Wigan Warriors head coach Ardian Lam praised the response of his side in coming back to snatch victory against Leighcenturions.
Lam was left disappointed with his side's start after being left shell shocked as Leigh raced into a well-deserved 18-0 lead.
However, Lam highlighted the response, particularly from the bench, as the highlight of the performance in claiming a narrow 20-18 victory at Headingley to start the Super League season.
"We identified that would happen (Leigh's fast start) but we didn't handle it really well during the game," said Lam.
"We've talked about it all week and we didn't do what we talked about and that's the issue. We'll sort it out.
"I was a little bit frustrated to be honest with you. In round one all coaches want their team to play well and I was looking forward to it as our preparation has been great but the reality is it never turns out that way.
"But to win by two points and get two points is a massive reward after the start we had.
"I know we weren't great and the players in the dressing room will identify that as well. We've just got to manage these next couple of weeks.
"We found a way to win and that's the hardest part of coaching, to develop that instinct in the group. It's what we pride ourselves on, not giving up, being resilient and that was the highlight for me, during that difficult part we got the job done."
Lam also saved special praise for Sam Powell, who played 80 minutes and navigated the team around the field in the second-half.
"I had a plan to give him a rest at some stage but when you lose a winger it usually throws the interchange into chaos," added Lam.
"I thought our bench was great tonight, I thought they were all outstanding and changed the game. But I thought Powell was probably our best player tonight."
