WIG WHAM BAM!

‘Hooker’ Hastings leads way as Hull get a hiding

JACKSON HASTINGS showed his versatility as Wigan booked a Grand Final place to give skipper Sean O’loughlin a shot at a fairytale finish.

O’loughlin will become just the 15th player in the Warriors Hall of Fame when he hangs up his boots at the end of the season after a trophy-laden career.

The 37-year-old’s involvement in Wigan topping the table has been limited, but he has again slotted back into the team for the biggest matches of the season. O’loughlin produced a typically immersed contribution off the bench as Adrian Lam’s side reshuffled in the absence of the injured Sam Powell.

Hastings made a successful switch to hooker and young halfback Harry Smith scored one try, had a hand in another and slotted a drop goal. With Zak Hardaker outstanding at right centre and the

Warriors for - wards standing tall in an almighty battle up front, Lam’s team can now prepare to face the winners of tonight’s clash between St Helens and Catalans.

Hull’s hopes of making a Grand Final on their home ground started brightly but faded.

Wigan were back on their home ground for the first time in 256 days but the visitors dominated the opening quarter. Marc Sneyd slotted a penalty and Bureta Faraimo had a try disallowed before a contentious incident in the 24th minute changed the momentum of the clash.

Strong Hull defence forced an error from Willie Isa, but Josh Griffin was then penalised for sarcastically tapping Oliver Partington.

Wigan took advantage of the unexpected gift to score 13 unanswered points before the break. Good hands from Smith and Oliver Gildart gave Joe Burgess (left) just enough space to touch down.

Smith then crossed himself, finishing a Burgess kick ahead, and added a drop goal.

After the restart Hardaker (above) steamed on to an inside ball from Bevan French.

French ended Hull’s last hope with a try-saving tackle on Sneyd before Jake Bibby and French completed the scoring.