Wigan coach Shaun Wane has paid tribute to Brett Finch after his side's 18-4 win over St Helens in Saturday's Challenge Cup quarter-final.
Finch, who was named man-of-the-match, helped create one try and scored the clincher with a sidestep past full-back Paul Wellens, as the holders joined last year's runners-up Leeds in Sunday's semi-final draw.
And Wane is determined to hang on to the Australian half-back, whose two-year contract runs out at the end of the season.
"Finchy turns up when you need him to," said the coach. "Not many players do that to Paul Wellens.
"If there is a chance of hanging on to him I'd be keen to. There's lots of time left. He's enjoying his rugby and I'm enjoying watching him.
"We're speaking to him and his agent. I don't know where it's going to end up but, if I get hold of Brett Finch for next year, I'll be really happy."
Wane was delighted with his team's defence and especially proud that victory was achieved with a largely home-grown pack of forwards.
Saints were overpowered as they failed for the first time for 12 years to reach the last four, but acting head coach Mike Rush had no complaints over the result.
"I didn't think we were on the ball offensively," he said. "Defensively we were pretty good, both teams were to be fair. Both teams struggled to get out of their own half.
"The Finch try killed us and that was frustrating because of the number of times we've seen that play this year.
"We told the players about it but we still jumped in. That's pressure and young players for you, it's just the way it goes.
"Offensively we were not the smartest. Maybe it would have been good enough to beat some teams but not a highly-competitive team like Wigan.
"There were moments when we looked the better team but we didn't take our opportunities. You have to finish breaks you get in big games."