Round 13 Round Up

Only Wigan Warriors were victorious on the road in Round 13 of the Betfred Super League, as they sit joint top with St Helens while the league competition pauses for one week ahead of the Betfred Challenge Cup Final. 

On Friday it was home wins for St Helens and Huddersfield Giants. St Helens entertained Catalans Dragons and went back to the top of the table with a 24-12 win. 

Tom Johnstone opened the scores for the visitors in what was a first half of very few chances for both sides. Saints finally grabbed their first points of the game when Jack Welsby found Konrad Hurrell who went over from close range. 

It was at level at 6-6 heading into the break and the physical battle continued well into the second half. The hosts took a strong lead with tries from Sione Mata’utia, Tommy Makinson and Matty Lees, before the Dragons’ Julian Bousquet grabbed a consolation try with six minutes to go. 

Meanwhile, the Giants claimed their first home win of 2024 as they fought off a late comeback from Hull FC.

Ian Watson’s men had been without a win in their last five games, while the Black & Whites had just a singular Super League win on their record. 

It was four tries to three as the Giants emerged 24-18 victors. 

On Saturday there was a feast of Super League action, which started with a Challenge Cup dress rehearsal between Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. 

There were a number of changes to both teams, but nevertheless it was a quality encounter, with just a drop goal to separate the two sides - Wigan pipping an 18-19 win. 

Leeds Rhinos then ran riot against Castleford Tigers in a West Yorkshire derby and came out on top, 32-4. 

Rhyse Martin’s two tries saw him lead the scoring for Rohan Smith’s side, plus Ash Handley, Matt Frawley and Brodie Croft also added tries to down their local rivals at AMT Headingley.

There was a low scoring affair between Hull KR and Leigh Leopards at Sewell Group Craven Park. A try in each half for the Robins from Niall Evalds and Tom Opacic was enough to seal another home victory (12-0). 

Round 13 would conclude with a clash between Salford Red Devils and London Broncos at the Salford Stadium. It was a closely fought contest in the first half, with a Nene Macdonald try the only thing separating the two sides. 

After a slow start, Salford produced a much improved second half performance, with Marc Sneyd on the back of four try assists. 

Proving too strong, the Red Devils racked up a 34-4 win over the Broncos.

Only @WiganWarriorsRL were victorious on the road in Round 13 of the @Betfred #SuperLeague ?? pic.twitter.com/NZqSNrwk3q

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 2, 2024