Warrington Wolves snatched a late 20-22 victory over Leeds Rhinos as the Betfred Super League made its terrestrial television debut live on Channel 4 on Saturday afternoon.
A Stefan Ratchford conversion proved the difference as Warrington began life under Daryl Powell in winning fashion. Connor Wrench’s try pulled the Wolves level with five minutes remaining after Josh Charnley had crossed for a double alongside an early Gareth Widdop effort.
Zane Tetevano and Matt Prior had given Leeds the lead in the first half despite being reduced to 12 men for the majority of the game following James Bentley’s red card. Ash Handley also scored for Richard Agar’s side in the second half.
The Wolves opened the scoring after 12 minutes in sensational fashion as they shipped the ball to the left-hand side deep inside their own half. Youngster Connor Wrench’s clever offload found an onrushing Matty Ashton who eventually passed on to halfback Widdop to give the visitors the lead.
Leeds afternoon would become more difficult as Bentley was sent from the field for a high tackle. However, despite being reduced to 12 men back-to-back tries from powerhouses Tetevano and Prior meant Richard Agar’s side would go in front.
Charnley’s 38th minute effort did close the gap to just two points heading into half-time.
But Leeds didn’t take long to further their advantage after the interval as Handley planted the ball down from an inch perfect Kruise Leeming kick. Minutes later Oliver Holmes was sent to the sin-bin and Rhyse Martin notched the resulting penalty goal to extend the hosts lead to ten points.
Charnley would double his account for the afternoon with 15 minutes remaining as Warrington looked to force a late fightback and they would complete that comeback when Wrench sliced through the Leeds defence in the final five minutes. Ratchford’s conversion sealed victory for Warrington.
Leeds Rhinos: Jack Walker, David Fusitu’a, Tom Briscoe, Liam Sutcliffe, Ash Handley; Richie Myler, Aidan Sezer; Zane Tetevano, Kruise Leeming, Matt Prior, James Bentley, Rhyse Martin, Cameron Smith.
Interchanges: Brad Dwyer, James Donaldson, Morgan Gannon, Mikolaj Oledzki.
Warrington Wolves: Stefan Ratchford, Josh Charnley, Peter Mata’utia, Connor Wrench, Matty Ashton; Gareth Widdop, George Williams; Robbie Mulhern, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Ben Currie, Oliver Holmes, Matthew Davis.
Interchanges: Joe Philbin, Jason Clark, Joe Bullock, Danny Walker.
Referee: Chris Kendall.
Betfred Super League Results:
Thursday 10 February
- St Helens 28-8 Catalans Dragons – live on Sky Sports
Friday 11 February
- Castleford Tigers 16-26 Salford Red Devils
- Hull Kingston Rovers 10-24 Wigan Warriors – live on Sky Sports
Saturday 12 February
- Leeds Rhinos 20-22 Warrington Wolves – 12:30pm – live on Channel 4
Betfred Super League Fixtures:
Saturday 12 February
- Toulouse Olympique v Huddersfield Giants – 7pm – live on Sky Sports
Sunday 13 February
- Wakefield Trinity v Hull FC
