Round Three of the Betfred Super League concluded on Sunday in a weekend of surprises, there is now only one team without a win.
Thursday
Wigan see off depleted Toronto
Bevan French put in another impressive display at the DW. Credit: News Images
Wigan Warriors claimed their second win in three games after seeing off a spirited Toronto Wolfpack 32-10 at the DW Stadium.
The Wolfpack’s deepening squad crisis continued as Jon Wilkin pulled up in the warm-up. Gadwin Springer also failed a HIA and James Cunningham also went off with a hamstring injury,
Just like in all their games so far this season, Toronto scored the first try through Matty Russell. Blake Wallace missed the conversion, but it was still first blood to them.
However, they couldn’t see it through to half time, as tries from Harry Smith and Bevan French, plus a conversion from Zak Hardaker had Wigan ahead 10-4.
The Wolfpack were showing a bit more fight in this game, and levelled the scores early in the second half, as Bodene Thompson managed to crash over. Wallace scored the conversion.
But after a mistake going forward, Wigan capitalised and took the game away from the Canadians.
Two tries from Liam Farrell, another from French and Joe Burgess confirmed victory for the Warriors, and left Toronto rooted to the bottom of the pile.
Friday
Huddersfield edge Salford
Huddersfield Giants maintained their perfect start to the season with a narrow 12-10 win at Salford Red Devils.
The Giants started well and took the lead early on through Adam O’Brien. Aidan Sezar scored the conversion to make it a six-point advantage.
Salford managed to get back into it just past the 20 minute mark, as Ken Sio carried on his good start to the season with another try. However, the conversion was missed.
The Red Devils then hit the front for the first time a couple of minutes into the second half as Dan Sarginson managed to cross. Tui Lolohea scored the conversion to make it a four-point lead for the hosts.
But came Huddersfield with a try in the corner from Louis Senior. Sezar missed the conversion this time, meaning it was a level game.
With drop-goal territory looming, the game changed as Kevin Brown was sent to the sin bin for making contact with the head of Jordan Turner in a tackle.
With the man advantage, Huddersfield were able to go down the other end, and get the penalty that would win them the game. Sezar was able to kick from right in front of the posts to earn Huddersfield the win.
Leeds hammer Hull KR to get off mark
Luke Gale kicked seven goals and a penalty as Leeds emphatically got off the mark. Credit: News Images
Leeds Rhinos got their campaign off the ground with a convincing 52-10 win over Hull KR at Headingley.
The Rhinos got off to the perfect start, with two tries from Harry Newman and another from Cameron Smith. Luke Gale also added a penalty to make it 20-0 just before the half hour.
Rovers would get the final say of the first half, as Greg Minikin managed to go over, however the conversion was missed.
However, this didn’t unsettle the Rhinos, as they started the second half in similar fashion as Jack Walker, Ash Handley, and then Smith again, all added tries.
The Robins did at least get into double figures, thanks to a try from Jordan Abdull. Ryan Brierley scored the conversion.
But nothing would stop Leeds, as they added three more tries thanks to Konrad Hurrell, James Donaldson and Richie Myler. This got Leeds over the half century.
Saturday
Folau scores in Dragons win
Catalans Dragons bounced back from their opening round defeat to Huddersfield Giants with a 36-18 win over Castleford Tigers at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
It was a fast start from the Dragons, as they scored two tries in six minutes through Sam Tomkins and debutant Israel Folau. James Maloney scored both conversions to make it a 12-point lead.
However, the Tigers were able to half the deficit soon after as Derrell Olpherts managed to get over out wide. Danny Richardson scored the conversion.
But the Dragons were able to extend their lead thanks to a Maloney penalty and a try from Samisoni Langi, as the Dragons hit 20.
However, the final word of the half would go to the visitors as Cheyse Blair managed to go over. Richardson converted again to keep the Tigers within eight points.
The Dragons once again started the second half with two tries, as Tomkins grabbed his second and Fouad Yaha got in on the act.
But the Tigers wouldn’t lie down as James Clare managed to grab a try with 15 minutes to go. Once again, Richardson was on target to keep the visitors alive.
But the final word would go to Catalans as Tomkins completed his hat trick. Maloney was back on target to confirm a brilliant win for the Dragons.
Sunday
Saints bounce back to beat Hull
Tommy Makinson kicked four conversions and two penalties as Saints returned to winning ways. Credit: News Images
Champions St Helens got back to winning ways with a 32-18 win at Hull FC, to replace them at the top of the table.
Saints did draw first blood through a Tommy Makinson penalty, but it was Hull who scored the first try through Carlos Tuimavave. Marc Sneyd converted to send the Black and Whites in front at half time.
It was a different story in the second half as tries from Matty Costello, Luke Thompson, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and James Bentley put Saints in control.
However, Hull didn’t lie down as Tuimavave grabbed his second with 15 minutes left. Sneyd converted to get the hosts back to within two tries.
But another Makinson penalty and another try from Aaron Smith sealed the deal for the champions.
The last word would go to Hull though as Jamie Shaul pulled another one back right at the end. Sneyd converted, but couldn’t stop his side falling to their first defeat of the season.
Wakefield stun Warrington
Ryan Hampshire kicked 10 points in victory for Wakefield. Credit: News Images
Wakefield Trinity claimed their first win of the season with an 18-8 victory over Warrington Wolves at the Mobile Rocket Stadium.
The only points of the first half came from the boot of Stefan Ratchford, as he scored a penalty to put the visitors 2-0 ahead at the break.
Wakefield came back in the second half, thanks to three penalties from Ryan Hampshire.
However, Warrington hit back just after the hour, as Ratchford added a try and a conversion to go with his penalty. This edged Wire back in front at 8-6.
But Wakefield stunned Wire with a brilliant show in the last ten minutes. Tries from Matty Ashurst and Tom Johnstone sealed a brilliant win for the hosts and got them off the mark.
