a short ball or Bevan French breaking defensive ankles out the back – and, of course, Liam Marshall’s brilliant effort from the kick off.

That’s what we pay our money to watch.

Robert Kenyon: Very impressed, we were slick in our attack and again the players seem to be enjoying their rugby. Every player impressed, none more so than Liam Marshall, and what a try it was, could have had four. Sam Powell is excelling in the hooker role and looks dangerous, George Burgess redeemed himself, Joe Bullock ran hard, Harry Smith produced some pin-point kicking, Dom Manfredi showed how good he is especially getting us out of our own 20m, and Liam Farrell and Jackson Hastings are growing their partnership on the left flank.

Jon Wells is part of Sky Sports' commentary teamJon Wells is part of Sky Sports' commentary team
Jon Wells is part of Sky Sports' commentary team
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We seem to have moved up a gear and are in third, still more to do but doing better than the rest.

David Bailey: Wigan looked extremely dangerous once they got a foothold in the game against the Giants.

Aiden Sezer’s sin-binning was the turning point as Wigan took full advantage of the extra man.

It’s been a very steady start for the Warriors, only losing out to Castleford so far this season, and even then it was penalties that killed Wigan. Hopefully the Warriors can kick on ahead of the massive Easter clash.

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Adrian Lam says there are still areas to improve – where, do you think?

Alex Graham: Despite the convincing win, we did start slow and it showed how costly poor discipline can be. Not just from conceding points from penalty kicks but momentum and the confidence it can affect.

But despite the slow start our overall discipline and error rate was very good for 75 per cent of the game, which was a contributing factor towards our dominance against a decent Huddersfield team.

As was our defence.

We’re also yet figure out our best starting 13 and in key positions, let alone 17. For me, Harry Smith’s contribution and overall kicking game gives him a starting jersey, and it’s crazy to think we still have Sean O’Loughlin to return from injury.

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Robert Kenyon: I’d say we need to work on our defence around the ruck especially on our try line. We seem to be letting in soft tries each game around this area. Also, we need to work on our discipline, we are giving away daft penalties too.

Last tackles options too, we have got away with it by winning the games, but how many times have we got to the last tackle and messed up, put a bad kick in or got tackled, in a tight game that may be the difference between winning and losing.

David Bailey: The Warriors have yet to complete an 80-minute performance, and with that, Lam would be looking for no defensive lapses – the sloppy tries conceded against Hull and the one against the Giants, plus a more clinical last tackle option. Wigan have improved but you still feel that more pressure would be exerted if the kicks were all on the money.

Who is your favourite rugby league TV pundit in this country?

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Alex Graham: I think Brian Carney and Jenna Brooks are smart, modern presenters with an excellent understanding of the game. However they’re on a dated Sky platform which has barely changed since the 90s.

I think if they were ever given a well-invested platform in a modern studio or setting, they’d be engaging for all sporting audiences and not just those interested in rugby league with the majority from the north. I fully respect contributions from some of the other ex-playing pundits but, with the exception of possibly Jon Wilkin, their contribution to television punditry should be no more than being the occasional guest.

The sport undoubtedly needs more media training for its current and ex-stars.

Robert Kenyon: He’s been a bit-part player but I’d have liked to have seen more of Fraser Dainton. He’s only done a couple of games but he stood out a mile how good he was, I’d like to see him more involved especially interviewing the players after games. Other than that I like Brian Carney, he’s head and shoulders above everyone else. My least favourite is Jon ‘erm’ Wells and Robbie Hunter-Paul, for walking through warms-ups with impunity.

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David Bailey: My favourite pundit over here would be Brian Carney, he’s always insightful and has a great manner with his guests.

Back when JJB had his testimonial and proceeds were donated to Rob Burrow, I thought he handled it so compassionately, especially when Barrie McDermott struggled to compose himself. A special mention to Mark Chapman, who is a fantastic anchor and has come a long way since his days as Scott Mills’ sidekick on Radio 1.