Late drama decides thrilling contest between Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards

In only their second appearance since their rebrand, Leigh Leopards headed over to the Halliwell Jones Stadium today for Ben Currie’s testimonial as the Warrington Wolves star took on plenty of his former teammates.

The Wolves finished 11th in 2022 and are hoping for a much better campaign in 2023 and being back in the mix at the top whilst Leigh have made some statement signings including a quintet from the Wolves as they prepare for what they hope will be their best ever season in the top flight in the summer era.

They laid down a marker early as both teams went hell for leather and after scoring against Leeds Rhinos two weeks ago, Josh Charnley scored the first try of the game against his former side after his centre partner Ricky Leutele had come up with a try saver at the other end.

Leutele was very much involved and produced a big hit shortly after but eventually the Wolves pulled themselves level bursting through with Stefan Ratchford finishing in the corner as the Wolves took a 6-4 lead.

Star signing from Leeds Rhinos Zak Hardaker had gone off but as he returned to the field another new recruit in Gareth O’Brien crossed to give Leigh the lead again with Hardaker converting the former Castleford Tigers man’s try.

That made the halftime score 10-6.

Warrington threatened early in the first half with a probing move coming to nothing as the ball went behind the attacking runners.

Leigh’s defence was standing tall as the Wolves piled on the pressure but eventually Daryl Clark levelled the scores for the Wolves leaving the game tied at 10-10.

Hardaker looked like he might win the contest for the Leopards but was denied by great cover defence.

The Leigh fullback was unable to emulate this tackle at the other end however in a crucial moment as his tackle failed to deny the onrushing Peter Mata’utia from giving Warrington the lead.

Then the contest was decided by the man of the hour Ben Currie who crossed four minutes from time to wrap up a 22-10 win on his testimonial.

Sadly the try was then marred by a red card for new star Warrington Wolves signing Josh McGuire in the aftermath of the moment.

Highlights:

Currie gets his deserved try
An underrated player of recent times and a second-row with a little bit of everything, it was good to see him celebrated today and good to see him get a try.

A titanic battle
Speaking of things good to see, it was great to see the two teams go hell for leather ahead of the new season getting fans excited for the 2023 campaign which based on today can be fruitful for both sides.

Leigh not just here to make up the number
This also showed that the Leopards aren’t here to make up the numbers in 2023 and can really compete in 2023.