These rankings are based on how the team performed in the match, the result, the manner in which the result was achieved and the overall quality of the display. Let's get moving then with a depressing start as we start with our most abject games of the year...
34) WARRINGTON WOLVES 12-36 SALFORD RED DEVILS
April 19th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 11
Attendance: 11809
By far and away the worst performance of the season came on Easter Friday. On the back of a humbling hammering at the hands of St Helens, Wire had the perfect chance to bounce back with a home fixture against Salford. But a truly woeful display in both defence and attack consigned the Wolves to a second straight loss - the first of three defeats against Salford in 2019.
Attendance: 11809
By far and away the worst performance of the season came on Easter Friday. On the back of a humbling hammering at the hands of St Helens, Wire had the perfect chance to bounce back with a home fixture against Salford. But a truly woeful display in both defence and attack consigned the Wolves to a second straight loss - the first of three defeats against Salford in 2019.
33) WIGAN WARRIORS 20-6 WARRINGTON WOLVES
August 16th
DW Stadium
Super League Round 26
Attendance: 12555
One thing that I never accuse this team of is lacking effort. But in the Wigan loss in August, there was a whole lack of desire and fight in what should have been a derby game - though it felt like a pre-season friendly. Wire were absolutely nowhere and defended woefully as Wigan raced into an 18-0 lead at the break. A week later, somehow we were crowned Challenge Cup winners...
Attendance: 12555
One thing that I never accuse this team of is lacking effort. But in the Wigan loss in August, there was a whole lack of desire and fight in what should have been a derby game - though it felt like a pre-season friendly. Wire were absolutely nowhere and defended woefully as Wigan raced into an 18-0 lead at the break. A week later, somehow we were crowned Challenge Cup winners...
32) WARRINGTON WOLVES 12-14 CASTLEFORD TIGERS
September 19th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Playoffs
Attendance: 5627
The Wire's season careered to a shocking end with a completely abject defeat in the playoffs at home to Castleford. Despite second-half tries from Jake Mamo and Chris Hill, Warrington couldn't find anywhere near enough quality in the attacking areas to produce a victory. A shocking decision to kick at goal from a late penalty proved costly as 2019 was brought to an abrupt and terrible finish.
Attendance: 5627
The Wire's season careered to a shocking end with a completely abject defeat in the playoffs at home to Castleford. Despite second-half tries from Jake Mamo and Chris Hill, Warrington couldn't find anywhere near enough quality in the attacking areas to produce a victory. A shocking decision to kick at goal from a late penalty proved costly as 2019 was brought to an abrupt and terrible finish.
31) CASTLEFORD TIGERS 27-18 WARRINGTON WOLVES
July 21st
Mend-a-hose Jungle
Super League Round 23
Attendance: 6965
The playoffs wasn't Wire's first defeat at the hands of Daryl Powell's team this season. In July, Steve Price took his team to West Yorkshire in a big match to try and strengthen the grip on 2nd place. However, an error-filled performance with more poor defending and frustrating discipline meant that the team were sent home with a nine-point loss.
Attendance: 6965
The playoffs wasn't Wire's first defeat at the hands of Daryl Powell's team this season. In July, Steve Price took his team to West Yorkshire in a big match to try and strengthen the grip on 2nd place. However, an error-filled performance with more poor defending and frustrating discipline meant that the team were sent home with a nine-point loss.
30) ST HELENS 38-12 WARRINGTON WOLVES
April 12th
Totally Wicked Stadium
Super League Round 10
Attendance: 17078
The game that Wire built up more than any was the trip to the Totally Wicked Stadium in April. Remarkably, Warrington travelled to Saints as league leaders (how long ago does that seem?) but after a bright start, were soon found out when prop Mike Cooper was sent to the sin-bin. Some woeful defending gifted Saints more second-half tries and the final score was absolutely emphatic and a reality check.
Attendance: 17078
The game that Wire built up more than any was the trip to the Totally Wicked Stadium in April. Remarkably, Warrington travelled to Saints as league leaders (how long ago does that seem?) but after a bright start, were soon found out when prop Mike Cooper was sent to the sin-bin. Some woeful defending gifted Saints more second-half tries and the final score was absolutely emphatic and a reality check.
29) LEEDS RHINOS 26-4 WARRINGTON WOLVES
September 13th
Headingley Stadium
Super League Round 29
Attendance: 14085
A terrible loss to end the regular season at Headingley. The game that featured probably the worst defending of the season on a whole, with Leeds' tries coming about as a result of some truly hysterical tackling efforts from Wire. It would've been oh-so-different if Tom Lineham converted the chance that Daryl Clark created for him after running half the field rather than diving five metres too early and getting bundled into touch.
Attendance: 14085
A terrible loss to end the regular season at Headingley. The game that featured probably the worst defending of the season on a whole, with Leeds' tries coming about as a result of some truly hysterical tackling efforts from Wire. It would've been oh-so-different if Tom Lineham converted the chance that Daryl Clark created for him after running half the field rather than diving five metres too early and getting bundled into touch.
28) WARRINGTON WOLVES 12-22 SALFORD RED DEVILS
July 12th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 22
Attendance: 9509
The second of Wire's garbage losses at the hands of Salford came in July, when a shocking show defensively gifted Salford two first-half tries and Ian Watson's side never looked back. While this game featured Matt Davis' first try, there were very few positives to take from yet another insipid and abject performance.
Attendance: 9509
The second of Wire's garbage losses at the hands of Salford came in July, when a shocking show defensively gifted Salford two first-half tries and Ian Watson's side never looked back. While this game featured Matt Davis' first try, there were very few positives to take from yet another insipid and abject performance.
27) CATALANS DRAGONS 30-10 WARRINGTON WOLVES
August 3rd
Stade Gilbert Brutus
Super League Round 24
Attendance: 9634
Attendance: 9634
A game that was marred by the unfortunate scenes in the crowd at full-time, but there was no getting away from the fact that this was yet another really poor display from the Wire. A brilliant bit of centre play from Toby King helped Jake Mamo bring the team back into the game, but a calamitous second half, full of ill-discipline, led to an embarrassing loss by 20 points and an injury to Blake Austin.
26) HULL KR 16-14 WARRINGTON WOLVES
June 15th
Craven Park
Super League Round 18
Attendance: 7390
It was always written in the stars that Tony Smith's first win in charge of KR would come against Warrington, wasn't it? This wasn't an absolutely atrocious performance, just an insipid display with a real lack of attacking quality. This match was the first time Daryl Clark missed a game in 2019 and it told, with Wire scoring just two tries - though one of them was a long-ranger from Bryson Goodwin. Awful defending for the final KR try from Currie and Patton.
Attendance: 7390
It was always written in the stars that Tony Smith's first win in charge of KR would come against Warrington, wasn't it? This wasn't an absolutely atrocious performance, just an insipid display with a real lack of attacking quality. This match was the first time Daryl Clark missed a game in 2019 and it told, with Wire scoring just two tries - though one of them was a long-ranger from Bryson Goodwin. Awful defending for the final KR try from Currie and Patton.
25) SALFORD RED DEVILS 22-6 WARRINGTON WOLVES
August 29th
AJ Bell Stadium
Super League Round 27
Attendance: 4879
A game that we never had any chance of winning just five days after the Challenge Cup Final, a much-changed Wire side were condemned to the club's third loss to Salford in 2019. A huge effort in the first half kept the score at 2-0, though a handful of errors from Tom Lineham were costly in the second half as Salford ran in four tries. Nice for Danny Walker to bag his first score in a Warrington shirt late on though.
Attendance: 4879
A game that we never had any chance of winning just five days after the Challenge Cup Final, a much-changed Wire side were condemned to the club's third loss to Salford in 2019. A huge effort in the first half kept the score at 2-0, though a handful of errors from Tom Lineham were costly in the second half as Salford ran in four tries. Nice for Danny Walker to bag his first score in a Warrington shirt late on though.
24) WARRINGTON WOLVES 12-19 HULL FC
May 18th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 15
Attendance: 10600
An injury-hit Wire fell to just their third loss of the season, with Hull FC coming out on top in what proved to be a real arm wrestle at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. An early try from Toby King was cancelled out by three quick-fire scores from Lee Radford's team, and while Blake Austin got the side back in the match in the second half, it wasn't enough. Injuries to Tom Lineham, Ryan Atkins and Stefan Ratchford meant a major reshuffle of the side on a difficult day at the HJ.
Attendance: 10600
An injury-hit Wire fell to just their third loss of the season, with Hull FC coming out on top in what proved to be a real arm wrestle at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. An early try from Toby King was cancelled out by three quick-fire scores from Lee Radford's team, and while Blake Austin got the side back in the match in the second half, it wasn't enough. Injuries to Tom Lineham, Ryan Atkins and Stefan Ratchford meant a major reshuffle of the side on a difficult day at the HJ.
23) CATALANS DRAGONS 23-22 WARRINGTON WOLVES
March 2nd
Stade Gilbert Brutus
Super League Round 4
Attendance: 8158
This was Warrington's first loss of the 2019 season, and there's no doubt that fatigue played a part, with the team bizarrely setting off to Perpignan at 4am on the day of the match. A terrible first half looked to have put the game out of sight, and despite tries from Stefan Ratchford, Daryl Clark, Ryan Atkins, and a Declan Patton score after an unbelievable offload from Chris Hill, a late penalty from Sam Tomkins proved costly. Errors and penalties were the Wire's downfall in the south of France.
Attendance: 8158
This was Warrington's first loss of the 2019 season, and there's no doubt that fatigue played a part, with the team bizarrely setting off to Perpignan at 4am on the day of the match. A terrible first half looked to have put the game out of sight, and despite tries from Stefan Ratchford, Daryl Clark, Ryan Atkins, and a Declan Patton score after an unbelievable offload from Chris Hill, a late penalty from Sam Tomkins proved costly. Errors and penalties were the Wire's downfall in the south of France.
22) WARRINGTON WOLVES 28-14 HULL KR
February 9th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 2
Attendance: 10515
Wire made it two wins out of two for 2019 with a solid, if unspectacular victory over Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. This was the first of four meetings with the Robins over the course of the season, and featured maiden 2019 tries for Tom Lineham and Mike Cooper, as well as Harvey Livett's only two scores in a Wire shirt for the season. It took a while for the team to get going in this fixture but they eventually ground out a hard-fought victory with some nice tries.
Attendance: 10515
Wire made it two wins out of two for 2019 with a solid, if unspectacular victory over Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. This was the first of four meetings with the Robins over the course of the season, and featured maiden 2019 tries for Tom Lineham and Mike Cooper, as well as Harvey Livett's only two scores in a Wire shirt for the season. It took a while for the team to get going in this fixture but they eventually ground out a hard-fought victory with some nice tries.
21) LONDON BRONCOS 6-36 WARRINGTON WOLVES
July 6th
Super League Round 21
Ealing Trailfinders
Attendance: 2357
If ever you could get a definition of 'game of two halves', then this was it in rugby league form. Wire found themselves in a commanding 36-0 lead at half-time with six tries from Tom Lineham, Toby King, Bryson Goodwin, Mike Cooper, Jack Hughes and Jake Mamo. Despite this sensational first 40 minutes, Steve Price's team were unable to capitalise and build up a heavier lead, failing to score a single point in the second half, while London got a try themselves and six points on the board.
Attendance: 2357
If ever you could get a definition of 'game of two halves', then this was it in rugby league form. Wire found themselves in a commanding 36-0 lead at half-time with six tries from Tom Lineham, Toby King, Bryson Goodwin, Mike Cooper, Jack Hughes and Jake Mamo. Despite this sensational first 40 minutes, Steve Price's team were unable to capitalise and build up a heavier lead, failing to score a single point in the second half, while London got a try themselves and six points on the board.
20) WARRINGTON WOLVES 12-30 ST HELENS
August 8th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 25
Attendance: 10987
This was a game which saw a heavily-rotated Wire lineup, with the likes of Luther Burrell, Danny Walker, Sitaleki Akauola, Ben Westwood and Harvey Livett getting rare starts alongside youngster Josh Thewlis and debutant Riley Dean. The team put in a great effort and were not embarrassed by a strong St Helens team, scoring two lovely tries out wide in the first half and playing some fresh, attacking stuff, but proved to be little match for the league leaders as the game wore on.
Attendance: 10987
This was a game which saw a heavily-rotated Wire lineup, with the likes of Luther Burrell, Danny Walker, Sitaleki Akauola, Ben Westwood and Harvey Livett getting rare starts alongside youngster Josh Thewlis and debutant Riley Dean. The team put in a great effort and were not embarrassed by a strong St Helens team, scoring two lovely tries out wide in the first half and playing some fresh, attacking stuff, but proved to be little match for the league leaders as the game wore on.
19) WARRINGTON WOLVES 26-24 WIGAN WARRIORS
May 12th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Challenge Cup Fourth Round
Attendance: 7086
A game of rugby league that was nervy and thoroughly entertaining, though severely lacking in cutting edge and quality from two of the best teams in the country. A superb display of goal-kicking from Stefan Ratchford ensured that Warrington got the win against rivals Wigan and progressed to the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, though it was not a pretty affair and full of errors from both sides. A terrific Daryl Clark try from dummy-half the highlight.
Attendance: 7086
A game of rugby league that was nervy and thoroughly entertaining, though severely lacking in cutting edge and quality from two of the best teams in the country. A superb display of goal-kicking from Stefan Ratchford ensured that Warrington got the win against rivals Wigan and progressed to the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, though it was not a pretty affair and full of errors from both sides. A terrific Daryl Clark try from dummy-half the highlight.
18) WARRINGTON WOLVES 23-16 WAKEFIELD TRINITY
September 6th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 28
Attendance: 10158
It might have been billed as Super Bennie Westwood's final home game, but the legendary forward didn't even make the matchday squad, instead having to watch from the sidelines as Wire earned their last win of 2019. The victory over Wakefield ended a six-game losing streak, with tries from Daryl Clark, Ben Currie and Josh Charnley putting Wire in cruise control at the break, and though Wakefield threatened a comeback in the second half, a lovely passing move which finished in the hands of Bryson Goodwin was enough to secure Warrington's sixteenth and last Super League win of 2019.
Attendance: 10158
It might have been billed as Super Bennie Westwood's final home game, but the legendary forward didn't even make the matchday squad, instead having to watch from the sidelines as Wire earned their last win of 2019. The victory over Wakefield ended a six-game losing streak, with tries from Daryl Clark, Ben Currie and Josh Charnley putting Wire in cruise control at the break, and though Wakefield threatened a comeback in the second half, a lovely passing move which finished in the hands of Bryson Goodwin was enough to secure Warrington's sixteenth and last Super League win of 2019.
17) WAKEFIELD TRINITY 32-24 WARRINGTON WOLVES
March 21st
Mobile Rocket Stadium
Super League Round 7
Attendance: 4753
It's hard to believe that a game Wire were leading by a scoreline of 6-32 with just 25 minutes left ended up with Steve Price's side hanging onto a two-point lead for dear life after a frankly embarrassing final quarter of the match. Two tries from Josh Charnley, as well as scores from Chris Hill, Toby King and Blake Austin gave the visitors a commanding advantage but it was a horrendously nervy last few moments in West Yorkshire.
Attendance: 4753
It's hard to believe that a game Wire were leading by a scoreline of 6-32 with just 25 minutes left ended up with Steve Price's side hanging onto a two-point lead for dear life after a frankly embarrassing final quarter of the match. Two tries from Josh Charnley, as well as scores from Chris Hill, Toby King and Blake Austin gave the visitors a commanding advantage but it was a horrendously nervy last few moments in West Yorkshire.
16) HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS 20-32 WARRINGTON WOLVES
February 22nd
John Smith's Stadium
Super League Round 3
Attendance: 6076
It was Wire's first win at Huddersfield since 2014 after a really solid performance for the most part. Braces from Josh Charnley and Ryan Atkins were added to by Ben Murdoch-Masila and Blake Austin, while Mike Cooper was unplayable in the front row as Steve Price's team established a comfortable lead. The frustrating thing about this Round Three fixture was that we let Huddersfield back into the game with a flurry of tries late on.
Attendance: 6076
It was Wire's first win at Huddersfield since 2014 after a really solid performance for the most part. Braces from Josh Charnley and Ryan Atkins were added to by Ben Murdoch-Masila and Blake Austin, while Mike Cooper was unplayable in the front row as Steve Price's team established a comfortable lead. The frustrating thing about this Round Three fixture was that we let Huddersfield back into the game with a flurry of tries late on.
15) WARRINGTON WOLVES 48-12 LONDON BRONCOS
April 5th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 9
Attendance: 11718
It was very much job done for Warrington in the Round Nine fixture at home to London. Steve Price made a few changes, resting Mike Cooper and Jack Hughes, while Chris Hill, Daryl Clark, Stefan Ratchford and Blake Austin were all used sparingly. It actually took until the 20-minute-mark for Wire to open the scoring through Tom Lineham, but once they got going they never looked back and racked up eight tries - three from Lineham, two from Austin, one from Ratchford, Charnley and a maiden try for Jason Clark.
Attendance: 11718
It was very much job done for Warrington in the Round Nine fixture at home to London. Steve Price made a few changes, resting Mike Cooper and Jack Hughes, while Chris Hill, Daryl Clark, Stefan Ratchford and Blake Austin were all used sparingly. It actually took until the 20-minute-mark for Wire to open the scoring through Tom Lineham, but once they got going they never looked back and racked up eight tries - three from Lineham, two from Austin, one from Ratchford, Charnley and a maiden try for Jason Clark.
14) WARRINGTON WOLVES 30-6 WAKEFIELD TRINITY
June 21st
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 19
Attendance: 8635
This game featured the earliest try that Warrington conceded all season, Ryan Hampshire opening the scoring within a minute after a break from David Fifita. However, Wire didn't concede a point for the remaining 79 minutes, and registered five tries of their own - Ben Currie and Josh Charnley scored from Declan Patton and Blake Austin kicks, before Mike Cooper powered over. A lovely sidestep from Austin saw him score what proved to be his final try of 2019, before Jack Johnson rounded off the scoring in his last Warrington appearance.
Attendance: 8635
This game featured the earliest try that Warrington conceded all season, Ryan Hampshire opening the scoring within a minute after a break from David Fifita. However, Wire didn't concede a point for the remaining 79 minutes, and registered five tries of their own - Ben Currie and Josh Charnley scored from Declan Patton and Blake Austin kicks, before Mike Cooper powered over. A lovely sidestep from Austin saw him score what proved to be his final try of 2019, before Jack Johnson rounded off the scoring in his last Warrington appearance.
13) WARRINGTON WOLVES 50-19 HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS
April 28th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 13
Attendance: 10445
If we were purely rating on 40 minutes from each match, then the second half of this game would be right up there as possibly the best half of rugby all season. Despite early tries from Ben Currie and Chris Hill, Huddersfield scored 19 points in the final ten minutes of the half after some dire defence from Wire. However, the boys turned it around with 38 unanswered points in the second period, including two delicious tries from Blake Austin - one of which was my personal favourite try of the year with sidesteps and dummies galore. Daryl Clark, Bryson Goodwin and Ben Murdoch-Masila also got in on the act.
Attendance: 10445
If we were purely rating on 40 minutes from each match, then the second half of this game would be right up there as possibly the best half of rugby all season. Despite early tries from Ben Currie and Chris Hill, Huddersfield scored 19 points in the final ten minutes of the half after some dire defence from Wire. However, the boys turned it around with 38 unanswered points in the second period, including two delicious tries from Blake Austin - one of which was my personal favourite try of the year with sidesteps and dummies galore. Daryl Clark, Bryson Goodwin and Ben Murdoch-Masila also got in on the act.
12) WIGAN WARRIORS 14-26 WARRINGTON WOLVES
May 25th
Anfield
Magic Weekend Round 16
Attendance: 30057
Attendance: 30057
Our splendid win over bitter rivals Wigan at this year's Magic Weekend came in a hard-fought, tense affair full of effort and endeavour but short on quality until the 55th minute when Blake Austin scored a beautiful solo try. The Australian broke from 35 metres and slid through the defence to restore Wire's lead after a try from Joe Burgess and penalties from Zak Hardaker had cancelled out Declan Patton's try and pair of penalties in the first half. Austin's moment of majesty was soon followed by a long-range Toby King effort after Josh Charnley set him free, and a series of Patton penalties in front of the Anfield Road end.
11) HULL KR 22-28 WARRINGTON WOLVES
May 31st
Craven Park
Challenge Cup Quarter Finals
Attendance: 3311
Safe passage into the Challenge Cup semi-final was secured after a hectic, entertaining contest in East Yorkshire with Warrington overcoming Hull KR by six points in what ended up being Tim Sheens' final game in charge of the Robins. Despite sin-bins for Declan Patton and Tom Lineham, a phenomenal defensive effort on our own line, led by Ben Currie, maintained the lead earned by a Jake Mamo try. Blake Austin extended the lead on the stroke of half time, and despite scores from Lineham, Currie and Ben Murdoch-Masila, KR really threatened late on with a flurry of tries, though Wire held on and booked their place at Bolton.
Attendance: 3311
Safe passage into the Challenge Cup semi-final was secured after a hectic, entertaining contest in East Yorkshire with Warrington overcoming Hull KR by six points in what ended up being Tim Sheens' final game in charge of the Robins. Despite sin-bins for Declan Patton and Tom Lineham, a phenomenal defensive effort on our own line, led by Ben Currie, maintained the lead earned by a Jake Mamo try. Blake Austin extended the lead on the stroke of half time, and despite scores from Lineham, Currie and Ben Murdoch-Masila, KR really threatened late on with a flurry of tries, though Wire held on and booked their place at Bolton.
10) WARRINGTON WOLVES 24-10 CASTLEFORD TIGERS
March 7th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 5
Attendance: 9231
A thoroughly entertaining game at the Halliwell Jones in March as Warrington responded to their first league defeat with an impressive win over the then-unbeaten Castleford. Greg Eden bagged an early try but a quick-fire brace from Jake Mamo, who was making his first start, got Wire back in front. Excellent tries from Jack Hughes and Ben Murdoch-Masila secured the victory, a very good performance, featuring an outstanding individual display from Daryl Clark.
Attendance: 9231
A thoroughly entertaining game at the Halliwell Jones in March as Warrington responded to their first league defeat with an impressive win over the then-unbeaten Castleford. Greg Eden bagged an early try but a quick-fire brace from Jake Mamo, who was making his first start, got Wire back in front. Excellent tries from Jack Hughes and Ben Murdoch-Masila secured the victory, a very good performance, featuring an outstanding individual display from Daryl Clark.
9) CASTLEFORD TIGERS 14-26 WARRINGTON WOLVES
May 3rd
Mend-a-hose Jungle
Super League Round 14
Attendance: 5323
Our second win over Castleford comes in at ninth, a very solid performance in West Yorkshire earning a big two points on a warm Friday night in May. This was a display full of defensive grit and determination. Tries from Mike Cooper, Ben Currie and a brace for Toby King were enough to put Wire in a very comfortable position with some great attacking play. Despite two Castleford tries down our left edge late on, it was still a fairly straightforward victory and probably the last excellent away performance.
Attendance: 5323
Our second win over Castleford comes in at ninth, a very solid performance in West Yorkshire earning a big two points on a warm Friday night in May. This was a display full of defensive grit and determination. Tries from Mike Cooper, Ben Currie and a brace for Toby King were enough to put Wire in a very comfortable position with some great attacking play. Despite two Castleford tries down our left edge late on, it was still a fairly straightforward victory and probably the last excellent away performance.
8) WARRINGTON WOLVES 10-21 ST HELENS
June 28th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 20
Attendance: 14211
It may seem a bit strange for a loss to appear so high on the list, but for the vast majority of the game this was a tremendous performance from Warrington. A simply incredible effort in and out of possession kept St Helens scoreless right up until the last 20 minutes, which came just after a sin-bin for Jack Hughes. Three penalty goals from Declan Patton were enough for a 6-0 lead, though Saints eventually took control with an extremely controversial try from Mark Percival, followed by a Luke Thompson try after excellent work from Jonny Lomax. Jake Mamo scored straight from the kick-off, but it wasn't to be. A truly wonderful effort and a performance to be proud of, though I have to say that our tactics were too negative - taking the two on three occasions was excessive, and our fifth plays were nowhere near adventurous enough.
Attendance: 14211
It may seem a bit strange for a loss to appear so high on the list, but for the vast majority of the game this was a tremendous performance from Warrington. A simply incredible effort in and out of possession kept St Helens scoreless right up until the last 20 minutes, which came just after a sin-bin for Jack Hughes. Three penalty goals from Declan Patton were enough for a 6-0 lead, though Saints eventually took control with an extremely controversial try from Mark Percival, followed by a Luke Thompson try after excellent work from Jonny Lomax. Jake Mamo scored straight from the kick-off, but it wasn't to be. A truly wonderful effort and a performance to be proud of, though I have to say that our tactics were too negative - taking the two on three occasions was excessive, and our fifth plays were nowhere near adventurous enough.
7) WARRINGTON WOLVES 26-6 LEEDS RHINOS
February 2nd
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 1
Attendance: 13098
It's sad that so many of the top performances of the year were early on, and here's another example - the first game of the season should be a game where players struggle with fitness and rhythm, yet the win over Leeds was one of our most fluid performances of the whole season. Stefan Ratchford got 2019 up and running, before Daryl Clark and Josh Charnley added further tries. Blake Austin combined brilliantly with Toby King for a debut score and rounded off a sparking opening-day win. It's hard to believe that a team that looked so mouthwatering in week one didn't even finish in the top three.
Attendance: 13098
It's sad that so many of the top performances of the year were early on, and here's another example - the first game of the season should be a game where players struggle with fitness and rhythm, yet the win over Leeds was one of our most fluid performances of the whole season. Stefan Ratchford got 2019 up and running, before Daryl Clark and Josh Charnley added further tries. Blake Austin combined brilliantly with Toby King for a debut score and rounded off a sparking opening-day win. It's hard to believe that a team that looked so mouthwatering in week one didn't even finish in the top three.
6) WARRINGTON WOLVES 25-12 WIGAN WARRIORS
March 15th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 6
Attendance: 13106
A colossal win over rivals Wigan in the first meeting between the two of the year meant that Wire made it five wins out of six to start the campaign. There was tension in the air, particularly when quick tries from Tom Davies and Willie Isa threatened to cancel out an 18-point advantage earned by scores from Jake Mamo, Stefan Ratchford and Josh Charnley. However, Wire handled the situation professionally and saw the game out with a try from Jack Hughes. This was Warrington showing both sides to their game - the ability to score from quick, flowing attacks and the defensive solidity to keep the opposition at bay and earn victories when the going gets tough. Shame it didn't last...
Attendance: 13106
A colossal win over rivals Wigan in the first meeting between the two of the year meant that Wire made it five wins out of six to start the campaign. There was tension in the air, particularly when quick tries from Tom Davies and Willie Isa threatened to cancel out an 18-point advantage earned by scores from Jake Mamo, Stefan Ratchford and Josh Charnley. However, Wire handled the situation professionally and saw the game out with a try from Jack Hughes. This was Warrington showing both sides to their game - the ability to score from quick, flowing attacks and the defensive solidity to keep the opposition at bay and earn victories when the going gets tough. Shame it didn't last...
5) HULL KR 6-54 WARRINGTON WOLVES
April 22nd
Craven Park
Craven Park
Super League Round 12
Attendance: 7111
Both of Wire's two heaviest wins of 2019 came in East Yorkshire. On Easter Monday, Warrington defeated Hull KR by 48 points, conceding just six, though KR were the ones who opened the scoring. Daryl Clark prevented a further KR score with a 60-metre chase back, during which he recorded the highest top speed of any Super League player in the 2019 season, before being the first man in the next tackle to force a knock-on. This was a big moment, as KR didn't register a single point from there on, with tries from Blake Austin, Toby King, Josh Charnley, Tom Lineham and maiden 2019 scores for Sitaleki Akauola and Joe Philbin to round off a brilliant away win.
Attendance: 7111
Both of Wire's two heaviest wins of 2019 came in East Yorkshire. On Easter Monday, Warrington defeated Hull KR by 48 points, conceding just six, though KR were the ones who opened the scoring. Daryl Clark prevented a further KR score with a 60-metre chase back, during which he recorded the highest top speed of any Super League player in the 2019 season, before being the first man in the next tackle to force a knock-on. This was a big moment, as KR didn't register a single point from there on, with tries from Blake Austin, Toby King, Josh Charnley, Tom Lineham and maiden 2019 scores for Sitaleki Akauola and Joe Philbin to round off a brilliant away win.
4) WARRINGTON WOLVES 22-14 HULL FC
July 27th
University of Bolton Stadium
Challenge Cup Semi Final
Attendance: 24364
Wire booked their place at Wembley with an unbelievably hard-fought victory over Hull FC. In the lashing Bolton rain, Warrington showed terrific grit and resolve to overcome the challenge that the Black and Whites posed. Stefan Ratchford returned from injury and put in his best performance of the season at full-back, while Blake Austin controlled the game to perfection in the middle of the park. Tries from Ben Currie and Toby King were scored on the back of pinpoint kicks from Declan Patton and Austin, while Bryson Goodwin and the excellent Joe Philbin also got themselves on the scoresheet on a momentous semi-final day.
University of Bolton Stadium
Challenge Cup Semi Final
Attendance: 24364
Wire booked their place at Wembley with an unbelievably hard-fought victory over Hull FC. In the lashing Bolton rain, Warrington showed terrific grit and resolve to overcome the challenge that the Black and Whites posed. Stefan Ratchford returned from injury and put in his best performance of the season at full-back, while Blake Austin controlled the game to perfection in the middle of the park. Tries from Ben Currie and Toby King were scored on the back of pinpoint kicks from Declan Patton and Austin, while Bryson Goodwin and the excellent Joe Philbin also got themselves on the scoresheet on a momentous semi-final day.
3) WARRINGTON WOLVES 34-4 CATALANS DRAGONS
June 8th
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 17
Attendance: 10015
For me, this was one of the most under-rated performances of the year, and the last time I felt truly entertained by the team. Despite Fouad Yaha opening the scoring, two stunning tries from Daryl Clark and Blake Austin dragged Wire into the lead. Bryson Goodwin scored a brilliant try in the second half after a great ball to the edges from Declan Patton, before Sitaleki Akauola somehow powered over and Josh Charnley chased down his own kick to round off the scoring. Warrington's defence was outstanding after conceding early on, and overall was a very pleasant display of lovely tries, some great attacking play and top-class defensive work too. A performance full of pride.
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Super League Round 17
Attendance: 10015
For me, this was one of the most under-rated performances of the year, and the last time I felt truly entertained by the team. Despite Fouad Yaha opening the scoring, two stunning tries from Daryl Clark and Blake Austin dragged Wire into the lead. Bryson Goodwin scored a brilliant try in the second half after a great ball to the edges from Declan Patton, before Sitaleki Akauola somehow powered over and Josh Charnley chased down his own kick to round off the scoring. Warrington's defence was outstanding after conceding early on, and overall was a very pleasant display of lovely tries, some great attacking play and top-class defensive work too. A performance full of pride.
2) ST HELENS 4-18 WARRINGTON WOLVES
August 24th
Wembley Stadium
Challenge Cup Final
Attendance: 62717
This was always going to rank extremely highly on the list. Wire pulled off a historic ninth Challenge Cup success with a phenomenal victory over massive favourites St Helens. Despite missing Blake Austin through injury, Jack Hughes - the least likely candidate of all to replace Austin - put in a stellar performance at stand-off and set up the first try of the day, for Joe Philbin, who was tremendous. Ben Murdoch-Masila forced his way over for a second just before half-time and Wire found themselves 12-0 to the good at Wembley. Saints responded with a try from Theo Fages, but an absolutely inch-perfect tackle from Bryson Goodwin forced Tommy Makinson into touch when the winger looked certain to score for Saints - arguably the biggest moment of the match. The hero of the day though was once again Daryl Clark, who came up with the cup-securing try late on, scooting out of dummy-half and smashing over to send the Warrington end of Wembley into delirium. Clark became just the third hooker in the 123-year history of competition to win the Lance Todd Trophy - awarded to the man-of-the-match in the final, and cemented his place as the winner with a thunderous tackle on Regan Grace to prevent the Welshman from crossing in the final stages. Warrington upset all the odds and fully earned the first trophy of the Steve Price era. What a day.
Wembley Stadium
Challenge Cup Final
Attendance: 62717
This was always going to rank extremely highly on the list. Wire pulled off a historic ninth Challenge Cup success with a phenomenal victory over massive favourites St Helens. Despite missing Blake Austin through injury, Jack Hughes - the least likely candidate of all to replace Austin - put in a stellar performance at stand-off and set up the first try of the day, for Joe Philbin, who was tremendous. Ben Murdoch-Masila forced his way over for a second just before half-time and Wire found themselves 12-0 to the good at Wembley. Saints responded with a try from Theo Fages, but an absolutely inch-perfect tackle from Bryson Goodwin forced Tommy Makinson into touch when the winger looked certain to score for Saints - arguably the biggest moment of the match. The hero of the day though was once again Daryl Clark, who came up with the cup-securing try late on, scooting out of dummy-half and smashing over to send the Warrington end of Wembley into delirium. Clark became just the third hooker in the 123-year history of competition to win the Lance Todd Trophy - awarded to the man-of-the-match in the final, and cemented his place as the winner with a thunderous tackle on Regan Grace to prevent the Welshman from crossing in the final stages. Warrington upset all the odds and fully earned the first trophy of the Steve Price era. What a day.
1) HULL FC 12-63 WARRINGTON WOLVES
March 29th
KCOM Stadium
Super League Round 8
Attendance: 10810
And here we have it. On a cold Friday night in late March, Warrington travelled to the KCOM Stadium and put 63 points on Hull FC, producing easily their best performance of the season. This was Warrington's heaviest victory of the season and the highest number of points they scored at any point in 2019. With four tries from Blake Austin, three from Josh Charnley and two for Tom Lineham, as well as scores for Daryl Clark and Ben Murdoch-Masila, Wire were at their very best, putting together a simply breathtaking display of attacking rugby league to run in eleven tries - six in the first half and five in the second. Among Austin's scores were two try of the season contenders - his second try involved a beautifully-executed dummy that the FC defenders completely bought, before a magnificent run through the defence from inside his own half saw him reach the tryline, selling two more dummies along the way. Defensively Wire were pretty solid too, conceding two good efforts from Albert Kelly and Jordan Lane. Steve Price's Warrington were simply a joy to watch that Friday night and if you'd told anyone that night that the same team would finish 4th, 18 points off top, they'd have sectioned you. Every single player put in top shifts, with some glorious rugby being played and some sensational attacking play as the ball moved through hands. The relentless running and passing of Warrington proved far too hot for Lee Radford's side to handle. One of Wire's all-time great Super League performances. An absolutely faultless display in every element, and without doubt the best performance of 2019.
Tellingly, of the eight Super League matches that feature in the top ten, only two come after the mid-season point, the latest of which being in June. Ten of the bottom 14 performances were from the second half of the season.
What about you? What do you think were the best and worst displays of the season? Let me know by getting in touch with the blog on Twitter @aloosewire or commenting on this post. Also make sure to check out all of the season review content that's coming up in the next few weeks!
Daniel (@aloosewire)
March 29th
KCOM Stadium
Super League Round 8
Attendance: 10810
And here we have it. On a cold Friday night in late March, Warrington travelled to the KCOM Stadium and put 63 points on Hull FC, producing easily their best performance of the season. This was Warrington's heaviest victory of the season and the highest number of points they scored at any point in 2019. With four tries from Blake Austin, three from Josh Charnley and two for Tom Lineham, as well as scores for Daryl Clark and Ben Murdoch-Masila, Wire were at their very best, putting together a simply breathtaking display of attacking rugby league to run in eleven tries - six in the first half and five in the second. Among Austin's scores were two try of the season contenders - his second try involved a beautifully-executed dummy that the FC defenders completely bought, before a magnificent run through the defence from inside his own half saw him reach the tryline, selling two more dummies along the way. Defensively Wire were pretty solid too, conceding two good efforts from Albert Kelly and Jordan Lane. Steve Price's Warrington were simply a joy to watch that Friday night and if you'd told anyone that night that the same team would finish 4th, 18 points off top, they'd have sectioned you. Every single player put in top shifts, with some glorious rugby being played and some sensational attacking play as the ball moved through hands. The relentless running and passing of Warrington proved far too hot for Lee Radford's side to handle. One of Wire's all-time great Super League performances. An absolutely faultless display in every element, and without doubt the best performance of 2019.
Tellingly, of the eight Super League matches that feature in the top ten, only two come after the mid-season point, the latest of which being in June. Ten of the bottom 14 performances were from the second half of the season.
What about you? What do you think were the best and worst displays of the season? Let me know by getting in touch with the blog on Twitter @aloosewire or commenting on this post. Also make sure to check out all of the season review content that's coming up in the next few weeks!
Daniel (@aloosewire)
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