Wane convinced youngsters could win

Correspondent

 

Wigan coach Shaun Wane insists his team did not take Widnes lightly ahead of their 37-36 loss to the Vikings.

Wigan were without several key players including Sam Tomkins, Sean O’Loughlin, Pat Richards and Thomas Leuluai, but Wane insists he selected a side capable of winning at the Stobart Stadium.

Wane said: “We didn’t underestimate them one little bit. That team out there today was capable of winning that game.

I’m disappointed with the performance but we had five debutants today, and I need to know about those players. They know my philosophy, if they play well they’ll get a chance.”

Wane praised the Vikings for the result and made no excuses for his side’s defeat, even though Widnes scored a try when Wigan were temporarily down to 12 men when play continued as Darrell Goulding was left concussed at the other end of the field.

Wane said: “They fully deserve it and I’ve got a really disappointed dressing room. I’m absolutely gutted. We were poor and they were good.”