Wakefield out of Challenge Cup after close fought battle with Wigan
Trin failed to make a late comeback - with Warriors winning 26-22
Wigan boss Matt Peet hailed his side’s togetherness as they battled back from behind to secure a place in the Challenge Cup semi-finals with a 26-22 victory over Wakefield.
They were 12-0 down and at risk of getting knocked out before bouncing back to secure a semi-final clash with rivals St Helens.
Having squandered a big lead to lose the Good Friday derby against Saints, Wigan needed to respond and they did.
And Peet said: “I am proud of the team. We know we’re expected to be in the semi-finals.
“It wasn’t like we had to rip up and start again (after last week).
“We showed courage to go behind and come back like we did.
“The game ebbed and flowed and either team would have been worthy winners.
“It felt like a good game for the neutrals – it felt in the balance.
“But that togetherness and will to win is what I liked.”
The tie turned on a 36th minute yellow card for Wakefield loose forward Jazz Tevaga.
He kicked out at Liam Marshall’s ribs after the Wigan player had fallen back on his leg during a tackle.
Most people in the crowd expected a straight red card and Peet admitted: “I don’t need to say anything on that incident.
“Everyone knows. I don’t want to comment on it.”
Wakefield were 16-12 ahead at the time but were 22-16 down by the point the Samoa international returned after shipping tries either side of the break to Jai Field and the first of Zach Eckersley’s brace.
Trinity, level on points with leaders Warrington, Leeds, Wigan and St Helens at the top of Super League, had hoped to press on and lift the cup for the first time in more than 60 years.
Cam Scott’s 53rd-minute try got them back level – only for Eckersley’s second in the 64th minute to get Wigan back in front.
Trinity lacked composure in the final stages and boss Daryl Powell admitted: “It was pretty close and there wasn’t much between the teams
“There were some key moments where we unravelled ourselves really and it’s disappointing.
“Before and after half-time, Jazz gets binned and ultimately they score two tries in that period. You can still defend with 12 but it makes it hard.”
On the yellow card, Powell said: “I thought Liam Marshall knew what he was doing.
“He sits on Jazz’s leg – it was pretty cute from Liam – but Jazz can’t do that. It’s a key lesson.
“Everyone will be on to that (conceding when down to 12) but I still think we should have won.
“I won’t blame Jazz for the loss. I think he’ll be disappointed with that and he is because I’ve spoken to him and he’s said that.
“It’s an important lesson for Jazz and all of us.”