O'Connor issues Wigan Warning
Last updated: 26th September 2007
Barrett said that that was the best game he has ever been involved in, which is saying something.
Terry O'Connor says that the likes of Leeds and St Helens will be looking over their shoulders as Wigan are storming into form
O'Connor's comments came after Wigan produced the biggest comeback in Super League history to overturn a 24-point second-half deficit and beat Bradford 31-30 in the first round of the play-offs.
The Warriors scored 24 unanswered points in 17 second-half minutes with winger Mark Calderwood crossing for three tries. It was an incredible turnaround after the Bulls had completely dominated the first 55 minutes at Odsal, running up a 30-6 lead.
"Wigan have had a really up and down season, but they showed real inner strength there," said O'Connor on the Boots 'n' All Online Show.
"They have had four points deducted for breaking the salary cap and they have turned that around. They were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Catalans, the chairman packed in on the Monday after that. So they have had a real topsy-turvy year.
"They have really turned it around and all the teams left now in the play-offs will be looking over their shoulders at Wigan because they are the in-form team."
Exactly why Bradford capitulated is not easy to answer, but O'Connor said that it was Wigan's never-say-die attitude that was one of the key factors.
"A few things happened, Bradford were dominant in the first 50 minutes, but when Newton and David Solomona went off it was a huge turning point," explained O'Connor.
"Steve McNamara has come out and said that it is his fault for the loss but realistically with a 24 point lead, you don't think you are going to lose the game.
"However when Calderwood scored his first try, the Wigan players seemed to run harder. Trent Barrett kept on coming up with individual brilliance in that game, along with Sean O'Loughlin.
"Barrett said that that was the best game he has ever been involved in, which is saying something.
"Let us not forget that this lad has played State of Origin and internationals for Australia," added O'Connor.
"As a player you look for people to inspire you and Trent Barrett is one of those who will inspire. He is going to come up with a little play that makes something out of nothing."
O'Connor also praised the work of Wigan coach Brian Noble who once again has managed to come up with the goods.
"Noble has to be up there for coach of the year," said O'Connor.
"What a fantastic year he has had, he seems to be Harry Houdini as he seems to be able to pull it off anywhere.
"And come the pay-offs, Noble knows what to do and what the teams needs to do. He has been there and done it all before, there will be no-one better coached than Wigan in these play-offs.
"When you start winning your confidence grows and grows. Wigan have a tough road ahead, they have to beat Hull at Hull and then go to either Leeds or St Helens to make the Grand Final, so they have a tough four weeks for them.
"But wouldn't it cap the season for them if they make it?"
