An outstanding performance from Warrington saw them make it six wins in a row in Super League, defeating Hull FC by 37 points to 12 despite missing nine players.
Gareth Widdop was missing after a positive test, as were co-captains Jack Hughes and Chris Hill, Samy Kibula, Jason Clark, Joe Philbin and Matt Davis due to being stood down after track and trace results. Ben Murdoch-Masila was still suspended and Sitaleki Akauola was unavailable on paternity leave, so it was a very unusual Wire lineup. Matty Ashton slotted in at full-back, meaning Stefan Ratchford played in the unfamiliar position of loose forward. Anthony Gelling returned to the side at centre, while Toby King moved to the second row. Leilani Latu made his Wire debut at prop, while Declan Patton made his first appearance of 2020, partnering Blake Austin in the halves. The bench was made up of debutants Ellis Robson and Ellis Longstaff as well as Danny Walker and Luis Johnson.
The initial signs were that Wire would struggle with such a depleted side, with FC scoring early through Josh Griffin. However, the game was soon level with a stretching try from Mike Cooper, who was exceptional all evening. Ashton gave Wire the lead after touching down from an Austin kick, before FC levelled again. Steve Price's team went into the break in the lead though after a superb individual try from Jake Mamo. Three conversions from Ratchford, as well as a drop-goal from Austin late on, meant that Wire led by nine points at half-time. The second half saw the Wolves produce an impeccable display, with another Mamo try after a Currie kick, then a score on debut for Latu after a sensational piece of work from Cooper. Austin got the try he deserved late on after a lovely show-and-go to round off a fabulous night at Headingley. Here are my six major talking points...
1) Six of the best
It's really impressive how Warrington have turned this season around. After losing three of the first five games and finding themselves 9th, Wire have now won six consecutive matches and are joint top of the table, alongside St Helens. It's quite a turnaround. Major credit has to go to Steve Price and his squad, particularly in light of tonight's circumstances.
2) No taking the Michael
Take a bow, Mr Mike Cooper. One of the best individual performances of recent Warrington times from Mike Cooper tonight, who put in an immense shift. The prop lasted 71 minutes, without a break, and was Wire's most influential player throughout, with carry after carry, and yardage after yardage. The man was on fire and scored a terrific try - what a reach - as well as setting up Latu's score with a fantastic offload. In his 226th appearance for the club, Cooper reminded us all why he is so highly thought of.
3) The Austin Maestro
It was yet another very impressive performance from Blake Austin tonight. The stand-off ran the show tonight and guided Wire around the field with his intelligence and work. He kicked a tremendous 40/20 and had the know-how to kick a drop-goal on the brink of half-time. The Aussie was influential in Wire's tries with his kicking game and then was sending Hull all over the place with his dummies in the second half and he capped his display off with a tricky try late on to make it four tries in the last two matches. He's back to form.
4) Bit of a Patton emerging
This was Declan Patton's first appearance of 2020 and it quickly became clear why 2019 was such a difficult year from a spectator perspective. Patton had an awful first half both in defence and attack and was hopelessly poor for Hull's second try. While he was marginally better in the second half, this was still a reminder of why there was such an urgency to get Gareth Widdop to Warrington, and why Patton hasn't had a look in this season.
5) It's a squad game
Wire's lack of rotation and variety in team selections has been a criticism of Steve Price in his time at the club, so this was a chance for him to show his flexibility after being forced into a number of changes. Price found the solutions - King and Ratchford into new roles and a number of youngsters on the bench. Leilani Latu was impressive on debut while both youngsters had solid first appearances. Matty Ashton and Luis Johnson looked lively, and the leaders of the squad - Cooper, Ratchford, Austin, Currie - all stepped up. Wire look to have a number of players capable of performing well for each position.
6) Our centre of excellence?
Jake Mamo had one of his best Warrington games tonight. The Australian played at centre for the third game running and had a terrific performance, scoring two tries - the first of which was a marvellous individual effort - and not putting a foot wrong in defence. While he is a little bit lightweight, his pace and agility gives Wire a real threat on the attack. It may well be that King/Mamo is our strongest centre partnership.
Player Ratings
Matty Ashton - 8/10
A very solid first start since February. He was composed with the ball and always threatening with space to run into. No defensive mistakes and a try of his own too.
Tom Lineham - 8/10
A great shift from Lineham. Very reliable in defence and though he was starved of possession in attacking areas, was still occupying the right positions.
Anthony Gelling - 7/10
Gelling had a tough start to the game but was fine from there on in, carrying the ball well and putting in some good defensive work.
Jake Mamo - 9/10
Probably his best Warrington performance. Didn't put a foot wrong and scored two tries, including a beauty.
Josh Charnley - 9/10
A magnificent defensive effort and was very threatening in attacking areas too. After a slow start to the season, he's been very good since restart.
Blake Austin - 9/10
The magic man put in another superb showing tonight, operating as a leader in the team, kicking a 40/20 and scoring a super try.
Declan Patton - 5/10
An appalling start to the game including a controversial incident which may have involved a bite, but was a little bit better in the second half.
Leilani Latu - 7/10
A perfectly respectable first run for Latu. His opening stint was quite short but his second one was longer and featured some good carries, as well as a try.
Daryl Clark - 8/10
Clark was everywhere tonight, distributing the ball brilliantly from dummy-half and making sure he was always available in the tackling department.
Mike Cooper - 10/10
A quite unbelievable performance from Cooper tonight. In the absence of Chris Hill, he didn't just lead the forward pack, he was the forward pack.
Ben Currie - 9/10
Yet another fantastic display from Currie. He assisted Mamo's second try and it was his pressure that led to Ashton's score. Was very solid defensively too.
Toby King - 9/10
A move to the second row, but no change in his standard of performance. Saw plenty of the ball and was faultless in defence.
Stefan Ratchford - 9/10
Ratchford added loose forward to his list of positions tonight, and applied himself in the role in exemplary fashion, showing his tackling ability and reading of the game.
Ellis Robson - 7/10
A few really nice carries from the Ottawa-bound Robson.
Luis Johnson - 8/10
Really impressed with Johnson tonight. Some big carries and plenty of endeavour, especially after taking a knock.
Danny Walker - 7/10
Quick and nimble distribution when he came on to replace Daryl Clark.
Ellis Longstaff - 6/10
Stood up well on his debut and unlucky not to get a try.
@ALooseWire
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