Wigan Warriors 40 Hull KR 6: Hull KR unable to overcome loss of Webster and Clinton

Although the Warriors led 16-6 at half-time, they had to defend resolutely before a rampant last quarter saw them seal a seven-try win.

A sixth straight engage Super League victory – and eighth in all competitions – also saw the defending champions rejoin Warrington and Huddersfield as joint leaders.

“It was a gutsy effort from us,” said Morgan, whose side remain three points adrift of the play-off places.

“Ultimately a bit of adversity was too difficult for us to overcome.

“We had two injuries (Jake Webster and Joel Clinton, both shoulder) in the first half and there are some question marks over the try just before half-time, but we have to handle that adversity better.

“The end of the first half we looked strong and we started the second half reasonably well, but against a good side like Wigan you need the rub of the green, and unfortunately we didn’t have that.”

With Clinton and Webster now a doubt for this weekend`s derby with Hull, things are not getting easier for Morgan, although he may be able to call on the services of Clint Newton for that game.

The Australian has not played since March 13 because of a knee injury but said last night: “I’m feeling fresh and the knee feels great. I’ll be back in a week.”

Full-back Sam Tomkins scored a superb hat-trick for Wigan, and winger Pat Richards also claimed a treble, but coach Michael Maguire spread the plaudits across his players.

Hull KR trailed 12-6 when the half-time hooter sounded but Wigan kept the ball alive and Richards touched down for a try that was only given after lengthy deliberation by video referee Ben Thaler.

Richards appeared to bounce the ball, although some said he had grounded it with his middle finger.

Maguire said: “They were coming at us (in the first half) and there was a period where we had to defend our line for four or five sets. To be able to dig ourselves out of that and put ourselves back in the game, that was probably the most pleasing factor.”

Wigan Warriors: S. Tomkins, Charnley, J. Tomkins, Carmont, Richards, Finch, Deacon, Coley, Leuluai, Mossop, Hansen, Hoffman, O’Loughlin. Substitutes: McIlorum, Prescott, Lima, Tuson.

Hull KR: Briscoe, Fox, Welham, Webster, Cockayne, Green, Dobson, Vella, Hodgson, Wheeldon, Lovegrove, Galea, Murrell. Substitutes: Fisher, Clinton, Netherton, Cook.

Referee: Phil Bentham (Warrington).