Pre-Season Testimonial Matches Review

There was plenty of testimonial action taking place at the weekend, as the Betfred Super League teams' pre-season campaigns came to an end - with the start of the 2024 season less than a fortnight away!

Warrington were in action at home for Joe Philbin's Testimonial Match on Saturday evening, where both sides named a strong team to face one another. But it would be the Leigh Leopards who would go on to triumph on the night, 28-12, in front of a bumper crowd.

Attendance: 6?9?7?8?

Thank you for supporting @philbss' Testimonial and the lads tonight ? pic.twitter.com/SlIsvx8wJc
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) February 3, 2024

This was the Leopard's first run-out of the year and they got themselves off to a flying start with an impressive five-try display, which included a try from their star signing Matt Moylan, as Adrian Lam played all but three of his 31-man squad.

This wasn't without a fight from the Wolves, as new signings Sam Powell, Zane Musgrove and Lachlan Fitzgibbon made their first appearances for the club on home soil. Two tries in quick succession from the Leopards however, would set the tone and confirm the final result for this pre-season encounter.

Thank you for everything, @ScottTagTaylor ??

???? #COYH pic.twitter.com/JIOwsP4wWe
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) February 5, 2024

Hull FC and Wigan Warriors came together to celebrate stalwart Scott Taylor in his testimonial game, and it was an even contest in the opening forty, as both sides produced some great attack and defensive efforts.

But a flurry of tries would follow, courtesy of the Warriors' expansive play, combined with sheer dominance - meaning that the current Champions were unmatchable, as an emphatic second-half performance would keep the Black and Whites scoreless in their final pre-season fixture, with the score-line finishing 40-0.

? Thank you to all the fans who came out to support @James_Donaldson today. pic.twitter.com/rGFeaZvnco
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) February 4, 2024

Leeds Rhinos enjoyed a home win on Sunday, as they celebrated James Donaldson's Testimonial at AMT Headingley Stadium.

The Robins who were first on the scoresheet through their new recruit Peta Hiku, but the Rhinos would instantly hit back their new full-back Lachlan Miller, following a well-timed pass from Brodie Croft. Croft, one of Leeds' high-profile signings for the 2024 campaign, featured for the first time in Rhinos colours, scoring a trademark try on what was an impressive debut. 

Hull KR would go on to take the lead once more, but four successive tries in 20 minutes from the home side would result in a 24-12 victory.

? A special day for the McShane family!#COYF ? @mcshane_paul pic.twitter.com/5R82c0BlsF
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) February 4, 2024

The Tigers also emerged victorious at home in Paul McShane's Testimonial Match, where a tight encounter unfolded against West Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Giants.

Castleford led 20-8 heading into the final ten minutes, and only just managed to hold off a late comeback from the Giants, who scored two tries in quick succession - final result being 20-14 in Castleford's favour.

Elsewhere, St Helens produced an impressive and dominating 52-10 performance over Salford Red Devils in their final pre-season fixture. A full-strength Catalans Dragons outfit also confidently triumphed in a sensational 88-6 victory over players from the French Elite 1 Championship, where Steve McNamara had named a strong side to test his team's new and existing combinations. And it was all square at Boundary Park when London Broncos travelled to challenge themselves against Oldham, the final score ending 18-18.

Round 1 of the 2024 Betfred Super League campaign is just under a fortnight away, and fans can find all the relevant information, dates and kick-off times for upcoming matches here.