Warrington Wolves go level on points with Leeds Rhinos at the top of Super League after an 18-16 victory over Catalans Dragons.
The Wolves had to do it tough, with two big injuries in their back line forcing positional shifts into some key positions.
Albert Hopoate, James Bentley and Matty Ashton all crossed for Sam Burgess’ side, who truly had to dig in to claim the two points.
John Cartwright is now three from five in his Catalans career, and it arguably should have been four from five, had they not bombed a try in the final five minutes to win the game.
Warrington Wolves v Catalans Dragons talking points
Wire hold on in underrated win:
With the injuries mentioned, the result means more than just two points. To win in that heat with players all over the place, the majority of those youngsters, is a great achievement, and one of the results that will last in the memory of Wire going forward.
With no starting numbers one, three, six, seven, eight and 12, and three more players going down this evening, Warrington of old could have easily given up, but this 2026 side is proving the doubters wrong, and an effort like that will only galvanise the side, showing they can come together when they need to most and come up with the result.
Discipline downs Dragons:
On the flip side to that, Catalans could, and maybe should, have won the game, but a last-ditch Ewan Irwin tackle put a stop to that.
Overall though, the discipline needs significant improvement, with far too many penalties and errors conceded that just gifted Wire possession.
In heat like that, having the ball and keeping it was paramount, and when you’re conceeding needless penalties, you can’t expect to come away with the points.
Their night was summed up with captain Ben Garcia being sin binned for dissent towards referee Marcus Griffiths.
Wire’s injury nightmare:
Warrington have been dealt some key injury issues following this game, none more so than centre Arron Lindop, who was helped from the field after looking to be in agony with a knee issue.
The 20-year-old only returned to the side last week, after taking a year to recover from an ACL issue. The Wolves will be hoping that the blow is better than it first looks, whilst Catalans will be hoping for a light punishment after the incident was placed on report.
To add to that Josh Thewlis copped an ankle knock in the first half, and was hobbling around until the half-time break.
The winger-turned-full-back didn’t return for the second half, meaning that it was a hugely reshuffled back line for Sam Burgess’ side. Jordy Crowther also suffered a knock and didn’t return.
Irwin’s try-saver:
Most games that Warrington play seem to end in Ewan Irwin being waxed lyrical over, and this week is no different.
Playing at full-back for half the game, the youngster made a crucial try-saving tackle to win Wire the game. Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet broke down the right edge, and should have passed but instead went solo.
Irwin was able to make the cover tackle and win his side a penalty after the Catalans man opted to pass the ball after being called held.
Hydration break timings:
Due to the extreme heat in the UK this week, the RFL confirmed earlier today that hydration breaks would be enforced due to player welfare.
No one can argue that decision, but the timings of when they were taken could have arguably been a bit better.
On both occasions, there were natural stoppages in play just moments before – 20 metre restarts. That would have been a better time to take the break rather than getting one tackle into the set, halting any momentum and delaying the game more than it needed to be.
