1) The best performance under Price?
It’s certainly right up there, isn’t it? This was a performance full of quality in all areas of the pitch. The defence was incredible and kept Saints to nil for the first time since 2016. The Wire defence forced errors galore from Saints and defended their line with so much pride and endeavour. It was the best I have seen Wire attack in a long time, there was vigour, creativity and guile to the play and it should've ended up a far more convincing scoreline - Sitaleki Akauola threw away a certain try, Clark had one disallowed and Ratchford missed a simple goal - the scoreline could've quite feasibly been 33-0.
2) Red-hot Currie
Steve Price sang Ben Currie's praises last week, though that was a topic up for debate. This time though, the second rower was superb and put in one of his best performances since returning from injury last year. Currie was very solid in defence and came up with a huge play, helping Ratchford see Naiqama into touch when it looked certain that the Saints man would score. He also made a few decent semi-breaks and looked far more threatening on the ball than he has done in recent weeks. Good hands to keep the play alive for Lineham's try too - a much improved performance from the number 11.
3) Defensive excellence
Wire's defence has been the subject of much criticism in recent months but, like in the Challenge Cup Final, the Wolves defended majestically to keep Saints at bay. However, this was even better - Wire did not only limit Saints to no points for the first time since 2016, but the defending champions were unable to create much all game - I can only really think of two major chances for the away side to score (Naiqama out wide and Lomax's disallowed effort). The home team's line speed and defensive discipline was hugely impressive as was the determination to protect the line. Some lauded it as among the best defensive displays they've ever seen Wire put in.
4) A dominant pack
Another big criticism of the team for much of last season was that Wire often lost the forwards battle which left it very difficult for the team's creative players to have an influence on the game. However, without their leading prop due to the suspension of Chris Hill, Wire completely dominated in the forwards, with Mike Cooper and Joe Philbin putting in unbelievable shifts and being supported from the bench by Matt Davis and Sitaleki Akauola. Ben Murdoch-Masila, Ben Currie and Jason Clark also did good work. Yes, Saints were missing Alex Walmsley and James Roby but it was still impressive to see Wire dominate so much through the middle. Much to contemplate with the absence of Hill.
5) Creativity and spark
One noticeable change in Wire in the early games of this season is that the team are playing far more expansive, exciting stuff. It is not just five drives now, Wire are looking to make up ground by passing the ball, looking for gaps and trying to exploit space. The arrival of Matty Ashton has been a major factor in this - his pace and ability to spot a gap is making Wire's attack far more unpredictable and entertaining. There are more off-the-cuff plays, such as Austin's short drop-outs, and more passing moves - one beautiful flowing move led to an overlap being created for Charnley to walk into for his try. You also have to admire the skill and quickness of the hands that saw Lineham score.
6) The missing trio
Make no mistake about it, this was a depleted Saints squad. They were already missing Tommy Makinson, Lachlan Coote, Morgan Knowles and James Roby, before Walmsley went down in the warm-up and Mark Percival in the second half. But Wire were down on numbers too - both co-captains Chris Hill and Jack Hughes were out and of course the new marquee signing Gareth Widdop. A performance that good without them brings up questions about their places when they are available. Widdop will come in at seven, but what does that mean for Ratchford and Ashton? You'd expect Hill to come back in but Philbin was brilliant in the prop role, and Hughes' place in the second row isn't exactly assured with both Bens impressing. There is now competition for places at Wire, and that's a good thing.
Matty Ashton - 9/10
Arguably even better than last week. Completely dominant in the air and his searing pace makes him a weapon in attack. One great break in the first half, though he carelessly lost possession at the end of it. Some strong defensive contributions and an assist for Charnley's try after joining the line.
Tom Lineham - 8/10
Tremendous performance from the winger tonight. Making yards with his carries early in sets, good hands on a few occasions, marvellous defensive work including helping Ratchford force Naiqama into touch. Got his first try of the year too, stretching for the line and smashing it down.
Toby King - 6/10
Didn’t see too much of him but he was part of a Wire defence that was unbreachable and registered a great assist for Lineham’s try when he managed to get the ball away to the winger, something he’s been criticised for not doing.
Anthony Gelling - 7/10
When he knocked on twice in the first six minutes, I thought it was going to be a very long night for Gelling but he improved dramatically, with a great break in the first half and some very good defensive work in the second.
Josh Charnley - 7/10
He must’ve been so relieved to finally get a bit of service after what feels like months without any. Got on the end of a gorgeous move to score and was solid at the back all night.
Blake Austin - 8/10
A few absolutely horrible passes in the first half but some super game management from the marquee man, kicking the drop-goal just before the break and playing for touch in the second half. Not sure about the short drop-outs, great when they come off. Kicking was better tonight.
Stefan Ratchford - 9/10
Another belting performance from Ratchford in the halves. Looked the more creative of the two Wire half-backs. Missed one easy goal-kick but nailed two tough ones. Unreal bit of defending to deny Naiqama a try. Celebrated his new contract with a magnificent performance.
Joe Philbin - 8/10
One of the most impressive things about this victory was how good the forwards were. Sure, Saints were missing Alex Walmsley, but they still had the best prop in Super League on the pitch in Luke Thompson, but the Wire front men dominated them. Philbin was a beast. He should be considered a starting prop now for me.
Daryl Clark - 9/10
He’s just the best, isn’t he? Everything he does is done to a high level. Was perhaps harshly denied a try by the video ref but then made no mistake second time round with a trademark scoot over the line. A man-mountain in defence and superb distribution of the ball all night. Man of the match.
Mike Cooper - 9/10
As mentioned one Philbin’s notes, Wire’s forwards were incredible and dominated the middle of the pitch. Cooper rolled back the years with an exhibition in metre-making. Kept his head when nearly taken out by Matty Lees. Such a consistent player.
Ben Currie - 9/10
Surely his best performance since returning from injury? Did remarkably well to keep the ball alive for Lineham’s try and was extremely good in defence, including being one of the three men to send Naiqama into touch when he looked certain to score.
Ben Murdoch-Masila - 8/10
A few early errors but for the rest of the match Murdoch-Masila was exemplary. Some huge hits from the second rower, who looks to be finding his groove this season. A very hard player to stop when he’s on it.
Jason Clark - 7/10
Another solid performance from the loose forward. He’s certainly improving in his contribution and is looking a bit more of a danger near the opposition line too.
Sitaleki Akauola - 7/10
Far better from Akauola in terms of minutes this week. Did two stints of decent length and was good in the forwards battle. Lost my temper when he bombed an absolutely guaranteed try when he didn’t take Lineham’s pass.
Matt Davis - 8/10
I really like this guy. Industrious, tireless and quick, Davis is everything you’d want from an interchange forward. Put in a hell of a shift when he came on first time.
Luther Burrell - 7/10
The improvement in Burrell in the off-season is clear to see. Another very good cameo with some huge moments in defence including a big tackle on Lomax late on to keep the Saints at nil.
Danny Walker - 6/10
A far shorter stint this week due to the high level of Clark’s performance.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with my ratings and six talking points?
Daniel (@aloosewire)
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