TONY Smith says defeat at Wigan changes nothing in terms of Wolves’ ability to contest for a return to Old Trafford.

He was pleased with the work they put in, despite his men letting an 18-4 lead get away from them in circumstances not dissimilar to last year’s Grand Final loss to Shaun Wane’s side.

Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby, Smith, said: “I’m really proud of my players overall and the efforts that they put in.

“It hasn’t changed too much for us. If we’re really going to shake this competition up, it’s from here on in.

“We’re looking forward to it, we’re excited about it.”

Other results this weekend will decide whether Wolves finish fourth or fifth, and whether they start the play-offs at St Helens or at home to Catalan Dragons or Widnes Vikings, with the tie to be played next Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

Smith felt his players could not get back into their rhythm in the second half after a dominant opening 40 minutes.

“We didn’t quite get the momentum in the second half that we got in the first half,” he said.

“It just didn’t quite get a flow going for us due to various things – stoppages in plays, disruptions from injuries or video refs.

“I’m bringing a book with me next week so I can read it during the video refs. I’m over them. It’s boring isn’t it? I’ll get a chapter read per week I reckon.

“Yes, it just didn’t flow our way in the second half but it did for them and credit to them.

“There were some really special plays. Josh Charnley’s try (his first) for Wigan was exceptional, an incredible piece of skill. I don’t mind conceding to something exceptional.

“Different if it’s soft. We didn’t conced any softness there tonight. It took some good skill to break us down.

“I thought we showed some good skill and dominance in that first half, when I thought their try was against the flow.

“I thought we were in very good control. They’ve got some particularly exceptional outside backs and a few of them troubled us. In the forwards I thought we were pretty dominant, physical and I’m really happy with them and the way we competed.

“So I’m not discouraged by any means by anything I saw there tonight, about our chances for the remainder of the season. I feel quite the opposite.”