Rugby League: Momentum key for Wigan boss

And having admitted during the week he had nearly given in to “scratchy” performances, Wane said the most pleasing aspect of the performance for him was the tempo his side set.

But vice captain Houghton insists his side are ready to send shock waves through the title race. “They are both good players, we are lucky to have two class full-backs, but Mango did some great things”.

Wigan Warriors boss Shaun Wane says keeping the winning momentum going into the Supers 8s will be key ahead of their clash at Hull FC.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: “We want to go into the Super 8s in a good manner with good form behind us”.

“Everything paid off today”, he said.

“We very rarely come up against a team smaller than us so the one thing we need to do is sprint – run hard – and they’ve all got a ticker – that’s why we sign them”.

Wigan moved level on points with Leeds Rhinos, the leaders, although victory by St Helens at home to Hull Kingston Rovers tonight will relegate Shaun Wane’s team to third place after the 23 regular-season rounds.

“What a difference a week makes”, Hull coach Lee Radford said.

“Last week was huge for us but it couldn’t be our Grand Final”.

“I don’t want to make excuses but I’ve been involved in derbies and it takes a lot out of you”.

“I said at half time we had to be prepared to hit a bit harder and 10 minutes into the second half we could have had 12 points but a lack of execution cost us”.

Hull FC will be without skipper Gareth Ellis (heel) and half-back Leon Pryce (shoulder) after they picked up injuries in the derby win over Hull KR.

Pryce has already undergone tests on the problem and Radford fears surgery will rule the 33-year-old out, like Ellis, for the rest of the season. “He’ll have an operation next Tuesday”.