Wigan boss Matt Peet hailed his side’s “resilience” after a thrilling derby victory over champions St Helens.
Warriors’ defence was immense as they claimed bragging rights in an intense game of high quality. They were missing playmakers Jai Field and Cade Cust but forward Joe Shorrocks did brilliantly as a makeshift stand-off. And rugged Morgan Smithies delivered a towering display at loose forward to keep the World Club champions at bay in front of a crowd of 24,275 - Wigan’s biggest home attendance in 18 years.
Peet said: “I’m really pleased with the performance. When you play champion teams you never feel like you’ve won until you’ve won it. They make you earn it. But the resilience, the cover efforts, was great and I’m so proud of them.