Dupree: On same page
- Tyler Dupree praised Wigan Warriors’ defensive performance following a pre-season victory over Hull FC.
- Dupree: “We’ve gelled so much as a team to be on the same page and we’re all looking forward and ready to start the season together.”
- FT | Hull FC 0-40 Wigan Warriors.
Tyler Dupree praised the defensive performance as the Warriors recorded a dominant pre-season victory over Hull FC at the MKM Stadium.
The prop forward was one of seven scorers as the Cherry and Whites produced an emphatic showing against Super League opposition in former Warrior, Scott Taylor’s testimonial match.
Reflecting on the victory, Dupree said: “It was a tough encounter despite what the score suggests as Hull FC brought a massive test. We knew what they’d bring with their massive bodies in the middle, but we showed that we can dig deep and stick at it for longer.”
Dupree was one of seven scorers for the Warriors at the MKM Stadium, and speaking on his try, he said: “It came off the back of some fantastic play from Harry [Smith] for which I’m very grateful for. He just tells me where to run and I make sure to do it before he does the rest.”
Despite an emphatic second half showing, which saw the Warriors score six tries, Dupree directed his praise towards the defensive efforts.
He said: “We know we have the quality to score tries but you cannot lose if you don’t concede. Our main focus is our defence as it’s an area of the game we pride ourselves highly on. This afternoon we showed signs of where we aim to be defensively.
“Keeping any team to nil in any game is big, but to do it after facing continuous sets on the try line is massive. The performance wasn’t squeaky clean as we had errors but to keep Hull FC to nil is a massive achievement for us.”
Reflecting on pre-season, Dupree said: “Personally I’ve really enjoyed pre-season and it was important to dust off a few more cobwebs off. My goal throughout has been working on fitness so that I can play for longer this season. It’s also been massive as I’ve focused on developing as a player in all areas and already I feel in such a strong position compared to last season.”
Looking ahead to the start of the Super League season, Dupree said: “You can’t read too much into friendlies so our focus remains firmly on Castleford in Round One. We’ve gelled so much as a team to be on the same page and we’re all looking forward and ready to start the season together.”
Read Matt Peet’s post-match reaction HERE.
Tyler Dupree is sponsored by Cheshire Wealth.
