Yesterday, two of Super League’s former Champions gave their play-off hopes a massive boost. The Wigan Warriors vanquished Wakefield 25-12 at the DW Stadium whilst a Leeds Rhinos side without Luke Gale picked apart Salford in a 38-16 win. Well, that was my view but what was yours? How did social media react to last night’s rugby?
Let’s start at the DW Stadium where, despite the lifting of restrictions, some supporters were concerned by the lack of a crowd to welcome home five-time Super League Champions. However, many subsequently pointed to the World Cup citing its importance in boosting the profile of the game. It’s clear that many believe the Australians and Kiwis have let the sport down.
How about holding a World Cup …. We could invite @NRL Kangaroos 🦘 surely that will help raise profile. Or am I daft.
— Phil Banks 📲 (@onePhilBanks) July 24, 2021
But returning to the game at hand, it was a vital win for Wigan and unsurprisingly Jackson Hastings was at the heart of their success.
Just watched the Wigan highlights. Hastings is just another level above, going to be a massive loss for Super League next year.
— Nathan Archer (@Nathanarcher99) July 24, 2021
We will miss him Meg, would have been a great captain for Wigan & a legend at our club. Can only wish him well for his future back home at the end of the season 😊You never know, he may just miss the weather here in Wigan 😉😉☀️☀️🌧⛈❄️💨☃️ 🏉🍒⚪️❤️xx
— Josie Andrews (@josie_andrews13) July 24, 2021
Good to finally put a few points on the scoreboard. Sounds like Hastings was pulling the strings 🍒⚪
Thanks for coms Team Milko #UpThePies #SLWigWak #ListenLive 📻— Pie Eater Kev (@PieEaterKev) July 23, 2021
It was a special night too for Joe Shorrocks. An underrated member of the Wigan pack, he scored his first try for the club. People were very pleased for him.
Thoroughly deserved 👏🏻 🔴⚪️
— Stuart (@bolsox) July 24, 2021
Him and Kai Pearce Paul have good prospects
— Dawn Owen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@yicker) July 23, 2021
The victory was sullied for Wigan fans by rumours of Zak Hardaker’s departure.
He wont leave he loves it at wigan
— Adam reeves (@Adamreeves2016) July 24, 2021
It was a difficult evening for Wakefield fans as well. Plenty of them want massive changes at the club.
How much longer we going to go let this go on. Deluded fans will disagree because they’ve spoke to Carter at a game once and are now up his and Chester arse. We need a change, It’s getting ridiculous now and if Chester gets a new deal the club will lose money and fans it’s a FACT
— Tom Roche (@tomroche1999) July 24, 2021
Breaks my heart to oust a Wakey coach from Wakefield but I can’t see any alternative for turning this side around. I’m so dispondant: is this what trinity has become ? 13 crash test dummies for ‘real’ teams to practice against ? Sigh….
— Mark 'kaeft' Drew (@Rumourtrescu) July 23, 2021
Their Yorkshire rivals Leeds had a much better evening as they again put 38 points passed Salford – the second time they’ve done so this season. That said, some Rhinos fans couldn’t decide whether or not they played well.
Not bad but Salford made us look better than we were
— Ed Croft (@EdCroft95) July 23, 2021
However, plenty of supporters were happy to be back at a packed Headingley experiencing all the added extras of a Super League game including the pre-match entertainment.
He also crossed for his first try of the season a feat emulated by King Vuniyayawa and his score grabbed attention on social media. Some even compared it to the tries scored by a Leeds legend but not who you might think…
King just did a @DannyMcguire6 👏👏🔥
— Rhinos Faithful 💙💛 (@RhinosFaithful) July 23, 2021
However, many Rhinos fans couldn’t properly concentrate on the game as they worried about the absence of Luke Gale. A whirlwind of rumours about the Rhinos’ number seven has since circulated leaving many Leeds supporters worried.
Holroyd and Mikolaj probably been held back a bit for what's to come. I think Tetevano will play against Hull. I'd say something has definitely happened with Gale, seems a strange move otherwise. Let's hope they can sort it and move on.
— Bradley Asquith (@BradAsquith7) July 24, 2021
It said holroyd had rolled his ankle. Galey was a selection choice 🤷♀️
— Claire Mcloughlin 💙💛 (@hornyrhino1980) July 24, 2021
Equally concerned – but more by the game itself – were Salford fans. They weren’t happy with a number of things after last night’s defeat.
Sack Marshall
— OS (@whixpway) July 23, 2021
How has Tui played a single international game?
— Drew Peacock (@Nath46903913) July 23, 2021
