Wigan coach Shaun Wane hails landmark win over Huddersfield
Last Updated: 07/06/15 9:25pm
Wigan coach Shaun Wane was delighted captain Sean O'Loughlin's 350th appearance for the club ended with a 32-18 win over Huddersfield.
England internationals Josh Charnley and Liam Farrell, back from a two-match absence with a badly-broken broken nose, both scored two tries as Wane's men made it seven wins from their last eight matches to stay within two points of Super League leaders Leeds.
The Warriors trailed 18-16 early in the second half but finished strongly to ensure they will go into Friday's Grand Final re-match with St Helens on a high.
"We were not at our best in the first half, far from it, but we had a chat at half-time about the areas where we needed to improve and I thought we were very good in the second half," Wane said.
"I badly wanted to get the win for Lockers, I think that's why I was so emotional at half-time, it meant a lot to me.
"It was satisfying to come up with that, against a very well-coached team who have the best defence in the competition."
A power cut before kick-off meant Wigan were unable to gain access to the away dressing room but Wane shrugged off the disruption.
"We got changed in the canteen," Wane said. "It was one of those things - we have a motto 'anytime, anyplace, anywhere' - and we just get on with it. I'm really proud of them."
Huddersfield made a dream start with teenage full-back Jared Simpson marking his debut with a try after only four minutes while second rower Joe Wardle and skipper Danny Brough also touched down as they got themselves into a winning position.
The Giants wilted under intense pressure in the second half but coach Paul Anderson was encouraged by their performance and especially that of Simpson, who was deputising for the suspended Scott Grix.
"I was a little bit worried beforehand because he's a slight fella but he was good," Anderson said. "He's shocked a few people around the place.
"There are very few people who could have scored that try. It couldn't have gone any better for him.
"I thought we were very good in the first half and we should have been a couple of scores in front at half-time but they are fine margins in sport.
"I thought our attitude in the main was very good but you can't defend nearly all the half on your own tryline without conceding points."