'˜Weird feeling' for last-minute hero Burgess

Joe Burgess admitted he had mixed emotions after his dramatic Magic Weekend heroics.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2017, 07:30 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2017, 21:18 BST
Joe Burgess collects Sean OLoughlins kick before scoring a vital try in Saturdays 24-24 draw against WarringtonJoe Burgess collects Sean OLoughlins kick before scoring a vital try in Saturdays 24-24 draw against Warrington
Joe Burgess collects Sean OLoughlins kick before scoring a vital try in Saturdays 24-24 draw against Warrington

The winger pounced in the final minute of Saturday’s headlining clash with Warrington – leaping to collect Sean O’Loughlin’s high kick – to secure a 24-24 draw.

But having led 18-6 early in the second-half, he admitted the Warriors were their own worst enemy as they invited their opponents back into the match at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.

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“My emotions are mixed, in the first-half we were ahead and we felt we could take the win comfortably,” said Burgess.

“But we were just too dumb, I don’t remember being in their half of the field in the second-half.

“We made it hard for ourselves, but we showed desire and effort.

“We don’t know if it was a point earned or lost, it was a weird one.”

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Burgess admitted he was “fuming with myself” after ex-Warrior Jack Hughes slipped beyond him to put Warrington ahead for the first time. But he redeemed himself with his late try, which stand-in kicker George Williams couldn’t convert.

“Lockers put it on a six-pence for me,” he said. “I wish it was for the win, I would have done my Alan Shearer celebration if we did.”

Wigan returned from Newcastle yesterday and have switched their focus to Thursday’s derby at St Helens.

New coach Justin Holbrook took charge of Saints for the first time on Saturday and guided them to a stunning 45-0 win against Hull FC.

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“We all know what happens in a derby, it doesn’t matter what result you got the week before, it’s a derby game and I’m sure there’ll be sparks flying,” said Burgess.

Holbrook was the Sydney Roosters assistant coach when Burgess moved to the NRL outfit last year, before his mid-season move to Souths.

“He’ll bring a lot to the attack, add a bit of variety,” said Burgess. “He helped me out a lot, especially with dealing with the kicks, and it’s good for St Helens they have him.

“You don’t like saying it, but it’s not nice to see a big club like that not do so well, and what happened to (sacked coach) Keiron Cunningham was disappointing, but it should make it exciting.

“I liked Justin, he’s quite laid-back, a good bloke off-the-field and he likes a good craic.”

Thomas Leuluai and Sam Powell could return to boost Wigan’s side.

Related topics:WiganGeorge WilliamsWarringtonNewcastle