CHAD RANDALL got nothing but praise from Harlequins Rugby League boss Brian McDermott on Saturday - despite having his pass picked off for Wigan's crucial score.

Quins looked to be cruising to their second win of the season as Randall set off on a mazy run from inside his own half, looking to extend the home side's narrow 18-14 advantage with a little over five minutes remaining.

But the Aussie hooker's intended pass to the left wing was snaffled and run back by Amos Roberts to level the match - and it was left to Pat Richards to kick his side back in front with the conversion.

And to add insult to injury, Wigan added a further try a minute from time, leaving McDermott down but not out by an unjust outcome.

He said: "We were in control of the game, and I know it all came down to a Chad Randall pass, but I don't blame him for the game.

"He does that often, and usually we end up with a break, a try or great field position, but on this occasion it was a great read from Wigan and they ended up in front.

"Chad must be in turmoil. But if anybody who doesn't deserve to be a cause of a loss it's him.

"He's a big part of what we do, and it's not only that he has a big influence on the field, he is emotionally attached to this club.

"Everything he does is for the club at the moment. He hasn't got much of a home life because he spends all of his hours at the club.

"He's like another coach for us all, and he won't be shrugging his shoulders later saying it doesn't really matter, he'll be hurting."

Randall had scored the opening try for Harlequins after Wigan had gone 6-0 up, and with Matt Gafa adding a second two minutes later, Quins went in 10-6 ahead at the break.

The visitors came out fighting in the second half with two tries in first five minutes, but Quins came roaring back with two tries themselves through Louie McCarthy Scarsbrook and Chris Melling to lead with 10 minutes left.

And the home side looked good for at least another score themselves until Randall's interception pass turned the game back on its head.

Quins play at Salford tomorrow night.