Warrington 44-18 Leigh: Player ratings and major talking points

Warrington, despite fielding a number of teenagers, still showed enough class to hand Leigh a 12th defeat of the season. It was a tough night for the Centurions. Once again the effort was there but the quality of the league’s top scorers saw Warrington through. The Wire now find themselves third in the table following Wigan’s defeat against Wakefield.

Major Talking Points:

1. Warrington youngsters shine

20-year-old Eribe Doro scored, Ellis Longstaff claimed an assist and the Warrington youngsters impressed all round. Connor Wrench came up with some touches of class at centre but I was particularly wowed by fullback Josh Thewlis. He brought energy and skill in attack and showed his brilliant pair of hands as he helped create a couple of Warrington tries.

2. Daryl who?

I thought Danny Walker was outstanding in the absence of Daryl Clark. The ruck speed he generated was brilliant and Leigh couldn’t handle it nor could they contain the pacey hooker. At 21 years of age, he has the world at his feet. Already a class hooker, he could soon be one of the competition’s best.

3. Do Warrington need George Williams?

Ever since rumours started that Warrington were prepared to move on either Blake Austin or Gareth Widdop to create space for Williams, the pair have just got better and better. Austin reminded us all of his brilliant running game with an early try and continued to torment Leigh with his kicking boot. Meanwhile, Widdop led the side around the field expertly and crossed for a 10th try of the season. Is it worth moving on these stars to bring in Williams?

Player Ratings:

Warrington
23 Josh Thewlis – 9
5 Josh Charnley – 7
18 Jake Mamo – 8
27 Connor Wrench – 7
2 Tom Lineham – 7
6 Blake Austin – 8
7 Gareth Widdop – 8
8 Chris Hill – 7
16 Danny Walker – 9
20 Sitaleki Akauola – 8
26 Ellis Longstaff – 7
12 Jack Hughes – 6
15 Matthew Davis – 8
Substitutes
21 Rob Butler – 7
22 Ellis Robson – 6
24 Riley Dean – 6
25 Eribe Doro – 7

Leigh
1 Ryan Brierley – 6
22 Craig Mullen – 5
3 Iain Thornley – 6
4 Junior Sa’u – 7
2 Matty Russell – 6
30 Ben Reynolds – 5
7 Joe Mellor – 7
21 Tyrone McCarthy – N/A
9 Liam Hood – 7
10 Mark Ioane – 7
11 Ben Hellewell – 7
18 Matty Gee – 5
13 James Bell – 7
Substitutes
12 Jordan Thompson – 7
14 Matty Wildie – 6
16 Nate Peteru – 6
19 Nathan Mason – 7