Hull 18 Wigan 21: Barrett shows Wigan way to thrive

Wigan's "mission impossible" is still on the agenda after another of the thrilling contests that have made this year's Super League play-offs the most dramatic so far.

Shoved down to sixth place by their points deduction and their season apparently ruined, Brian Noble's side have discovered a streak of defiance to take them further than they looked capable of going.

Victory at the KC Stadium was built on their defensive resolve, best illustrated when Harrison Hansen somehow stopped Richard Horne under the sticks in the last minute. That is the sort of grit and determination Noble seeks to build into his teams.

It also needed a flash of brilliance from Trent Barrett, confirmed yesterday as the Rugby League Writers' player of the year. The pace and precision of the pass that missed out three men to send Liam Colbon over in the corner for what turned out to be the crucial try was typical of the way he has caught the eye with match-winning contributions all season.

"Trent is pure quality – as a man, as a player and as a team-mate," said Noble. "He's a coach's dream."

Wigan's attempt to become the first side from outside the top three to reach the Grand Final now takes them to Leeds on Friday night, a match for which they have doubts over Mark Calderwood and Iafeta Paleaaesina, as well as Shane Millard playing on bravely on one good knee, but facing possible disciplinary action for a tackle on Mathew Head.

Hull's problems on Saturday were exposed by having to start with Head on the bench because of fears over his durability.

His coach, Peter Sharp, confirmed afterwards that the match would be Head's last for the club. Clever player though he is, his fitness problems since arriving in mid-season to take on Paul Cooke's midfield role have made him only a partial success. That leaves Hull in the market for a general to issue the orders next season.

"We need a smart player in the middle of the field and we'll have a very good football team," said Sharp, who insisted that he was proud of the late-season surge that was not quite good enough to take them to a second Grand Final in two years.

Hull: Tony; Sing, Whiting, Yeaman, Raynor; Washbrook, R.Horne; Dowes, Lee, Carvell, Radford, Manu, Tickle. Substitutes: Godwin, Head, Wheeldon, G.Horne.

Wigan: Richards; Calderwood, Bailey, Vaealiki, Colbon; Barrett, Leuluai; Fielden, Millard, Paleaaesina, Fletcher, Hansen, O'Loughlin. Substitutes: Higham, Hock, Goulding, Prescott.

Referee: S Ganson (St Helens).