Warriors fired by send-off

Maguire: good platform

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Wigan finished the regular season as the Super League's best-supported club and now turn their attentions to claiming the biggest prize of all.

A crowd of 17,058 watched the Warriors beat Bradford and then receive the League Leaders' Shield.

Head coach Michael Maguire was thrilled with the reception his side received, but insisted the work has only just begun as the club prepare for the start of the play-offs next week.

"It means hell of a lot," he said. "It was great to receive the shield in front of the fans. They've been very loyal and it's great to be able to give them something back.

"We've got to make sure we take that forward but the boys have laid an extremely good platform right throughout the year.

"We're getting quite a number of players back fit so there is no reason why can't go on and win the big one. It's just a matter of continually doing what we've been doing."

Bradford hardly resembled a team that had won just one of their last 13 matches and staged a late rally that brought converted tries through Craig Kopczak and Andy Lynch.

Fought hard

"I'm very pleased," said Bulls caretaker coach Lee St Hilaire. "They fought right to the end against a very good Wigan outfit who are ruthless and hungry. It was 30-0 but we were still scrambling as if it was 6-0.

"They tried their hardest but trying against against a side like Wigan isn't enough, you have to have a cutting edge as well."

After being in charge for the last six matches of the season, St Hilaire will now revert to the role of assistant under new head coach Mick Potter.

"I have enjoyed the experience," he added. "I've thanked the players for their help. It was a baptism of fire but, when the club asked, I didn't think twice.

"I haven't enjoyed the results bar one but I can't fault the lads' efforts while I've been in charge."