Premier League: Wigan Warriors 23-22 York Knights – Wigan continues to win 100%

Wigan lacked the star power of Bevan French and Jayfield, meaning Hodkinson, who impressed in his Challenge Cup debut last week, was assigned the full-back role and he did not disappoint.

It was York, who had two wins and two defeats in their first four matches, who started the quickest and their fans could not believe it as they scored 14 unanswered points in the opening 25 minutes.

Winger Novoaluma picked up and charged in the opener after Wigan made a mess of defending Paul McShane’s wayward kick on the final tackle, before veteran prop Vaughan exploded with three attackers pinned down on him.

Richardson, who was impeccable with the boot after returning to the team to replace injured York midfielder Liam Harris, added another two points.

However, with Wigan pressing hard, the Knights’ discipline wavered and Hingano paid the price with a yellow card.

While out wide, Wigan quickly extended the play down the left and Marshall showed why he has been one of the best players in the Premier League in recent seasons with two tries.

The Warriors finally took the lead when Hodkinson fed in a rebound from Junior Nsimba from the penalty spot, he looked to have cleared the ball but evaded Jesse Dee’s challenge and crossed the goal line.

York refused to lie down as Wigan appeared to gain momentum and the captain’s successful challenge eventually led to a penalty kick by Richardson to make it 16-16.

Wigan pressed again, with Jacques Farrimond’s late pass freeing up Keighran to try around his own, and Smith’s one-pointer proved vital.

That was because York – who had made a real fist in their first Premier League campaign – came back at the other end through Sam Cooke, who returned to the club on loan from Newcastle Thunder this week, and set up Hingano to give Wigan some tension before the final whistle.