WARRINGTON'S head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith repeated his vow that Wolves would win the Super League soon after they suffered their third Grand Final loss in five years.

Although they had chances, they were left to rue those close calls in both halves that handed the 12-6 victory to Wigan.

Smith said: "We had a few opportunities throughout the game where we crossed the try line, or was close to doing so.

"We needed to take those chances. It was not to be tonight.

"It was costly in such a tight match.

I knew it was going to be tight match and that is how it panned out."

Chris Sandow came on midway through the second half and he showed threat every time he had the ball.

Smith said: "He showed some glimpses of what he is capable of. His first kick created an error.

"We tried hard. I am proud of my team's effort. They are a good bunch and worked hard for one another.

'But credit to Wigan, they were gritty but have opened up and ask a lot more questions now.

"They got some second phases and offloads that put them down the park.

"They are harder to coach against - that may be the bit that got them over the line.

"There are some sad faces, long faces. But I always say if you can't handle losing a final, don't compete in one.

"If some other bits and bobs had gone the other way then we would have had big smiles on our faces.

"It was a pretty tough game of rugby league."

Going forward Smith believes that the Wolves can learn from their defeats again.

He said: "Hopefully we can get smarter from today and use it. If you listen to great sportsmen like Michael Jordan about how many games he lost - they are inspirational. They need to learn from tough defeats.

"Maybe the last couple of years (of defeats) was the difference for Wigan. That may be the bit that got them over the line. That is what we will have to do.

"We will get that win soon, I thought that would be today.

"I am pretty confident it will happen soon.

"We are pretty close but did not quite get there. To be the best you have to win the Grand Final you have to be consistent all season and then step up in the final. That is pressure, but still the ultimate test.

"Close, but no cigar."