BOX OFFICE
Powell triumphs as Leeds return is terrestrial thriller
Leeds 20
Warrington 22
By Ross Heppenstall
DARYL POWELL enjoyed a winning start to his Warrington reign on a historic day at Headingley which left his former club and their supporters sick.
No Super League game had been aired live on terrestrial TV, with Sky having exclusive rights since the competition’s formation in 1996.
In allowing Channel 4 to show 10 Super League matches free-to-air throughout the season, though, it is hoped rugby league can attract a new audience in a World Cup year.
There was drama aplenty featuring two yellow cards – one for either team – and a 16thminute red for Leeds debutant James Bentley for a high shot on Warrington playmaker Gareth Widdop.
Yet the Rhinos were angry that Warrington second-rower Ben Currie was not penalised for a challenge on David Fusitu’a which knocked out the debutant Kiwi winger and saw him replaced at half-time.
Leeds boss Richard Agar said: “I’ve got no arguments with Bentos’ 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 – look back on the 80 minutes we’ve all just seen. The boys are hurting. I felt we dominated the game for large parts with 12 men and with 11 men.”
Wolves led when Widdop finished off a scintillating move but Rhinos replied with close-range scores from props Zane Tetevano and Matt Prior. Leeds hooker
Brad
Dwyer and
Wolves second-rower
Oliver Holmes were sinbinned either side of halftime, again for high shots.
Josh Charnley scored Warrington’s second try at the end of a first half which saw the Rhinos lose Richie Myler to a groin injury.
Leeds led 20-10 going into the final quarter after Ash Handley’s 43rd-minute score.
But late tries from Charnley and Connor Wrench gave Powell victory at the club who showed him the door almost two decades ago.
Powell 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 father in midweek and Agar added: “His father would have been extremely proud of Rhyse’s performance.”