Joe’s relief at life-saver

JOE BURGESS admits he was planning for a new career after nearly gifting a quarter-final victory to Warrington.

And team-mate Sam Tomkins reveals how he’d have happily driven him to a job interview if Burgess had cost Wigan their Challenge Cup dream.

Warriors were hanging on to a one-point lead with two minutes to go when Burgess kicked out on the full after Kurt Gidley’s try for Wolves.

It gave Warrington a penalty from the halfway line, but, much to Burgess’ relief, Stefan Ratchford sent the attempt wide.

Declan Patton also missed a last-second drop goal attempt to leave the Wigan squad breathing a huge sigh of relief as they progressed 27-26 on Saturday.

But none were happier than Burgess, who said: “I was honestly planning a new life, a new identity.”

Tomkins, whose earlier 72nd-minute drop goal proved the winner, said: “I was just about to go and batter Joe Burgess.

“I think he was planning a new life away and I’d have driven him to the interview as well!”

Tomkins played his first game of the year, after overcoming knee and foot injuries, and said: “I still felt a bit rusty at times.

“But I didn’t feel too bad. I’ve been happy for the last few weeks and I’m glad it’s all behind me now.”