Wolves secure victory despite setbacks
The Warrington Wolves secured an 18-16 victory over Catalans Dragons at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, moving them level on points with Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos. This win marked a return to form for the Wolves following their 34-6 defeat to the Rhinos in the previous week.
Despite facing significant injury challenges during the match, the team managed to overturn a 10-6 half-time deficit. Key players Arron Lindop, Josh Thewlis, and Jordan Crowther all left the field due to injury during the contest.
Matty Ashton opened the scoring for the Wolves in the 15th minute, collecting a pass from Ben Currie. Ewan Irwin successfully added the conversion. However, the Dragons quickly responded with a try from Zac Lipowicz, converted by Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, to level the score. Nick Cotric then put the Dragons ahead after being set up by Lewis Dodd.
Second-half resurgence and crucial plays
The second half saw a strong comeback from the Wolves. Seven minutes into the period, Albert Hopoate powered over for a try, and Irwin’s conversion restored the home side’s lead. The Wolves further extended their advantage when James Bentley scored in the corner.
The match remained tense, particularly after a try from Lewis Dodd, which Aispuro-Bichet converted off the post. A crucial moment in the closing stages involved stand-in full-back Ewan Irwin, who made a try-saving tackle to prevent Aispuro-Bichet from snatching victory for the Dragons.
Catalans Dragons captain Benjamin Garcia was sin-binned for dissent during the final moments of the game. This incident occurred as the Dragons, currently eighth in the table with 16 points from as many matches, missed an opportunity to bolster their play-off aspirations.
Injury concerns and player performances
The victory came at a cost for Warrington, with several players sustaining injuries. Arron Lindop, who had only recently returned from an ACL injury, was forced off with another knee problem just 26 minutes into his second game back. The 20-year-old landed awkwardly in a tackle and required immediate treatment.
Josh Thewlis also left the game at half-time due to an ankle injury. Following Thewlis’s withdrawal, Ewan Irwin shifted to full-back, Danny Walker moved into the halves, and Sam Powell was introduced from the interchange bench. Jordan Crowther was also seen limping from the field in the second half, adding to the team’s growing injury list.
Despite the injuries, several players delivered strong performances. Matty Ashton not only scored the opening try but also provided an assist for James Bentley’s second-half score. Albert Hopoate’s try seven minutes into the second half was noted for its execution. Ewan Irwin, despite a quiet first half, became heavily involved after moving to full-back, making a crucial try-saving tackle and successfully converting two of his three attempts.
Ben Currie was highlighted as a top performer, contributing significantly in defence throughout the 80 minutes and providing crucial passes that led to tries. He assisted Ashton’s opener and set up Bentley’s try with a pass from dummy-half. Max Wood, recalled from a loan spell, made his first appearance of the season and contributed with a long-range break in the second half.
The Super League 2026 season continues with key upcoming dates, including Magic Weekend from July 4-July 5, and the Grand Final scheduled for October 3.
Adam Holroyd, who had been sidelined with a long-term shoulder injury, made his first appearance of the season after the Lindop incident was placed on report, allowing him to be activated as the 18th man. He entered the action just before the break, replacing James Harrison, and delivered an impressive showing.
The Warrington Wolves will be looking to maintain their momentum as they continue their Super League campaign.
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Source: skysports.com
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”