Friday 30 September 2016 23:47, UK
Wigan coach Shaun Wane was delighted his players got the message in time to secure a fourth successive Grand Final appearance.
Leading 14-0 after dominating the first half of the second semi-final at the DW Stadium, the Warriors were rocking when Hull stormed back to take an 18-16 lead with a remarkable try from winger Steve Michaels on 62 minutes.
But Wane's injury-hit team regained their composure to seal a 28-18 victory thanks to late tries from Sam Powell and Anthony Gelling that sets up a showdown with Warrington at Old Trafford next Saturday.
"With 10 minutes to go, I felt a bit of panic and sent a message on to tell them to stay in the systems that we've practised and we did that and got the success," said Wane.
"All praise goes to the players, who have turned up to train injured and play injured, and I'm pleased for the fans who stuck behind us because they realised the position we're in.
"I said to the players Hull would come back, they're a good team and there's things we need to fix, no question about that.
"We came up with a couple of defensive errors in the second half, which was a bit disappointing. We didn't have a ruthless streak about us in the second half.
"But it was an outstanding backs-to-the wall performance and I can't tell you how proud I am. This mob never knows when they are beaten.
"We've got a great team spirit. We had some close-to-the-heart meetings this week where people spoke honestly."
Two tries from winger Lewis Tierney and one from birthday boy John Bateman gave Wigan their 14-point cushion but tries early in the second half from front-rowers Josh Bowden and Liam Watts got Hull back in touch.
And they went in front on 62 minutes when Michaels was awarded a try by video referee Ben Thaler while match referee Robert Hicks was waiting at the other end of the pitch to award one to Wigan centre Oliver Gildart.
"I don't mind us not getting it but it took too long," Wane said. "Let's make it quicker, spectators come to watch the game."
Hull coach Lee Radford was left to reflect on a season that promised so much but yielded just one trophy.
The Black and Whites were on course for the treble after winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley before losing four of their last five matches but Radford was at least encouraged by their second-half fightback against Wigan.
"I'm pleased with the response after the first 40 minutes but ultimately that first 40 left us with too much to do," said Radford.
"That first 40 probably reflected how we've played over the last month or two but I can accept how we went out in the second period.
"We got burned at the end because of all the territory and field position in the first half."
Defeat meant the end of his career for Hull's long-serving centre Kirk Yeaman, who has now retired.
"He's been great servant to the club and to the game," said Radford.
