Wigan narrowly avoided a shock opening-day defeat in London thanks to a memorable five-try second half comeback as Brian Noble's men ran riot against Harlequins at the Stoop.

Down by 12 points just after the break - tries from Iafeta Paleaaesina, Richard Mathers, Darrell Goulding, Harrison Hansen and Michael McIlorum in the final half hour sealed the unlikely engage Super League win.

Winger Pat Richards produced a near-faultless kicking display, landing nine goals for the Warriors, while Trent Barrett scored a second-half drop goal.

Quins got off to the best possible start when Matt Gafa went over in the corner in the third minute after capitalising on Sean O'Loughlin's misplaced pass.

Wigan replied quickly when Goulding scored after good work from Barrett and debutant Mathers. Pat Richards converted to give Wigan a six point lead.

Wigan extended their advantage through two super penalties converted by Richards after sloppy work by Quins.

The home side bounced back with a try under the posts by Mark McLinden after a dancing run, while substitute Michael McIlorum restored Wigan's lead, forcing his way through the Quins defence five minutes before half-time.

In a see-saw first half, Quins drew level through Scott Hill after Gafa's grubber kick, which Paul converted to take the teams in level at the break.

The second half started very differently as Quins' playmaker Paul scored and converted his own try after only three minutes and this was quickly followed by Gafa's second try - leaving Harlequins firmly in control.

But in a period of just eight minutes, Wigan turned the game on its head thanks to tries by Hansen, Goulding's second and a powerful score from prop Iafeta Paleaaesina.

Mathers added another in the final minute, while minutes earlier McIlorum touched down for his second of the game.