Wigan Warriors boss Brian Noble has backed Quins to defy the bookies' belief they will finish bottom of 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 winners - a scoreline that flattered the visitors.

The hosts had led 28-16 midway through the second half but three tries in 10 minutes sent the Warriors on the way to a winning start to the campaign.

But former Great Britain coach Noble paid tribute to 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 halfway through the season," he said.

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

"For the past three years I have never had an easy game here."