Huddersfield Giants overpowered Wigan to secure their third straight win and lift themselves off the bottom of the engage Super League.

Warriors' Mark Calderwood was sin-binned after 47 minutes - a move which proved crucial to the outcome.

The home side held an 18-10 lead when Calderwood cynically fouled Stephen Wild as the second rower seemed certain to score a solo try after intercepting Thomas Leuluai's misplaced pass.

Huddersfield took full advantage against the 12 men. Paul Reilly scored after 52 minutes when Wigan's rugby union-bound full-back Chris Ashton dropped Chris Thorman's high kick near his own try-line.

Ryan Hudson also dived over while Wigan were a man short and Thorman added a penalty as the home side stormed into a 34-10 lead.

Thorman, who kicked eight goals in an outstanding personal display, then added a drop goal before Wigan's terrible afternoon was summed up by a mistake by Pat Richards.

The Wigan winger allowed Thorman's kick forward to slip through his legs - presenting Huddersfield loose forward Steve Snitch with an easy touchdown near the posts.

Earlier, Leuluai helped keep Wigan in contention by scoring a first-half try and then setting up a disputed score for David Vaealiki after 29 minutes.

The ex-Parramatta ace went over in the corner but appeared to ground the ball with an illegal double movement. Huddersfield's players protested but Steve Ganson allowed the try to stand.

That effort had Wigan in front at 10-8. Brad Drew put Huddersfield ahead early on before Wigan recovered to take the lead.

Eorl Crabtree burst through to put the Giants back in front after 33 minutes and then ex-Wigan centre Kevin Brown helped give the home side some breathing space just before half-time with the final pass in a flowing move started by Thorman that was finished off in the corner by Wild.

Leuluai added his second try for Wigan after 61 minutes. But there was little else for Warriors coach Brian Noble to cheer as the celebrations to mark one year in charge at the JJB Stadium fell flat.