In some respects, head coach Sam Burgess believes they did as he proclaimed he felt his side deserved more for their efforts – even if he did admit that statement “might sound a bit silly.”

However, he highlighted his side’s left-edge defence as “really letting them down” as four of Leigh’s six tries came down that side of the field.

The Wire were beaten 34-12 in their final home game of the 2025 season, with Toby King and Josh Thewlis scoring late consolations when the game had long since been lost.

Here is everything Burgess said in his post-match press conference, including his tribute to the retiring Stefan Ratchford – and the role he’d like him to play at the club moving forward…

Q: Your thoughts on the game please, Sam?

SB: I think the scoreline probably doesn’t reflect our effort.

That might sound a bit silly but that’s how I feel about the game.

We gave away eight errors and a kick out on the full, the territory was about 80 per cent against us and we went in at 10-0.

They scored off a kick and a bad defensive read so we withstood a lot of pressure, but it did take its toll in the second half.

I’m pleased we got off the canvas so to speak. I’m pleased in some respects.

Q: First and foremost, you needed some kind of response to last week but do you feel you got that?

SB: In some respects.

The scoreboard isn’t anywhere near on our side but we lost Leon, who’s broken his arm, and you don’t really prep for anything like that.

That threw us out and it took us a little while to adjust.

There was so much effort from a lot of players but some of our left-edge defence is really letting us down. Really letting us down.

They’re a great attacking side and they made us pay in the end.

Q: You mentioned the errors earlier – is that a lack of confidence?

SB: We had four or five in our half so we did well to withstand a lot of pressure.

The errors are probably a sign of a group trying to find a bit of confidence, but I suspect we’ll be better next week.

Q: A word for Stefan Ratchford – a great servant to the club and although I’m sure you’d have liked to have sent him out in better circumstances, a well-deserved reception for him?

SB: We all know he’s such an awesome guy. He’s very professional and really cares about his performances, and has done for a long time.

I’m pleased I’m here with him in this part of his career – it’s a shame that this is his last season but he’s had so many amazing moments.

He’s moving on to his next chapter now with his beautiful family – his three young girls and his wife Kirsty – so whatever is in his future, he’ll be in a good place.

Q: Would you be keen to keep him here in some sort of off-field capacity?

SB: In some capacity, he could add some value.

There’s quite a lot to figure out in the background but I’m sure we’ll get there and work out something that works for Stef and for us.

Q: How important are these next two games for you against sides still with a lot to play for?

SB: Just as important as today.

There’s things today that I’m looking at and I can see our application is miles better, which gives us something to build on.

We’re trying to feel a certain way and reconnect in a certain way. We’ll start that tomorrow and hopefully, it turns into our performance on Saturday.