SEAN’S FINAL FLING!
Skipper can sign off with a trophy shot
JACKSON Hastings showed his versatility as Wigan booked a Grand Final place to give skipper Sean O’loughlin a shot at a fairy tale 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.
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 Sam Powell.
Playmaker Hastings switched to hooker and young half- back 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 forwards standing tall up front, Lam’s team will now 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, although the way they rebuilt under caretaker coach Andy Last is cause for optimism.
And they dominated the opening quarter. Marc Sneyd slotted a penalty and Bureta Faraimo had a try disallowed before a contentious incident in the 24th minute.
Strong Hull defence forced an error from Willie Isa, but Josh Griffin was penalised for sarcastically tapping Oliver Partington on the head, bringing the teams together.
Wigan took advantage of the gift to score 13 unanswered points before the break. Joe Burgess also touched down and Smith crossed and added a drop goal.
Hardaker steamed on to an inside ball from Bevan French to streak home for a try after the restart and Jake Bibby and French completed the scoring. IAN Watson says that Huddersfield can challenge the top clubs after confirming his appointment at the Giants.
The ex- Salford boss, who has signed a three- year deal, said: “Everything about them screams top four.”