Pre-Season Friendlies Round-Up (26-28 January)

As Round One of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup competition got underway this weekend, there were still several teams participating in pre-season fixtures, as they eagerly-await the start of their 2024 seasons. 

There was a high-scoring affair at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday night, where fierce rivals Warrington and Widnes met for the first time since 2018. 

Widnes’ seven tries and Warrington’s eight resulted in an entertaining 15-try spectacle, with both sides bursting with energy and showcasing some impressive attack, but perhaps not so much in defence. The Wolves would lead 34-16 at the break, but a determined fightback from the Vikings outfit made it a close and tense encounter for the fans in attendance - with the final result ending 46-40 to Warrington. 

Meanwhile, in Wakefield, both sides impressed on the night, in Matty Ashurst’s Testimonial game. Wigan would start bright with a 6-0 lead, but a fresh-looking Trinity would go on to produce a strong performance, which included a trademark Jermaine McGillvary hat-trick on his debut for the West Yorkshire side, taking the scores to 22-12 in Wakefield's favour.

However, a repeated floodlight failure would result in referee Chris Kendall calling time on this entertaining encounter - with the match abandoned on the hour mark. 

Trinity were then in action again on Sunday, naming a youthful side to face Batley Bulldogs in Dale Morton’s Testimonial. The Bulldogs enjoyed a 44-16 win, with Morton himself on the scoresheet, as his went over on the stroke of half time to give his side a convincing 28-4 lead at the break. 

At the John Smith’s Stadium, it was an enjoyable day for Huddersfield fans, as they capitalised in a 50-16 victory over London Broncos. Both sides named strong teams for this clash, with Rhys Kennedy and Jack Campagnolo experiencing their first run-outs for the Broncos, whilst Jack Murchie made his debut for the Giants. 

The first 40 minutes would see a close contest, with Huddersfield narrowly leading 20-16 at the interval. The Giants would prove too strong in the second half however, as burst of successive tries, including a trademark hat-trick from a prolific Adam Swift, resulted in a 50-16 final score-line. 

Elsewhere, Sheffield Eagles triumphed against Hull KR, 26-24 at Sewell Group Craven Park. And it was blockbuster contest at Odsal on Sunday, where Bradford Bulls rounded off their pre-season dominating a youthful Leeds outfit, 34-8, as they competed for the Keith Howard Foundation Trophy. 

Full results from this weekend’s pre-season fixtures:

Warrington Wolves 46-40 Widnes Vikings

Wakefield Trinity 22-12 Wigan Warriors

Batley Bulldogs 44-16 Wakefield Trinity

Huddersfield Giants 50-16 London Broncos

Hull KR 26-24 Sheffield Eagles

Bradford Bulls 34-8 Leeds Rhinos

There are more pre-season fixtures taking place this weekend and fans can find all the relevant information and kick-off times over in the Rugby League Match Centre.

The Second Round ties of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup are also taking place at the weekend, and all the relevant fixtures information can be found here.