Wigan Warriors boss Brian Noble has backed Harlequins RL to defy the bookie's belief they will finish bottom of the Super League table this season.

Noble's men blitzed Quins in the closing stages of Saturday's thrilling season opener in front of a record 8,041 crowd at the Stoop to run out 47-28 - a scoreline that flattered the visitors.

The hosts had led 28-16 midway through the second half, but three tries in ten minutes sent the Warriors - and their hordes of travelling support - on the way to a winning start to the campaign.

Former Great Britain coach Noble paid tribute to head coach Brian McDermott's men for their part in a classic contest and admits this year's competition is wide open.

"I don't think anything will be clear until half way through the season and even then it will be tight to call," he said.

"Quins have got some good players in their team and if you let them play they will trouble you, as simple as that.

"For the last three years I've never had an easy game here.

"They are tough to beat here, if you look at their record, and you've got to come prepared to keep the scoreboard rolling as much as you can."