REAL WRENCH FOR RHINOS
Connor seals historic Wolves win
DARYL POWELL enjoyed a winning start to his Warrington reign on a historic day at Headingley which left his former club Leeds and their fans sick.
This was the first Super League game aired live on terrestrial television – Sky Sports have had exclusive rights since the competition’s launch in 1996.
In allowing Channel 4 to show an additional 10 Super League matches free-to-air during the season, it is hoped rugby league can attract a new audience in a World Cup year.
And this dramatic contest – presented by The Last Leg frontman Adam Hills – will have left viewers hungry for more as the clubs served up a classic only settled by Connor Wrench’s late converted try.
There was drama and controversy aplenty featuring two yellow cards – one for each team – and a 16th-minute red for Leeds debutant James Bentley for a high shot on Warrington playmaker Gareth Widdop. Yet the Rhinos were angry that Wolves’ Ben Currie was not penalised for a challenge on David Fusitu’a which knocked out the debutant Kiwi winger during the first half and saw him replaced at half-time.
Leeds boss Richard Agar said: “I’ve got no arguments with Bento’s red card because he’s hit him in the head with a high shot and, under the current directives, we can start to expect that.
“But Ben Currie knocked David Fusitu’a out and we didn’t get a penalty.
“The boys are hurting. I felt we dominated the game for large parts with 12 men and with 11 men.
“I’m really proud of our effort but, eventually, the numbers game just told on us in the end.
“It was a really pulsating game. I’m sure the excitement
and drama would have come over on TV.” Warrington led when Widdop finished off a stylish move but Leeds replied with close-range scores from props Zane Tetevano and Matt Prior.
Leeds hooker Brad Dwyer and Wolves second-rower Oliver Holmes were sin binned either side of halftime, again for high shots.
Josh Charnley scored the visitors’ second try at the end of a first half which saw the Rhinos lose Richie Myler – whose wife Helen SkeltonMyler was part of Channel 4’s presenting team – to a groin injury. Agar’s men played well and, after
Ash
Handley’s 43rd-minute score, they led 20-10 heading into the final quarter.
But the Rhinos’ numerical disadvantage eventually told as late tries from Charnley and Wrench gave Powell victory at the club who showed him the door almost two decades ago.
Powell, who quit Castleford to take the reins at Warrington, said: “I thought Leeds were the better team and ran a bit harder than us.
“But we managed to get ourselves on the scoreboard when it mattered.”
Leeds forward Rhyse Martin played despite losing his dad in midweek and Agar added: “His father would have been extremely proud of Rhyse’s performance.”