Warrington Wolves left it late but a late Josh Thewlis try gave them a 24-20 win over Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.
Here’s a look at our talking points.
Wolves in the play-off hunt
When they needed him most, captain fantastic George Williams came up with the goods, weaving through the Catalans line before delivering an inch perfect grubber for Josh Thewlis to touch down with three minutes to go.
That try came just a couple of minutes after Denive Balmforth thought he had won it for the Dragons after what seemed at points to be an unlikely comeback. Warrington were dominant in the first half, bagging three tries through debutant Zack Gardner, George Williams and Jordy Crowther.
Catalans were a different side in the second half and clawed their way back into the contest, but Sam Burgess’ side were good enough to claim the points. It means that Warrington have now won three games in a row and while it was far from perfect, they now sit a point short of the play-off pace and level with Wakefield Trinity.
Late controversy
Catalans were a different team in the second half and with just a few minutes on the clock, Balmforth got over for the decisive try under the posts. But, there’s debate about whether it should have counted, with Josh Thewlis claiming to be tripped by Tommy Makinson as he tried to catch the kick over the top.
Video referee James Vella deemed the contact to be incidental and perhaps not enough to put Thewlis off catching the ball, with the Balmforth try being allowed to stand.
Sam Tomkins blow
Catalans were handed their first blow just a few minutes before kick-off as Sam Tomkins withdrew from the line up. The veteran was supposed to start at full-back but a reoccurrence of a knee injury ensured he could not take part in the contest.
Tommy Makinson appeared to pick up an injury in the opening minutes of the game, too, but dug deep to carry on.
Liam Rush blunder
Catalans had every right to feel aggrieved in the opening few minutes after being denied a certain try by referee Liam Rush. The referee blew his whistle to halt play and signal for a knock on, just as Makinson was pulling away through a hole in the Warrington line after getting himself in the way of a Wire pass to reclaim possession.
The decision was instantly challenged by Catalans and replays showed the pass rebounded off Makinson’s head rather than his hand, meaning play should have been allowed to continue. Rush appeared apologetic but his decision to blow early cost Catalans a certain try and the game could have gone very differently.
Sneyd blow
Warrington were dealt a big injury blow inside the first half when Marc Sneyd left the field with a thigh strain. Eyebrows were raised when Sneyd allowed Josh Thewlis to kick a goal in the first half and while the half-back did take the next conversion he left the field shortly after.
Sam Burgess will have his fingers crossed it isn’t as bad enough to miss next week’s game against Castleford Tigers.
