LEEDS boss Brian McDermott paid tribute to Stevie Ward after the homegrown star scored a hat-trick in the 32-16 win over defending Super League champions Wigan.

Ward opened the scoring in the first half and grabbed two more tries late on to confirm a highly impressive victory by the Rhinos, who responded in style to their Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Hull FC.

Fellow academy product Ashton Golding weighed in with a brace as McDermott's second-placed side moved two points closer to leaders Castleford and increased Wigan's chances of missing out on a play-off semi-final spot.

McDermott, who kept faith with winger Tom Briscoe despite his error-strewn display in last weekend's defeat to Hull, said: "It was the flattest week since I've been coach after we invested so much into the Hull game.

"I just sensed the players wanted to be left alone and get to game day, which we pretty much did.

"I wasn't sure what we would deliver, but it was great to see and there was lots of energy.

"While Wigan weren't at their best in attack, I thought on occasions we defended what they threw at us during some really important moments in the game."

Ward has fought and won a much-publicised battle with depression after a succession of cruel injury setbacks.

But he is now showing his best form on a consistent basis and McDermott added: "I just think Stevie is a brilliant player. He can defend like a prop and skip past people and find a pass – he's just got an all-round game, very much like Jamie Jones-Buchanan.

"I went for a beer with him and Adam Cuthbertson last week after the game and it's only when you're in that kind of environment that you realise how much they care and how much it hurt.

"Stevie has been through some moments in his career, good and bad, so it's great we are seeing the best of him."

Wigan had beaten Salford to reach Wembley in last Sunday's Challenge Cup semi-final but ultimately they were no match for rampant Leeds.

Head coach Shaun Wane saw Tom Davies (two) and Sam Tomkins touch down but he admitted: "We were disappointing, poor and we lacked energy.

"I was disappointed with the individual defence but my lads have been great all year - we've won a final, we've reached another final but today we took a step back.

"Leeds didn't look flat and looked a lot more energised than we did.

"There are no excuses because we were beaten by the better team in every department.

"But we will never, ever, give in and we will be ready for next Friday (against Huddersfield). We need to win every game now but I said that before this match."