Wigan set up UK Cup semi-final with Saints

| April 11, 2022

Fullback Jai Field’s try scoring hat-trick has helped Wigan thrash Wakefield 36-6 and book a Challenge Cup semi-final clash with title holders St Helens.

Ex-NRL player Field showed why he is the front runner for Man of Steel honours this season with a standout performance in their quarter-final at Belle Vue on Sunday.

Matty Peet’s Warriors have stepped up their bid for a league and cup double with the victory.

Wigan first play ladder leaders St Helens in a table-topping clash on Good Friday before again taking on their arch rivals at Elland Road on May 7 in the Cup semi-final.

They will vie for a place in the Cup final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 28.

In the other semi-final to be played at Elland Road on May 7, Huddersfield will take on Hull KR.

Wakefield were in touch with the visitors at half-time when they trailed 12-6.

But they had no answer when Wigan – and ex-St George Illawarra and Parramatta flyer Field – went up a gear in the second half, snapping Wakefield’s four-game winning run.

Field finished off a break by second-rower Liam Farrell for his 10th try of the season while returning captain Thomas Leuluai sent Ethan Havard over to ensure the 12-6 halftime lead.

It was 18-6 within a minute of the resumption after Field ran off ex-Brisbane and South Sydney forward Patrick Mago to score his second.

Former Canberra Raider John Bateman then set up Zak Hardaker, Farrell added a fifth try 10 minutes from the end before Field completed his hat-trick.

Hardaker made it six goals from as many attempts for a personal 16-point haul.