It was a happy Thursday for Warrington fans as Wire recorded their fourth win of the 2019 season with victory over title-rivals Castleford Tigers. Here are my player rankings from the night...
1) Daryl Clark
The undisputed man of the match in my mind, Clark was phenomenal in the forward line, making up so much yardage (137m) and offering creativity from dummy half. Clark made 40 tackles against his former club and didn't give away a single penalty. An exceptional performer week in, week out. Given the magnitude of Clark's performances every game, Steve Price will need to protect him from fatigue and injury, perhaps by utilising Danny Walker more.
2) Ben Murdoch-Masila
Aside from scoring a try that was all about strength and power, Murdoch-Masila performed admirably from the bench, using his physicality to make up a colossal number of metres every time he got the ball. Until he came on, we were struggling. Massive player for this team - both literally and metaphorically.
3) Jake Mamo
One of the most successful debuts you can imagine. After making just two cameo appearances off the bench so far, it was a big call to drop Tom Lineham and bring Mamo in, but one which worked wonders. Mamo took both of his tries confidently, assisted the third try with a good offload, and dragged Tuoyo Egodo into touch at a crucial moment. Terrific debut, and hard to see him not starting next week.
4) Mike Cooper
Still the most under-rated player in the squad, Cooper was majestic in both halves against Castleford, making useful runs and forcing his team forward, as well as a collection of top-class tackles.
5) Joe Philbin
After some ineffective performances off the bench in previous games, Philbin put in a quality display off the bench in the prop forward position. I was really impressed with the metres he was making up, as well as his positional play.
6) Stefan Ratchford
As always, a very good performance from the full back. Ratchford's goal-kicking was greatly improved, successfully converting 4 from 5 chances, including some difficult ones from out wide. The former Salford man was in fine form handling-wise, not making a single error all night.
7) Josh Charnley
Whilst Charnley wasn't involved in an attacking sense like you'd usually expect, his defensive work was superb, making two or three big tackles when the Tigers were in. Such a complete player.
8) Toby King
King's best performance of the season by an absolute mile. That game proves that he is a centre, not a second rower. King made two great back-to-back tackles in the first half, proving his worth in a defensive sense.
9) Jack Hughes
After an average display in France, Hughes was marvellous back at home against Castleford. The co-captain scored a wonderful try after dummying a pass before crossing the line, a first-rate bit of skill.
10) Ben Westwood
Super Bennie Westwood made just his second appearance of the season from the bench on Thursday night. The Wire legend was effective and made up plenty of ground, and would've ranked higher but for a clumsy knock on late in the game.
11) Declan Patton
For all the criticism Patton gets, he creates a lot of scoring opportunities and it was his marvellously accurate pass which assisted Mamo's first try. His kicking game was hit and miss, but as a performance, this was generally very good.
12) Ben Currie
What a lovely feeling it was to see Ben Currie back in the team. It is unfortunate that Danny Walker dropped out of the squad with illness, but Walker's loss was Currie's gain, and the second rower was on the ball early, making a good carry. His performance was solid, if unspectacular, but having him back is a big boost for the rest of the season. Most impressive about his first game back was the 24-year old lasting the full eighty minutes.
13) Blake Austin
While it wasn't Austin at his free-flowing, creative, sparkling best, the Australian was highly impressive in terms of work rate and yardage. Unlike some marquee signings, Austin isn't afraid of the ugly side of the game. Pulled off an absolutely unbelievable kick in the first half too.
14) Jason Clark
The new signing is becoming a big player off the bench for Steve Price's team, and is constantly a threat in terms of metres and work rate. One tremendous carry in the second half. Clark is a great option from the bench and should be in contention to start at loose forward soon.
15) Chris Hill
The captain was solid for most of the game, with a few good tackles deep into Warrington territory. Hill had a few stints in and out of the game, and while his leadership may be missed, the 31-year old is giving away a ridiculous number of penalties at the minute and is causing the team problems.
16) Bryson Goodwin
After a bright start to the game, Goodwin was taken off in the first half with an injury to his foot, and didn't return to the field. Time will tell whether he is fit for Wigan, but if he is to be out, there are various options - an Atkins recall, or shifting Mamo or Livett to centre.
17) Lama Tasi
While his energy and desire is there, there is a distinct lack of end product from Tasi at the minute. The former St Helens and Salford man made just five carries on Thursday and his position at loose forward is surely under pressure from Westwood and Jason Clark.
Next up for Warrington is a massive clash with arch-rivals Wigan Warriors at the Halliwell Jones next Friday. As well as being a rematch of last year's Grand Final, this will be another chance for the Wire to lay down a marker and a statement of intent to the rest of the league, as we did against Castleford tonight. What an atmosphere it should be at the HJ next Friday.
Make sure to check the blog through the week for a Sweet 17 article, where I'll select the team I would like to play the Wigan fixture.
It's always our year.
Daniel (@aloosewire)
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