Steve Price's Warrington team returned to winning ways with a comfortable and ultimately routine victory over Huddersfield to move within touching distance of securing a top 3 spot.
Jake Mamo scored a brace of tries, supplemented by scores from Mike Cooper and Toby King, while Stefan Ratchford kicked five goals, with Jake Wardle Huddersfield's only tryscorer. Here are my six talking points...
After a horror showing at Wakefield, Warrington were impressive tonight. Huddersfield started the game well and dominated territory and possession, but credit to Wire, they never looked like scoring. From 20 minutes on, it was all about the away team, who had far too much quality and ability for their mediocre opposition. Wire's pack were on top and their two half-backs ran the ball well and unlike at Wakefield, weren't afraid to give the ball air. A good win and sets up Monday's clash well as Wire aim to close in on 2nd place.
2) Should've been more
Four tries for Warrington, but in reality, it could've been plenty more. The away side nearly scored in the opening minutes after a brilliant Daryl Clark break but he didn't get his pass away, while Tom Lineham was unlucky to see a try disallowed for a forward pass. Ratchford made a good break too and had support to his left and right, but picked the wrong option in Ben Currie when Gareth Widdop was free on his right. I remain convinced that if Wire's attack could be fine-tuned a bit, we'd be talking about a top-class team.
3) The number one
I know that he could do more in attack, but Stefan Ratchford is a top-class defensive full-back and rarely puts a foot wrong. He didn't spill a single high ball tonight despite being faced with a large number of them, as well as producing a class play to perform a one-on-one ball steal when Huddersfield were near the Wire line. After Daryl Clark went off injured, Ratchford moved to hooker and was equally convincing. During this period, Ashton was at full-back, and dropped the first high ball he was tasked with.
4) Seventh heaven
Gareth Widdop. What a player. Two assists, for Mamo's second and Cooper's, as well as generally running and conducting the game. I often find that watching top quality players live in the flesh is a different experience to seeing them on television, and tonight showed that. At every single play Widdop is directing things and giving instructions to people. His work for the Mamo try, turning around to create space upon receiving the ball, and then directing Mamo onto his outside where the space was, was wonderful. If it wasn't for Sam Tomkins' form, he'd be a shoo-in for this year's Man of Steel.
5) Blake and Josh
Remember Drake & Josh? Great show that. There was some surprise when first Josh Charnley, in the initial 21-man-squad, and then Blake Austin, on the night, missed out on selection. It was assumed that Charnley was rested, having being one of only two players to feature in every match this season, but Price confirmed after the match that both were not picked due to 'in-house reasons'. What does this mean? Has someone been naughty? Or is there a medical issue? Rumours today suggest that Charnley was dropped with Austin injured, but I feel we'll know more on Monday...
6) Is anyone at home?
Final point, the home attendance. I shared a few photos on my Twitter feed, displaying the attendance (or lack thereof) from the Huddersfield supporters. For a large town steeped in rugby league history, for a club that have spent so long in Super League, with cheap season tickets, it is staggering that they are unable to attract bigger crowds. There'll be many larger home followings in the Championship this weekend. On an aside, the Giants have been largely disappointing this season, given the hype following Ian Watson's appointment. Considering the injuries to Aidan Sezer and Leroy Cudjoe, it is too early to say Wire dodged a bullet with Watson, but they look a painfully average team.
Player Ratings
Stefan Ratchford - 9/10
Extremely good under the high ball, came up with a great one-on-one ball steal and kicked every goal.
Tom Lineham - 6/10
Unlucky to see a try ruled out for a forward pass for the second game running.
Toby King - 7/10
Back amongst the tries after running a good line. Made a couple of half-breaks too.
Jake Mamo - 8/10
Two lovely finishes, the second in particular a great show of pace.
Josh Thewlis - 6/10
Made a bizarre decision to kick when he looked certain to score early on, but did well to assist Mamo's first try.
George Williams - 7/10
Went well. Combined nicely with Widdop on a couple of occasions and showed a strong kicking game.
Gareth Widdop - 9/10
Excellent yet again. Made some breaks, assisted two tries, ran the ball well and orchestrated everything.
Chris Hill - 7/10
Solid first stint and was awarded some respite in the second half.
Daryl Clark - 7/10
Two impressive breaks in the first half. Went off with what looked to be a minor injury.
Mike Cooper - 8/10
Got on the end of a nice Widdop kick to score a try. Had a monstrous second stint.
Ben Currie - 7/10
Got an assist for King's try with a nice pass and was solid all evening.
Jack Hughes - 7/10
Nice hands to facilitate the first Mamo try. One of his best outings this year.
Joe Philbin - 7/10
Helped set the tempo early on with a couple of big carries.
Robbie Mulhern - 5/10
Tried a pass which went immediately to ground. Don't think he's ever passed a ball in his life.
Sitaleki Akauola - 4/10
Minimal impact. Came up with a very sloppy forward pass. Another who's probably never passed the ball.
Matt Davis - 6/10
A few really nice burrowing runs. Going to have to get used to that song.
Matty Ashton - 5/10
Dropped the first high ball he was faced with.
@ALooseWire
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