Warrington Wolves stand-out players against Castleford Tigers

Castleford Tigers were comfortably beaten 30-8 as Sam Burgess’ side continue to build into their season.

But of the 17 that turned out in primrose and blue on Friday, who stood out the most?

Our man on the scene Matt Turner picks out the five players who stood out for him here…

MATT DUFTY

An easy place to start – it was certainly a case of “dazzling Dufty” on Friday night.

Castleford’s right edge in particular felt the full force of his lightning speed and handy knack for a killer pass as the full-back set up two tries for Matty Ashton before scoring one himself.

If Wire can make things stick on that edge as they did for periods in this game, that unit with Dufty chiming in is going to cause a lot of teams a lot of problems.

Doing it consistently has always been where the Australian has fallen down even before coming to these shores but if he can replicate performances like this on a more regular basis, he will have a big year.

> STAT ATTACK: The superb numbers behind Dufty's dazzling display

LEON HAYES

On this evidence, Sam Burgess is going to have a big decision to make when George Williams returns from injury.

That is still at least a couple of weeks ago so for now, let’s enjoy the clearly growing confidence of a man labelled “the future of the club” by so many.

With Josh Drinkwater carrying a niggle, Hayes took responsibility for steering the team around and he did so with the kind of distinction that marked him out in the age grades.

The cheer to greet him being named as man of the match was arguably louder than for any of the five tries Wire scored, with supporters clearly falling in love with the youngster who looks every inch a first team player.

BEN CURRIE

In terms of criticism of individual players from the terraces, Currie has been one of the most targeted in recent years.

However, are we starting to see a turning point in a long career that still has quite a few years left in it?

I’ve always thought Currie possessed the traits to make a handy loose forward and over the past couple of weeks, he has shown that having moved to 13 in Jordy Crowther’s absence.

In only his second game in the position in nearly a decade, this was arguably his best showing in a Wire shirt for some time.

PAUL VAUGHAN

Another demonstration of just how important this man is to the Wire cause.

Alongside Toby King, he has made at least 100 metres with the ball in every match this season, but it is the post-contact gains he forces that are so valuable.

His mere presence attracts defenders, with Matty Ashton’s second try a perfect casing point.

There were four Castleford defenders involved in trying to stop him crashing over the line himself and while they managed it, it meant they were short for numbers and a quick play-the-ball allowed them to be opened up with ease.

A key part of Wire giving themselves the best possible chance will be keeping him fit and available for as long as possible.

DANNY WALKER

A quietly effective display on both sides of the ball from Wire’s number nine last night.

More than an hour on the field demonstrated his durability and if his forwards can continue to generate some good ruck speed, he will profit hugely.

With potential injuries in the spine meaning Sam Powell may be needed in the halves, there will be more onus on Walker to play longer minutes going forward.

However, it is a task he looks more than up for.

Honourable mentions

James Harrison produced another impressive shift in the front row while Joe Philbin was effective off the bench for what was his strongest game of the campaign to date, capped by a first-half try.

Even aside from his two tries, Matty Ashton was a huge threat while his left-edge cohorts Toby King and Lachlan Fitzgibbon were once again solid.