JUST over 9,000 fans were inside The Halliwell Jones Stadium for Warrington Wolves' first Super League home game of the season on Friday.

And the vast majority left happy with the result as The Wire saw off a depleted but game Hull FC, who were further hindered by a highly contentious red card for Nu Brown which has ignited fierce debate among fans of the wider game.

But what did our Fan Panel make of their side's performance? Panelists Rob Croston and Mark Robinson have given us their views...

ROB CROSTON

This was the week that Warrington Wolves celebrated 20 years at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, moving across town from Wilderspool to create a new bit of history for a different generation of supporters.

And The Wire managed to cap this landmark day off with a first win under Sam Burgess.

Wire seemed to play in quarters again – they started the game like a house on fire and then after 20 minutes, they seemed to take their foot off the gas, which invited Hull back into the game.

It was a similar picture to last week, with Wire gifting Hull FC possession and field position with cheap penalties, some of which came from a bit too much enthusiasm to make the tackle.

The game was, however, marred by controversy (wouldn’t be rugby league without would it?) when Nu Brown managed to clash heads with Ben Currie, forcing Currie off the field for a HIA, and referee Marcus Griffiths produced a red card.

I am all for keeping players safe but the reaction from all sides of the ground said it all – it was never a sending off, just an unfortunate incident.

It is time that the RFL have a look at the ruling of contact with the head and offer clarity to all players.

It gave Wire an extra man advantage, which eventually took its toll on a largely inexperienced Hull FC side.

It wasn’t classic from Wire by any means, but they seem to be growing and adapting to the new systems put in by the new coaching team. These things are always going to take time.

There were notable performances from Sam Powell, Max Wood, Toby King, Paul Vaughan and James Harrison.

If Wire can keep showing progress, it won’t be long until they click into gear.

MARK ROBINSON

Well that was a poor game and unlike the Hull KR game which was poor due to the pitch, I thought we were just poor.

The only players I can give compliments to were Vaughan, Harrison and again Max Wood.

If it was up to me, Drinkwater would not be in the shirt again – I would like to see Powell replace him.

That result flattered us to be two points ahead at the half as we were shocking. Fair play to the Hull youngsters.

Discipline was once again shocking and as for the red card, I have not heard one Wire fan agreeing with it.

Personally, I don’t think that was a penalty try either because the tackle by Thewlis could easily have been the same decision.

Castleford next week, based on Friday, will be tougher – my main concern is that the pitch was in awful condition last night and a week’s recovery will not be enough.

Anyway, Powell in at half and Ratchford to the bench for me.

It is not too late to join our Guardian Fan Panel for 2024 - if you're interested, email matthew.turner@nqnw.co.uk or send a Twitter (X) DM to @MattTurner_WG