Men

Round 2 Round Up

25 Feb 2024

Round 2 of the Betfred Super League got underway in East Hull on Thursday night, as Hull KR faced Leeds Rhinos live on Sky Sports. Both sides went into this contest full of confidence after respective opening round wins.

The Rhinos took an early lead through Harry Newman, but KR's Sauaso Sue responded just before the break which would bring the scores level. There was nothing to separate these two sides heading into the second half and it would be the Robins who would take the lead this time with a ricochet of the ball to find the reliable Ryan Hall.

The pressure piled on Leeds' defence with repeat Robins sets on their line, but they impressively hung on and looked to get themselves back in it with another sensational solo try from Ash Handley on the 58th minute. Similar to last week, the ball was shifted out wide giving Handley the space to race away down the length of the field and side step his defenders - this time a clever cross-field kick from Brodie Croft finding the speedy winger.

Another one! ??@Ahandley16 flying in the second half.#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/KdcjKcS0KY
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 22, 2024

But it would be the Robins who would come out on top, as another assist from Tyrone May found Peta Hiku who pounced on a loose ball, scoring his first try in KR colours under the sticks. This match-winning try ten minutes from time secured a 22-12 and second consecutive win for Willie Peters' men, as they enjoyed the perfect start to their 2024 campaign.

It was all smiles for Sam Burgess' men on Friday night as Warrington Wolves secured their first win of the season in a home opener against Hull FC. A youthful Hull FC side were without a number of key players and experienced heads due to injuries and suspensions, but they put up a fight in the first forty. Warrington would have an 8-6 advantage heading into half-time, courtesy of a try from Danny Walker and a penalty kick, with Lewis Martin scoring for FC.

The Wolves went on to extend their lead in the second half through Matty Ashton, who was awarded a penalty try after a high shot from Tex Hoy, but a spirited Hull would not go away as they replied minutes later through Jack Walker, bringing the scores to 14-10.

But the Wolves would prove too strong in the final quarter, despite a valiant effort from the Black and Whites. Sam Powell and Toby King would add their names to the scoresheet, with Powell dummying his way over for his first try in the primrose and blue, and King finding a gap in the FC defence to score his first try since returning to the club.

Further tries from James Harrison and Connor Wrench sealed a comfortable 36-10 win, as Warrington went on to claim their first two points of the new season and register Sam Burgess' first victory as a head coach.

Securing the W in style ?@jamesharrison96 finishing a flowing @WarringtonRLFC move ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/J5FacJE3BC
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 23, 2024

Over in the capital, London Broncos suffered their second defeat of the 2024 when they welcomed Catalans Dragons to The Cherry Red Records Stadium. This was the Broncos' first ever Super League home game at this stadium and attracted 5,102 spectators - their largest home crowd since 2010.

Despite good defensive efforts in periods of the game, Steve McNamara's Dragons produced a dominant display, with four different try-scorers on the night, including a first-half brace from playmaker Theo Fages and two tries for former NRL powerhouse Tariq Sims - his first in Catalans colours.

Tariq Sims continued to impress in Round 2, as he enjoys the best possible start to life as a Dragon.

Additional late tries from Jayden Nikorima and Julian Bousquet meant that the final result would finish 0-34 in Catalans' favour, as they picked up an easy two points and continued their fine form.

Saturday then saw Huddersfield Giants play hosts to St Helens at the John Smith's Stadium. Both teams looked to lay down an early mark of intent, having both enjoyed decent wins in Round 1, and were looking to go back-to-back. But it would St Helens who would capitalise on the night, with 28 unanswered points and a strong display. Tries from Matt Whitley and Sione Mata'utia in the first half gave the Saints a 12-0 lead at the break, before tries from Jack Welsby, Jon Bennison and Morgan Knowles cemented a convincing 0-28 win, with Paul Wellens' men earning their second successive victory.

Another try for @matty_whitley in a @Saints1890 shirt after @lomax_1990's kick ?

The visitors in front against the Giants ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/tjV3TFXKpo
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 24, 2024

The final fixture of the weekend took us to the Salford Stadium as both Salford Red Devils and Castleford Tigers went in search of their first victories of the season. Despite leading throughout, the Red Devils were forced the fight right up until the final moments as Liam Horne crossed for the Tigers, but the visitors couldn't find a late winner. Sam Stone crossed for a double for the hosts alongside an eye-catching Nene MacDonald effort and a score from hooker Amir Bourouh. Joe Westerman, Jack Broadbent and Sam Wood were on the scoresheet for Craig Lingard's side - final score ending 26-22.