You wish.

Not sure you can say that. Once Roberts gets into match fitness and we balance our attack a bit more, and hopefully Sam Tomkins learns to be a bit more patient in big game moments, I think this side has at least another gear or two to go. I thought our defence was terrific. If we keep that up, cut out the stupid penalties, I think we have a really good chance of going to the Grand Final and winning it this year. That is not arrogance, just me being confident in what I see our team producing.

I thought the same, Leeds showed that they didn't fancy their chances of scoring the try early on by going for two a few times. I thought that at times we had some go forward and a kick to the corner and a set on their line could have got us a try or two. But it works both ways, had we not got the try, we would have slated them for not taking the two.

A pretty good summary all round particularly those I've highlighted. Coley infuriated me today. He's a persistant offender at conceding penalties and I lost count of how many he conceded today. Prescott seems to be getting a bit of stick but IMHO Coley was the man with the most errors and penalties he needs replacing for next year for me.

I've never found myself agreeing with Davies so much before. I thought the Farell sin bin was harsh as he was air bourne when the ball was kicked. Peacock should have been binned for the high tackle on Sam. You can call the high swinging arm accidental BUT he then spun round and swung his other arm at Sam's head. [iLuckily[/i for Sam Peacock had already taken his head off so it was out of the way. That was what warranted ten mnutes.

Finally, also agree with Davies re Senior kicking Joel in the head. All this talk of needing a directive from the RFL is bunkum. That was dangerous play simple as that. Kicking a leg out that high is NOT going to help senior get to his feet and with the number of players in and around a tackle someone is going to get hit. It was dangerous play and should have been punished.

I wasn't saying it was close to your best. I was asking one of your posters whether the pride was due to you playing close to your peak or whether it was down to your team putting in 100%. Like i have said I didn't think either team were at their best but they both put in 100%

Absolutely right there, I am gutted that we went out, as I thought we were marginally the better team. But Leeds are a very good side, and have a real winning mentality. When we lost to Cats a few years back I was disgusted, angry and ready to swear off Wigan for life. Today I feel proud of the team, and think in drier conditions we would have won this. We are definitely getting there. I fancy Leeds now to win the Challenge Cup - I think they are more hungry than any other team for it, and know how to win in tight games.

Part of me just feels that while the Maguire/Wane partnership has had a positive impact we're still 2/3 quality players short...

Sorry, fair enough, I obviously mis-interpreted what you were saying. And yes given the Catalan experience mentioned above - I think all Wiganers are proud of the intensity we put into that game. For a few years I have doubted how much our players cared about the Wigan shirt - this year you can't say that at all. Its brilliant to see!!

Proud of the effort. Execution could've been better but it was one of those games where the bounce of the ball & a bit of luck decided the outcome.

You wishing that on us by any chance.

If Madge and Wane use this loss correctly we can go on to top SL this year, after all the sides still left in the CC will have to battle on two fronts as opposed to one.

you hope

Just back.
The effort was tremendous.
However stupid penalties, given away by Coley and Farrell, and poor execution by Sam ultimately cost us the game.

I'd rather lose by 20 points than lose like that. The game was ours for the holding and we blew iy.

Wigan play a very negative/cynical style of rugby - yes you are top of the table but it is very sad to see a talented side play the way you do.