Wane: Win was up there with the best

His Warriors moved level on points with leaders Hull FC after a seventh-straight victory.

First-half tries by Dan Sarginson, Ryan Sutton and Oliver Gildart underlined their dominant, composed display in the opening half.

Justin Horo and Dom Manfredi exchanged tries in the second-half, with Matty Smith finished with five goals from as many attempts.

Wane said: “I thought some of the tries we scored were great.

“We missed some opportunities, but to do what we did against a team as good as Catalans is up there with the best for me.”

Catalans is arguably the toughest away ground of the year - last season, Wigan lost 58-16 - and the manner of this win prompted bookmakers to install Wane’s side as favourites to win the Grand Final.

In a change to their travel arrangements Wigan chartered a flight and jetted into the south of France on the day of the game, an idea of rugby director Kris Radlinski.

Wane said: “Flying in and out in the day worked for us.

“Sometimes in games it doesn’t matter if you get an hour’s sleep and you go and play a game of rugby, if you have a good attitude and you want to win the game then you can win the game, and we did tonight.”

He praised Sutton and Dan Sarginson for their contributions in a strong team performance, and was pleased with their attitude.

He still has Liam Farrell, Joel Tomkins, Micky McIlorum, Tony Clubb, Anthony Gelling and suspended John Bateman on the sidelines, while mid-season recruit Frank-Paul Nuuausala is set to arrive this month.

The result spoiled Catalans’ 10th anniversary celebrations and coach Laurent Frayssinous said. “We have a lot of hard work to do over the coming week.

“I have got to give a lot of credit to Wigan, who performed very well out there and were the better team, but we have to better ourselves.”

The Warriors’ next game is back at the DW Stadium this Friday against Wakefield. The following day they will stage a fans event at their Orrell training ground, featuring games, activities and stalls ahead of the Under-19s’ game against Castleford (2pm).

Admission is £5 or £3 for season ticket holders if bought in advance from the DW ticket office.