There were two off-the-ball infringements by Wire which were clear-cut professional fouls, and should have been straight yellow cards. It would be nice to think that somone might require an explaanation from Thaler for that, but if there's anything at all, as usual it will be behind closed doors and Wigan will get a meaningless letter of apology, by which time we'll probably be out of the Cup anyway, because let's face it, regardless of Thaler's mischief, that was a far from accomplished performance.

I thought you did enough but it wasn't a classic. So many errors by both sides on a good day for open RL. Decent watch as a neutral, but it shows how far Wire have fallen when an average performance sees them off.

I went mad initially and then wondered if it was because Marshall jumped from outside the field of play without grounding his feet before catching it. He was stood over the deadball line I think and then jumped forward in to the field of play to take the ball. I saw Thaler pointing at the line anyway.

In fairness though Thaler may as well have stuck a primrose and blue shirt on and took the penalty himself!

So you have no idea?

Nah not a clue



I think he just gave it Wires way to keep in with the spirit of the day.

For the drop out at the end he must have thought we took it dead, if it goes straight dead it's a 20m drop out. Couldn't see on telly to make a decision as to whether that was right or not. I'm surprised he didn't ask the VR though as he was too far away to see, at the time it was a potentially crucial call.

It was certainly an exciting finish though not a classic, too many errors from both sides. I think both sides were showing their nerves and is was a reflection on how important the game was to both teams. I don't think the ref was quite as much of a homer as some are suggesting, we got a couple of calls too, notibly for Marshall's try which was clearly forward. I can't comprehend how Ratchford and Hughes didn't end up in the bin though. They were both as latent as you're ever going to see.

Overall I'm happy with the result and very pleased to see a good number of player back, hopefully we can get a bit of a run together going into the semi's

Good to see a good following from Wigan as well. There's been a couple of grumbles about our form but overall I think people have learnt the lessons of last year. Things haven't been great but there's reasons behind that and it's good to see people appreciating that.

To go and win the cup this year would be a great achievement. To win the Grand Final is untinkable at the minute but why not dream.

From where I was stood in the West Stand, it looked as though Ratchford's penalty had gone bang down the middle. I couldn't believe it when I looked at the scoreboard and saw us still one point in front. We should have won that by twelve or so points, silly errors, a bit of bad luck and poor refereeing kept Warrington in it. Having said that, we rode our luck at the death, but that's what you need in cup football. Good to see the big names back. It felt like we were a proper team again and that's taking nothing away from some of the young lads who have come in and done a superb job under the circumstances.

A lot more positives than negatives from today. Though understandably rusty, I thought all the returning players did well overall. Much better defence than we've seen recently, though still not up to our usual standards - I think there's enough there for the Davies/Marshall debate to continue, but it's a nice problem to have!

Much improved goal kicking that would have lost us the game had it been as bad as previous games - clearly all George's practice has paid off!

Silly errors and penalties still costing us, but I think much of that can be put down to lack of match practice for a lot of the lads, and should get better. Lovely and sharp in attack, despite being spoiled by a few bombed tries, the structure was clearly there, with genuine threats on both edges and up the middle.

My optimism continues!

He was nowhere near stepping over the whitewash.

If he was behind or on the whitewash before he jumped to catch the ball, he took it out and it would be a correct decision but I'm not convinced that was the case.

2 stone cold drops by Wire given as penalties against Wigan, yet when MM does the same in near identical circumstances it's given as a knock on and scrum feed to Warrington! I don't care which interpretation he gives but it HAS to be the same for both sides!

On Wigan's performance. I thought the returnees made a massive difference to the steel and resolve across the team but, not unsurprisingly, we were a little rusty. I think the handling will improve once we get a more settled side too.

Sam's organisation of the defence and the attack from behind the play is invaluable, you just don't get that from Tierney or Escare.

Good to see 'the move' back in full flow again and causing havoc

It broke them open at least twice. That was the most heartening thing about yesterday, as we've not looked capable of unlocking defences for too long this season.

I thought that the returnees did very well considering the time they have been away, the pressure, and the conditions. Makes you wonder how the table would look if we had been running at an 85/90% injury free compliment for the season..... A relatively uninjured squad would have had a clean sweet, despite the very good team Cas have currently.

Great to get a win at last and even better that it seems the returnees came through unscathed.
That last two minutes though, not good for the ticker

A really sloppy performance, but I'll take the win.

The difference between anyone else on the books and Tomkins at FB is night and day.

Sam Powell received a caution from the disciplinary panel for standing on an opponent? I've watched it twice but didn't see it. Anybody know what this is referring to? Ratchford has been charged grade B for tripping Tomkins.

Wait grade B for Ratchford? I thought Tomkins dived?

Two professional fouls that didn't result in yellow cards and a 14-7 penalty count against us.

Safe to say we got a rough ride on Saturday. I thought we played the game at a greater pace and with more intensity then Wire for at least the first hour or so but that resulted in us actually being penalised. In the end the penalty count combined with our errors and the match fitness of our returning players in that heat nearly did for us.

No better way for the returning lads to get match fit mind.

Any news on Thaler being downgraded? He should be after his decision re Ratchford.

Would you really like to see less of Thaler, and more of the rest?

Just frustrated that some other club will benefit from Ratchford's action whereas all we got was a kick to touch and a set of six.

Oh yes, certainly. A suspension benefits our rivals. But twas ever thus.

A suspension could kill Warrington off, they really need to back up their effort against us next weekend or they're doomed to the middles.
Les Cats will definitely hope he picks a ban up.