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Round 20 Round Up

4 Aug 2024

Round 20 of the Betfred Super League got underway with two terrific matches on Thursday night.

Champions Wigan Warriors returned to winning ways with a 28-14 home victory over Huddersfield Giants, while Leigh Leopards kept their Play-Off hopes alive with a 10-20 win against Castleford Tigers.

Wigan were boosted by the return of their superstar Jai Field, and despite trailing 8-0 at the break after a try from Giants' Jake Bibby and a penalty goal, the Warriors fought back with tries from Jake Wardle, Ryan Hampshire, Field and Zach Eckersley to turn the game around.

Back with a bang ?@JaiTField may have wrapped up the points for @WiganWarriorsRL ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/yqZ28O1vnj
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 1, 2024

Meanwhile, the Leopards' fourth win in a row was far from the spectacular attacking display against Saints last Friday, and was instead based on defensive and resilience.

It was Castleford who opened the scores as they capitalised on a Leigh mistake, and 18-year-old Fletcher Rooney was given a walk-in try on his Super League debut when Tex Hoy flicked a pass out wide.

Zak Hardaker's try then got the visitors on the board, before Josh Charnley scored two tries for the second game in a row, and Edwin Ipape scorched the length-of-the-field for an exceptional solo effort.

It was another valuable win from the Leopards, as they move ever closer to a Play-Off spot.

OH MY IPAPE ?

The @LeighLeopardsRL hooker goes the distance spectacularly ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/IdQgWwMQCg
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 1, 2024

On Friday there was a tasty top two clash as high-flying Hull KR snatched top spot of the Super League with a stunning 22-4 victory over Warrington Wolves.

The Wolves looked formidable after five straight wins last weekend and as a result had occupied the top position, but a superb display from the Robins ensured that this was shortlived.

Tries from Sauaso Sue and Tyrone May gave the visitors a 10-0 half-time lead and resilient defence kept Warrington at arm's length before Mikey Lewis and Peta Hiku crossed to secure the triumph away at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

A night to remember for the Robins ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/opiltDUBcU
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 2, 2024

St Helens finally returned to winning ways in Round 20, as they produced a much-improved performance against Hull FC (4-46).

Paul Wellens’ men racked up eight tries at the MKM Stadium on Saturday - ending their five-game losing run in the competiton.

It was a closely fought first half, with two quickfire tries from Saints being the only thing separating the two sides. The first forty showcased glimpses of the style Saints can play on their day, as Daryl Clark and Harry Robertson combined to send Lewis Dodd over to score under the sticks, before Tommy Makinson touched down in the corner.

After half-time, the visitors came out firing – Dodd completed his double, while Clark and Matt Whitley both crashed over from close range.

Youngster Jake Burns then stole the show on what was only his second appearance for Saints, with two terrific tries. One came from 10m out as he burst through Hull’s defensive line, and the second came on the back of team-mate Harry Robertson’s offload before Burns raced away to dot down.

Agnatius Paasi become the eighth try-scorer of the afternoon, but the hosts did manage to come up with a consolation try through Jack Walker right before the hooter.

Topping off a wonderful win ?

Another terrific try by Jake Burns ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/KkcCc595jn
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 3, 2024

The action continued on Saturday evening as Salford Red Devils hosted Leeds Rhinos - two teams eagerly eyeing up a Play-Off place.

The Rhinos led 12-16 at the break, after breakaway tries from Matt Frawley, Alfie Edgell and Brodie Croft. Frawley came up with a clever dummy to find his way over the try-line, while Paul Momorovski's pass sent youngster Edgell down the right wing, and Croft broke through and went over against his former side.

Salford hit straight back through their captain Kallum Watkins, who also scored against his old club and completed a first half brace.

Despite being an enthralling thriller, fans would see just one score in the second half, as new Red Devils recruit Jayden Nikorima sent Joe Mellor over for the match-winning try.

Marc Sneyd also converted two penalty goals to ensure a 22-16 victory for the home side and a crucial two points.

.@SalfordDevils are leading! ?

Jayden Nikorima has Joe Mellor in support! ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/IXEmOOHsu2
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 3, 2024

London Broncos sealed just their second victory of the season with a valiant 12-10 win against Catalans Dragons on Sunday afternoon. Jacob Jones gave the hosts a first half lead before they were pegged back by Dragons newboy Jarrod Wallace.

A spectacular offloading display saw Jarred Bassett cross for London and restore their six-point lead. Despite the Dragons best efforts and a late Fouad Yaha score, Mike Eccles' side held on.