To be fair to Wigan I think 15 out of their 17 were first years whereas Saints were mainly 2nd years. Makes a big difference at that age.

Jack, watched that age group for years and he was the stand out growing up against everyone

It does but, there are certain things you expect from a Wigan side and I think we came up short in two areas - defence and teamwork. There were some good players on show but, as usual, it will be interesting to see who goes on to make the grade.

Yep he has got talent and also that bit of cockiness that is a necessary component in a half backs make up.

Where have all the Blackbrook side from that age gone? Saints/Warrington?

normally go to saints the age above did, that was a crazy good Blackbrook team, I think they won everything

Sure Wigan and Saints will continue to bring top players through. The results aren’t that important. Seen our academy teams dominate for years but not been replicated in first team

Saints were by far the better team. Their pack was much bigger and more aggressive I really didn't see that result coming though. At 18 all with about 10 minutes to go to half time and Wigan having the wind at their backs in the second half I expected them to take the game to Saints. The exact opposite happened.
In reality the 1st Saints try summed Wigans defence up. Wigan had gone in front and then lost the ball in the 1st set of six after the kick off. Saints get close to the line and on the last tackle score from dummy half with three Wigan players hold of him. One of my great no no's, shouldn't happen at any level especially pro players at any age.
The Saints props were excellent on both sides of the ball and Robertson really does look a class player, although I thought he was under used (luckily for us)
Plenty of work for these young Wigan lads to do!!

Cheers for that Brian. I was waiting for your report. Have you come off Twitter by the way?

You know my contact at Wigan and he said that he thought Wigan would go undefeated this season at Academy level so I too wasn't expecting this result.

No Stu, but I got a message on Saturday that my account had been hacked, so I changed my password etc. I'll send you a message later to see if it gets through.

Cheers. I tried to DM you to get your thoughts on the Academy game then realised I couldn't find you.

The St Helens prop Noah Stephens is a beast, will be interesting to see his progress.

I've heard that too. I believe that last year against Wigan he completely changed the game in a 25 min spell.

As you say it will be interesting to see how he progresses. He could be another Sammy Kibula and look outstanding at this age and fall away or he could kick on.

Noah Stephens did well but to compare him with Sammy Kibula? There’s more heart in a tin of dog food than in Sammy Kibula.

Noah Stephens looked like he had a bit of mongrel in him.

That’s a bit harsh on Kibula but it seemed to come too easy for him in the junior ranks, he didn’t really have to put much in to steam roll opposition and he got a bit too focussed on becoming a play maker which to his credit he’s got great hands for a prop. I have always said this it’s sometimes a disadvantage to be so big at a young age, it’s obviously great at the time but having your growth spurt later is better imo, get you used to playing against bigger lads and having to use all your weight and strength so it’s not such a system shock when you start playing against men