Wakefield Trinity head coach Mark Applegarth has confirmed that the Super League bottom side want to bring back David Fifita; Huddersfield Giants boss Ian Watson saw his side end in defeat; Adrian Lam insists Leigh Leopards are not getting carried away with their form
Last Updated: 26/05/23 11:29pm
Leigh celebrated a shock win at home to Super League leaders Warrington
We’ve rounded up all the action from Friday’s three games not seen on television in the Betfred Super League which saw Catalans Dragons, Leigh Leopards and Huddersfield Giants all win…
Catalans Dragons 36-6 Wakefield Trinity
Highlights from the Betfred Super League clash between Catalans Dragons and Wakefield Trinity
Mark Applegarth admits he may have to turn to the former Wakefield star to be the talisman to turn around the club’s fortunes.
The team’s miserable season at the bottom of the Super League continued as they lost 36-6 to Catalans Dragons.
After enduring a 13-game losing streak in the competition, Trinity head coach Applegarth has revealed that the club are eyeing a possible return for David Fifita.
“We’re looking at that, he can be a boost to our team,” Applegarth said. “We are down in numbers and it looks like Kelepi Tanginoa has broken his arm so we need numbers.”
Wakefield went 18-0 behind through first-half tries to former Trinity players Tom Johnstone and Cesar Rouge.
They also beat Ryan Kay but another try from Johnstone, including more from Tanguy Zenon and Arthur Mourgue, saw the Catalans win.
Huddersfield Giants 20-4 Castleford Tigers
Highlights from the Betfred Super League match between Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers
Ian Watson hailed a “good performance” from Huddersfield after they beat Castleford to end a four-game losing streak.
The home side dominated the Tigers at John Smith’s Stadium, leading 10-4 in the first half – thanks to Esan Marsters’ opening try – before second-half goals from Innes Senior and Kevin Naiqama sealed their victory.
The giants had won just one of their last six games, with the pressure mounting on the West Yorkshire side last weekend who lost 42-40 in the Betfred Challenge Cup against Watson’s former club Salford Red Devils.
“It was better than us,” Watson said. “It looked like us, and that’s what we’ve been saying as a team. It was the best thing we’re doing as a team.
Kevin Naiqama dives in for a try in Huddersfield’s win over Castleford
“We started playing well from minute zero. We were playing in their teeth, asking a few questions.
“Overall, it was fun. We would have liked to try a few times in the end but I’d rather win 20-4 every week than be in a game and lose 42-40.”
The Tigers’ second try came from Alex Mellor and Andy Last’s side have now lost their last nine games.
Leigh Leopards 30-12 Warrington Wolves
Highlights from the Betfred Super League clash between Leigh Leopards and Warrington Wolves
Adrian Lam insists Leigh won’t get carried away after upsetting Super League leaders Warrington.
The Leopards raced into a 14-0 lead at Leigh Sports Village thanks to tries from Gareth O’Brien and Tom Briscoe and held Wolves to nothing in the second half as they recorded a sixth straight victory.
George Williams looked to have sparked Wolves’ fightback with a try on 28 minutes but O’Brien responded with the hosts’ second, before conversions from Joe Philbin and Stefan Ratchford made it 20-12 at the break.
But the Leopards sealed victory with Josh Charnley’s 15th try as the game entered the final quarter and, moments later, Ben Reynolds picked up a loose ball and ran 60 meters for another try which he converted.
Gareth O’Brien rushes to score for Leigh against Warrington
“I’m very proud,” said head coach Leigh Lam. “It was a tough game – Warrington are a good team who have set the standard this season. We knew it was going to be physical and we just had to rise to the challenge.
“I thought we were good for most of the game, but it wasn’t perfect. The way we defended our line showed how we were turning on each other. I thought our defense was solid.
“I don’t think there was one player who stood out for us – that’s been one of the mysteries for us all season. It’s great to get six wins in a row but things can change quickly when you’re so far ahead.”