Super League: Shaun Wane hails Wigan character after battling draw with Warrington

Shaun Wane: Happy with character of his side

Wigan coach Shaun Wane was delighted with his side's character after they battled to a 17-17 draw with Warrington at the DW Stadium on Friday evening.

The youthful hosts were put under huge pressure throughout by the early-season favourites and even led 17-16 with three minutes to go, before Lee Briers' 68th drop goal of his career earned the draw.

"It was a good effort from our players," said Wane. "To have to defend so many sets on our line, we showed some geat character.

"I'm a little frustrated because I thought we could have done better but the courage and guts we showed in our defence was outstanding.

"We were nowhere near our best - we put ourselves under pressure with the penalty count - but overall I'm fairly pleased with that.

"It was a really big game and in the past we've not been performing in big games. It will send a signal out to other teams."
Shaun Wane

"It was a really big game and in the past we've not been performing in big games. It will send a signal out to other teams."

Wolves coach Tony Smith added: "I'm not going to go home and kick the dog.

"There are mixed emotions. We're not punching the air but it was pleasing that we found a way not to lose it once we went behind.

"I don't think we controlled the game as much as we needed to. I thought they were better than us in the first half, they out-enthused us, but in the second half we showed a bit more control for patches of the game.

"The skill level was not particularly high but it was tense and the crowd played a part in that."