Brisbane Broncos thrash Wigan to wrap up World Club Series with game to spare

A 42-12 demolition of Wigan, which followed Sydney Roosters' equally ruthless 38-12 rout of St Helens 24 hours earlier, put the Australian clubs 2-0 up in the three-match series, leaving champions Leeds to salvage some pride in Sunday's World Club Challenge against North Queensland.

Wigan, like Saints, were handed a lesson in clinical finishing and their misery was compounded by the loss of England hooker Michael McIlorum with a broken and dislocated ankle.

That might also be a concern for Brisbane boss Wayne Bennett, who is the new England coach, but right now he will be more excited about the Broncos' prospects of going one better in 2016 after October's dramatic grand-final loss.

Beaten 14-12 in extra time by Bennett's Broncos a year ago, the Warriors were thought to have the best chance of gaining some overdue success for Super League but they were simply out-classed by opponents who not only ran harder and faster but produced some sublime moments of skill to which their hosts had no answer.

Half-back Kodi Nikorima, whose younger brother tormented St Helens 24 hours earlier, scored two of the Broncos' seven tries as he deputised superbly for the suspended Ben Hunt.

Winger Corey Oates also touched down twice and went desperately close to completing a hat-trick while former Huddersfield and Hull KR full-back Greg Eden scored a spectacular long-range try on his long-awaited debut for the Queensland club.

Wigan, who have not lost at the DW Stadium to a Super League team for almost 20 months, actually made a promising start with second rower Willie Isa and stand-off George Williams posing some problems for the Broncos defence but once Isa was held up over the line the game began to take on a familiar look.