'All the lads want to go': Wigan rookies push for Vegas selection

Wigan’s rookie brigade put their hands up for Vegas selection after the Warriors did what Allegiant Stadium rivals Warrington could not and registered a win in their opening pre-season clash.

“I’d love to go to Vegas – with the squad we’ve got over here at Wigan it’s a big fight for places,” said back rower George Hirst after Sunday’s 28-16 defeat of Oldham.

Wunderkind half Jack Farrimond pulled the strings and non-stop lock Harvie Hill seemed to take every second hit-up as coaches rewarded the players who’ve been back in training since last year while Australian-based stars and England internationals took a break. 

Hirst returned to the club he helped win promotion to the Championship last year and impressed in Arctic conditions at Boundary Park. Another former Roughyed, Tyler Dupree, scored Wigan’s first try.

“It’s down to me really,” Hirst said. “Train well, play well. I’d love to go but it’s not my choice. 

“All the lads want to go. We’ll find out closer to the time. There’ll be a few lads disappointed.”

One man who might sneak onto the plane is 18-year-old Taylor Kerr, who played alongside Farrimond in the halves but can also handle hooker and back row.

“It’s just a sign of a quality player,” said assistant coach Thomas Leuluai, a renowned utility in his 40 Test career for the Kiwis and 448 NRL and Super League appearances.

“They’re all in that squad for a reason. We’ve got good depth. The guys today, they haven’t done themselves any harm, have they?

“Who’s going to Vegas? I don’t know when he (head coach Matty Peet) is picking that, but the guys today have made a good account of themselves and should be happy.”

Super League rivals, Huddersfield and Salford, joined Warrington – beaten 36-22 by Widnes – in being toppled by Championship teams over the weekend.

“It’s good to be the only ones who won,” said Hirst.