Round 23 round-up

Round 23 kick started on Friday Night and it saw the Red Devils host Trinity. With the home side still striving for a Play-Off spot, a win against a relegation threatened Trinity side was essential. A try inside two minutes from Ryan Brierley alongside Marc Sneyd conversion and further penalty put the Red Devils ahead by eight at the break. Wakefield were unable to get back in the game, with second half tries from Brierley and Andy Ackers adding further misery to Wakefield whilst keeping Salford's Play-Off aspirations alive.

Champagne Rugby League ?

Kane Linnett is the latest Robin on the scoresheet as they lead 46-4 ?#SuperLeague #SLHKRLei pic.twitter.com/jWi1kR9kLG
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 25, 2023

A Wembley repeat was on the cards in Round 23 with the Robins looking to avenge their Challenge Cup Final defeat against the Leopards a fortnight ago. Willie Peters' side were completely dominant in the first half and found themselves 30-0 to the good at the break. A Josh Charnley try was nothing more than a consolation score for the Leopards as the Robins romped home in front of their fans. 

The third and final Friday Night fixture saw Saints travel to Castleford to take on the Tigers. The away side took an early lead through a Mark Percival try, which was quickly doubled by Tommy Makinson. Saints further asserted their dominance and earned a comfortable 30-0 lead at the break. An early score from Jonny Lomax was met with a consolation score from Cas as the Saints comfortably left the Jungle with two competition points.

Check the Dufty step ?@WarringtonRLFC hit back ?#SuperLeague #SLHulWar pic.twitter.com/GqjeO6eGVu
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 26, 2023

Saturday's action began with a crucial Play-Off clash between Hull FC and Warrington Wolves. Adam Swift put Hull FC ahead, albeit for less than 10 minutes, before George Williams equalised for the Wolves. Warrington went into the break in front and Matty Ashton soon added to their lead in the 55th minute. The Wolves were able to fend off Hull FC to earn their first win in eight games.

Saturday Night saw a huge top of the table clash between league leaders Catalans Dragons and the chasing Wigan Warriors. The Warriors took the lead inside 10 minutes through Abbas Miski in what was his first of a sublime hat-trick. Wigan began to dominate proceedings and took a shock 22-0 at the break. The league leaders were unable to gather any of their usual rhythm and further tries for Wigan meant a tough day for The French side as the Warriors laid down a huge marker at the summit of Super League.

Finally grounded by Abbas Miski and @WiganWarriorsRL lead in France ?#SLCatWig #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/RckwvnFHwi
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 26, 2023

The final fixture of Round 23 saw the Giants take on the Rhinos at the John Smith's stadium on Sunday. The home side raced into a 16-0 lead inside 20 minutes before Ash Handley and Luke Hooley closed the gap to just four points at half-time. Further second half penalties from Olly Russell were enough to earn the Giants an important home win against their West Yorkshire rivals.