Wigan coach Brian Noble was disappointed by the dismissal of Michael McIlorum during the 46-12 loss to St Helens.
Saints boss delighted at Cayless' comeback in eight-try romp at the JJB
Wigan coach Brian Noble was disappointed by the dismissal of Michael McIlorum against St Helens, admitting the red card spoilt the game.
The hooker was given his marching orders after just six minutes of the 46-12 defeat for a high tackle on Saints winger Ade Gardner.
By then the Warriors were already 6-0 behind and went on to suffer a third straight heavy loss against their arch rivals this season.
Noble acknowledged that trying to beat Saints is tough enough with 13 men let alone 12 and is now looking for his troops to bounce back in the closing weeks of the regular season.
Delay
"Of course I'm disappointed about the sending-off," he said.
"It was the first minute of the game and there was a bit of a delay before the red card came out. We need to find out why there was a delay.
"It spoiled the game a little bit. It's difficult enough to play this team with 13 men so with 12 it's a tough ask.
"The player is pretty devastated. He feels quite responsible.
"We showed good effort at times but we just invited St Helens into our half too many times and when they look at the tape, they will be disappointed with some of the tries they conceded.
"We'll re-group. We've now got six games to get our act together and we're trying to get some people back on deck."
Saints boss Daniel Anderson described his side's eight-try performance at the JJB Stadium as "a very professional job".
The engage Super League leaders moved two points clear at the summit with a 15th successive win and their third this season over Wigan.
Scrum-half Sean Long marked his 300th appearance for the club with a try and six goals, while winger Gardner bagged a brace.
Good control
"It was a very professional job," said Anderson. "We had to adjust to the wet conditions but I thought we kicked really well. Longy was in very good control of our game.
"To play 300 games is a tremendous achievement and it was well recognised. I'm a big fan of traditions and the recognition of milestone. He did play up to that billing."
Anderson was particularly pleased to see New Zealand prop Jason Cayless back in action after six weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.
"That was a huge bonus," he admitted. "He only started training on Monday but he did a very good job. It's great to have him back."
