LET’S DO IT HULL AGAIN
Wane’s Warriors eye repeat of ‘fantastic’ 2013 victory
COACH Shaun Wane is relishing a repeat Wembley showdown with Hull FC after Micky McIlorum and Sam Tomkins helped Wigan edge out Salford.
His Hull counterpart Lee Radford had wanted to face the Warriors again following Saturday’s win over Leeds to atone for their performance in losing the 2013 final 16-0.
Wane’s view of the dogged win that saw his team lift the trophy (right) – describing it as “fantastic” – is markedly different from Radford’s but he acknowledged it is likely to be a different challenge in four weeks’ time against the cup holders.
Wane said: “I’ve a load of respect for Lee and it will be hurting him, no question. I loved that win against Hull, it was a great moment for me and a fantastic day.
“We’ll need to improve – I thought they were outstanding on Saturday and not many teams would have lived with them.
“But on our day we will challenge people and we haven’t touched the surface yet. All we’ve done today is won a semi-final – the job’s not done yet.”
Wigan raced into a 12-0 lead with tries by Oliver Gildart and Willie Isa, before Salford stirred to play their part in an enthralling clash.
By half-time the underdogs were ahead, courtesy of Greg Johnson and debutant Tyrone McCarthy, and three Michael Dobson goals.
Tomkins ended the half in the sin bin following a tryline collision with McCarthy, but returned to have a significant influence on the game.
Twice he made breaks from inside his own half, with only a stunning cover tackle from Niall Evalds preventing Joe Burgess scoring from one of them.
Then McIlorum stepped forward after emerging from the bench for a second spell, picking up a Burgess kick for the game’s decisive try.
Tomkins added a drop goal and Gildart a late second that produced a flattering scoreline, but Red Devils coach Ian Watson believes his side will have taken much from the experience.
Watson said: “It’s the small areas that count in big games and we’ll learn that going forward.
“I’ve said to the boys that we will be back here, and they know it’s the start.
“We’ve spoken about being on a journey as a group and as a club and we’ll get there – I was proud of the effort of the boys.”