NOT since 2014 have Wire fans been able to fully enjoy rugby league’s annual summer extravaganza fully.

Under grey skies in Liverpool, though, they were able to do just that.

As always at Magic Weekend, the Wire faithful showed up in full colour and brilliant voice. On this occasion, their team did too.

> Ouch! Wolfie feels the full force of a Steve Price tackle

Regardless of the venue and opposition, this victory will feel extra special to Steve Price as they have proved they can win in another way.

Warrington Guardian:

In all four of their defeats this season, Warrington have been found wanting in the physical aspect – when the game has broken down into a real arm-wrestle.

This was a real battle as Wigan – shorn of a few of their creative players – put emphasis on battering Wolves into submission.

However, they were able to stand up to it, stay in the grind and emerge on the other side. Nobody can doubt that they really earned their two league points.

> Price always felt Wire were dominant

Of course, everyone wants to see expansive, free-flowing rugby but at times that is not possible. Sometimes you have to roll your sleeves up and it is heartening to see this team can do that.

That is the big-game mentality they will need to win trophies as well as dashes of quality. It’s a good job they have plenty who can deliver the latter.

On this occasion – like so many others – Blake Austin stood out on that front.

These big stages are the kind of games in which he was brought in to shine and he did just that, blowing the game open with a stunning individual try.

Warrington Guardian:

While his effort just before the hour mark will rightly earn the headlines, his game management cannot be ignored either.

Alongside him, Dec Patton produced probably his best performance of the season to date. He has come in for criticism this season, but he could do no more than he did at Anfield.

In all, an evening to remember on this iconic ground for everyone of a primrose and blue persuasion.

Having endured a winless four years in Newcastle, The Wire are feeling the Magic once again after it moved to their doorstep.

> Wire fans soak up the Anfield atmosphere

INTERESTING NOTES:

. Wire’s first Magic Weekend victory since 2014

. Third time Warrington have beaten Wigan this season

. Wigan’s first loss at Magic Weekend since 2008

MATCH FACTS:

Super League, Round 16, Magic Weekend

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Wigan Warriors...14 Warrington Wolves...26

Warriors: Zak Hardaker; Chris Hankinson, Dan Sarginson, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess; George Williams, Sean O'Loughlin; Ben Flower, Jake Shorrocks, Joe Bullock, Willie Isa, Joe Greenwood, Tony Clubb. Subs: Taulima Tautai, Morgan Smithies, Jarrod Sammut, Oliver Partington

Wolves: Jake Mamo; Josh Charnley, Toby King, Bryson Goodwin, Tom Lineham; Blake Austin, Declan Patton; Chris Hill, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Jack Hughes, Ben Currie, Joe Philbin. Subs: Ben Murdoch-Masila, Jason Clark, Sitaleki Akauola, Danny Walker

Scoring: Hardaker penalty, 17mins, 2-0; Patton try, 21mins, Patton goal, 2-6; Patton penalty, 34mins, 2-8; Burgess try, 46mins, 6-8; Hardaker penalty, 53mins, 8-8; Austin try, 58mins, Patton goal, 8-14; King try, 62mins, Patton goal, 8-20; Patton penalty, 64mins, 8-22; Patton penalty, 72mins, 8-24; Isa try, 76mins, Hardaker goal, 14-24; Patton penalty, 79mins, 14-26

Penalties: Warriors 7 Wolves 8

Referee: Chris Kendall

Attendance: 30,057

Top Man: VOTE HERE