Harlequins RL boss Brian McDermott has taken a leaf out of his rugby union counterpart Dean Richards' book by giving his side a licence to thrill in Super League this season.

Quins went down 47-28 to Wigan Warriors at the Stoop on Saturday but had led 28-16 midway through the second half.

Winger Matt Gafa bagged a try in each half and set up one for Scott Hill in a thrilling first hour that also featured touchdowns for full-back Mark McLinden and loose-forward Henry Paul.

But Wigan - watched by new chairman Ian Lenagan, who vacated a similar role at the Stoop in October - crossed three times in 10 minutes to end hopes of an opening-day win for Quins, before late tries from Michael McIlorum and Richard Mathers flattered the visitors.

McDermott is still confident his side can go toe to toe with the best this year, thanks partly to new acquisitions Danny Ward and Gareth Haggerty.

"I saw enough good stuff that says we can challenge anybody," he said.

"I thought we produced some inventive stuff, which we didn't see much of last year.

"You have got to score points to win games of rugby league.

"Just getting to the end of your sets and being safe won't win you games.

"You have got to chance your arm. I am willing to take those risks.

"Both teams had periods where they didn't have enough ball, yet Wigan found a way of getting it and that was the difference.

"I thought all our front row had great games and, in particular, Danny and Gareth.

"There is enough in our front row there, and that is with leaving Danny Heckenberg out of the side, which is promising."