FIRST and foremost, what Warrington Wolves needed here was a win.
With their Challenge Cup campaign over and their hopes of a top-four finish in Super League taking a big hit, the timing of this game perhaps could not have been better for them.
Facing them down was a Leeds side who are also aiming for a play-off spot but on this occasion had more than half an eye on their big day at Wembley.
It was an opportunity they had to take and they did – but they made it hard for themselves.
> What's being said about the game
A late flurry of points gave the scoreline a more convincing look to it, but anyone looking for a ruthless, authoritative display will have been disappointed.
The first half in particular was extremely flat as they failed to build on the platform set for them by an early Toby King try.
Toby King touches down early on. Picture by Mike Boden
It was a given that the Leeds youngsters would arrive enthusiastic and eager to impress on the big stage, but what they did not need was the helping hand given to them by loose offloading and general indiscipline.
Steve Price’s frequent bashes of his desk in the coaching box as move after move broke down showed his frustration. Things had to change.
> Read and watch what Steve Price made of win over Leeds
Enter Daryl Clark.
So often over the past couple of years in particular, The Wire’s star dummy-half has played a pivotal role in dragging them up the field and adding more potency to their attack.
Daryl Clark darts for the try line. Picture by Mike Boden
While Danny Walker by no means disgraced himself in the starting role, things improved notably when Clark came off the bench.
With his help, Warrington had more punch about them as he wreaked havoc among tiring defenders to ultimately set up the late rush of points.
It was certainly the number nine’s best display since Super League restarted and if he is clicking into something like his best form, it can only be a good thing.
King too deserves huge credit for another classy display on his 100th appearance for the club. On this form, he must at least be in the conversation for an England call-up.
> IN PICTURES: Smile for the camera, Toby! King celebrates his 100th appearance in style
On the whole though, it appears the upcoming break from fixtures has come at a decent time for Price’s side.
While they delivered on a win they badly needed, there is an argument to say it posed more questions than answers.
Pictures by Mike Boden
INTERESTING NOTES:
. Wire continue their 100 per cent record at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in 2020
. Toby King makes his 100th Warrington appearance
MATCH FACTS:
Super League, Round 16
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Warrington Wolves...32 Leeds Rhinos...6
Wolves: Stefan Ratchford; Josh Charnley, Anthony Gelling, Toby King, Matty Ashton; Gareth Widdop, Declan Patton; Chris Hill, Danny Walker, Ellis Robson, Jack Hughes, Ben Currie, Jason Clark. Subs: Daryl Clark, Sitaleki Akauola, Matt Davis, Luis Johnson
Rhinos: Jack Walker; Luke Briscoe, Bodene Thompson, Rhys Evans, Liam Tindall; Jack Broadbent, Callum McLelland; Adam Cuthbertson, Jarrod O’Connor, Tom Holroyd, Brett Ferres, Sam Walters, Cameron Smith. Subs: James Harrison, Muizz Mustapha, Loui McConnell, Harvey Whiteley
Scoring: King try, 5mins, Ratchford goal, 6-0; Walters try, 17mins, O’Connor goal, 6-6; Ratchford penalty, 37mins, 8-6; Ashton try, 51mins, 12-6; Currie try, 62mins, Ratchford goal, 18-6; Ratchford penalty, 71mins, 20-6; D Clark try, 76mins, Ratchford goal, 26-6; Ashton try, 79mins, Ratchford goal, 32-6
Penalties: Wolves 6 Rhinos 5
Sin bin: Akauola (31mins, dangerous tackle)
Referee: Chris Kendall
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