Wigan Warriors 30 Hull KR 16

Jackson Hastings goes over for one of his two first-half tries

On a weekend when St Helens stumbled to a defeat to Huddersfield, the Warriors had to work hard to ensure there wasn't another major upset.

The Robins became the first side this year to score three tries against Wigan, and only trailed 18-16 early in the second-half until tries from Sam Powell and Liam Marshall calmed their nerves.

There was a sense before this match that complacency would be Wigan's biggest obstacle, but that would do an injustice to KR, who were competitive throughout.

And while the hosts were scratchy and patchy, in between there were streaks of real quality, particularly Bevan French's scorching break which led to Hastings' second try. Powell, Liam Farrell and Hastings all impressed in their fifth victory from six matches, and many will expect them to tighten their grip on top-spot when they head to lowly Salford on Friday night.

As predicted, Ben Flower returned for his first appearance of the year in place of Tony Clubb. Adrian Lam also used his depth of talent in the front-row department to rest Joe Bullock and give young Ethan Havard a run, while Jake Bibby returned to the side after missing the 42-10 win at Huddersfield because of a family bereavement.

Two early errors by Marshall, last week's hat-trick hero, handed the Robins early opportunities.

The home line held firm but in the 12th minute, Tony Smith's outfit took a surprise lead against the run of play when French's loose pass was picked off.

Ryan Brierley broke and, aware he was being tracked by Hastings, sent debutant Ethan Ryan over. Brierley's conversion gave the visitors a 6-0 lead.

Stung by that early score, Wigan dialed up the pace and intensity with surging midfield runs to earn good field position - and soon took the lead.

Hastings' determined charge to the line drew the score level midway through the first-half and with Powell growing into the game, Farrell powered over just moments after being held short. Hardaker converted both tries.

Flower, sidelined by a back injury so far, was introduced from the bench and hadn't been on long when he was placed on report for a tackle on Matt Storton, which saw the KR forward limp off.

The visitors were drew the score level when Marshall fumbled Joe Keyes' angled kick, and Greg Minikin pounced in the corner. Brierley nailed the conversion.

But before half-time, Wigan retook the lead from a moment of magic from French.

He sold Shaun Kenny-Dowall - KR's biggest threat - an audacious dummy, broke the line, turned on the afterburner, turned the defence inside-out and unselfishly sent Hastings over.

After Hardaker had converted, Hastings looked to repay the favour before the break, stabbing a shallow kick into the ingoal for French to dive on but the try was ruled out by referee Thomas Grant.

KR were disrupted by the loss of Keyes and Will Maher early in the second half but were still able to strike first, Brierley dashing through a splintered defence to go over from long-range. He pushed the simple conversion wide but, having cut the gap to two points, it created a nervy feel inside the DW.

Minikin was denied a try for a forward pass but Wigan did themselves no favours at times, with Thomas Leuluai kicking the ball out on the full and several attacks misfiring.

George Burgess, less effective than at Huddersfield, was replaced by halfback Harry Smith as Lam looked for creative ways to extend their lead. And the ploy paid quick dividends, with Powell crashing onto Leuluai's short pass to go over before the hour-mark. Hardaker's goal made it 24-16.

And after Farrell went close, the ball was swung to the left where Marshall beat his marker and squirmed over for a try Hardaker masterfully converted.

To the Robins' credit, they didn't collapse, and they were denied a try for a forward pass call as the game stumbled towards the finish line.

Wigan: French; Manfredi, Hardaker, Bibby, Marshall; Leuluai, Hastings; Partington, Powell, Byrne, Isa, Farrell, Smithies. Subs: G Burgess, Flower, Havard, Smith

Hull KR: Dagger; Minikin, Kenny-Dowall, Linnett, Ryan; Keyes, Brierley; Mulhern, Minchella, Lawler, Livett, Storton, Gee. Subs: Abdull, Murray, Litten, Maher.

Referee: Thomas Grant

Half-time: 18-12

Attendance: 11,511

Starman: Liam Farrell