The inclusion of Chris Riley in the squad on both occasions.

I'm more concerned about the moments that could cost us a shot at this years Grand Final.

In the Wigan GF not long after we scored the 3rd try in the first half we got a penalty and elected to run it instead of taking and easy 2. We made an error on the 2nd or 3rd tackle and coughed up possession...Wigan went up the other end, Joel Monaghan got injured and Wigan scored right before HT.. (Lack of Finals game smartness)That gave Wigan renewed belief and Vigour, Then the Hansen Canonball tackle on another of our strike players pretty much ended our hopes.

This is similar to my recollection.
Everyone talks about Monaghan's injury, but Wigan were already on our line when that incident occurred.

I watched the Final back (well, half of it!) some weeks later and I seem to recall Ratchford giving a very lazy and poor forward pass at dummy half about 30 or 40m from our own line.
I've always thought that to be the critical turning point in momentum.

What he said, i remember at the time i said we should take the 2, it was close to half time and we had them on the rack,anyways if and buts dont change results.

In any knock out game every point should be taken when offered, you squander the points you squander possession!