Noah Hodkinson scores four as Wigan Warriors put on clinic at Wakefield Trinity

Wigan Warriors extended their impressive run of form with a commanding 48-10 victory over Wakefield Trinity at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, with youngster Noah Hodkinson stealing the show with a remarkable four-try haul.

Just six days after their win over Catalans Dragons in Paris, Matt Peet’s side produced another clinical display to move into fourth in the Super League table.

Wigan made the perfect start after just five minutes. A break from Jai Field stretched the Wakefield defence before the ball was moved wide, allowing captain Liam Farrell to cross for the opening try on his 450th career appearance. Adam Keighran added the conversion for a 6-0 lead.

Wakefield responded well and reduced the deficit six minutes later when Matty Storton burst onto a flat pass and powered over. Max Jowitt was unable to convert, leaving Wigan narrowly ahead.

The hosts then levelled matters midway through the first half through a straightforward Jowitt penalty goal after Wigan were penalised in front of their own posts.

However, once the Warriors found their rhythm, they began to take control. A powerful surge from Junior Nsemba on 28 minutes split the Wakefield defence. The England international found Field in support, and the fullback quickly moved the ball on to Hodkinson, who stepped inside and finished smartly in the corner. Keighran converted brilliantly from the touchline.

Three minutes later, Ollie Partington produced an unusual score for a front-rower. Spotting space from dummy-half, the prop darted through and raced 10 metres to touch down, extending Wigan’s advantage to 16-6.

The visitors crossed again before the interval when Nsemba produced another clever offload. Hodkinson gathered and finished in the corner for his second try of the evening, giving Wigan a healthy 20-6 lead at the break.

The Warriors quickly put the game beyond doubt after half-time. Hodkinson completed his hat-trick eight minutes into the second period, collecting a perfectly-weighted Jack Farrimond chip kick across field before grounding in the corner. Keighran converted to make it 26-6.

Moments later, Farrimond departed the field with Bevan French entering the action, and the Australian made an immediate impact.

Jake Wardle added Wigan’s sixth try on 53 minutes after the ball was moved swiftly through the hands, with the centre showing excellent footwork to beat several defenders.

Four minutes later, Hodkinson produced another memorable moment. Harry Smith fired out a superb cut-out pass and the young winger finished emphatically for his fourth try of the night, taking Wigan’s lead to 38-6.

The visitors continued to entertain. On the hour mark, French delivered a sublime cut-out pass to Zach Eckersley, who raced over in the corner for Wigan’s eighth try.

Wakefield managed a consolation score with 15 minutes remaining when Jake Trueman’s looping pass sent Tom Johnstone over out wide, but it did little to halt Wigan’s momentum.

Farrell had the final word on a memorable night. Fittingly, on his landmark 450th appearance, the skipper crossed for his second try of the match after another assist from French. Keighran converted to complete the scoring.

It rounded off another outstanding night for Wigan, who followed up their Wembley triumph and Paris success with another dominant display, while Hodkinson’s four-try performance ensured he left West Yorkshire with the headlines.

Wakefield: Max Jowitt; Tom Johnstone, Seth Nikotemo, Cameron Scott, Jayden Myers; Jake Trueman, Jack Sinfield; Mike McMeeken, Tyson Smoothy, Ky Rodwell, Matty Storton, Isaiah Vagana, Jay Pitts. Subs: Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Caius Faatili, Tray Lolesio, Will Tate. 18th man: Harvey Smith.

Tries: Storton, Johnstone | Goals: Jowitt 1/3

Wigan: Jai Field; Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Jake Wardle, Noah Hodkinson; Jack Farrimond, Harry Smith; Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Ollie Partington. Subs: Bevan French, Kaide Ellis, Patrick Mago, Sam Eseh. 18th man: Taylor Kerr:

Tries: Farrell (2), Hodkinson (4), Partington, Wardle, Eckersley | Goals: Keighran 6/9