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Round 2 Round Up

23 Feb 2025

Round 2 Round Up

Round 2 of the Betfred Super League got underway at the DIY Kitchens Stadium on Thursday night, as Wakefield Trinity faced Hull KR in their first home fixture back in the top flight.

There was a sellout crowd to witness the action, as both sides went into this contest full of confidence after respective opening round wins.

The Robins took an early lead through Tom Davies, when Mikey Lewis’ kick fortuitously hit the cross bar and dropped off for Davies to collect and touch down.

It was a closely contested first forty, with Max Jowitt kicking a penalty to get the home side on the board just before the break.

Both teams came out firing the second half, and Wakefield would eventually level the scores through a trademark Tom Johnstone try – set up by a brilliant cutout pass from teammate Jowitt.

Jowitt then converted to bring the scores to 8-a piece; although this was soon short lived as Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Lewis powered over for a solo try. This came at a cost, however, as he injured himself in the act of scoring. 

Young Oli Pratt, who starred for Trinity on the night, went over in the corner with time running out but Jowitt couldn't quite land the kick to send the match to Golden Point extra time.

It was another grandstand performance from the newly promoted, as last year’s Grand Finalists hung on to make it two wins from two (12-14).

On Friday, Warrington Wolves were victors at the temporarily renamed Luke Littler Stadium against Catalans Dragons.

The PDC World Darts champion was in attendance to lead the sides out, as the Wolves kept the party going in their home opener, a week before they head to Las Vegas and face the Warriors in Super League’s historic clash.

The Dragons went 0-2 up in the first five minutes following Arthur Mourgue’s penalty goal, before tries from Toby King and Matthieu Laguerre had the game all square at the break.

Second half tries from Danny Walker and Matt Dufty sent Warrington on their way, despite a nail-biting finish when Laguerre touched down for his second, seven minutes from time.

Sam Burgess’ men would hold out though, as they continued their winning start to the 2025 campaign (18-12).

Their opponents next Saturday in the 'Entertainment Capital of the World', Wigan Warriors, also triumphed in Round 2, as they returned to winning ways at the MKM Stadium against Hull FC.

Matt Peet’s men delivered a strong performance, and certainly responded to last week’s defeat to Leigh Leopards with a dominant eight try display.

Jai Field hit Hull with two scores in the first forty along with tries from Abbas Miski and Patrick Mago which put the champions 22-0 up at halftime.

The Black & Whites did have something to cheer about when Lewis Martin crossed in the early stages of the second half, but Tom Forber and Jake Wardle’s efforts would crush any brief hope that might have been had by the hosts.

The Warriors then finished off in style as Field completed his hat-trick with a slick set play from the scrum, and Bevan French also added himself to the scoresheet (4-46).

On Saturday, there was a try fest at the Salford Community Stadium between Salford Red Devils and Leeds Rhinos.

Less than a minute into his 2025 Super League season, maverick Marc Sneyd came up with a 40/20, producing valuable field position to attack in the early stages.

And it was Kallum Watkins who opened the scores against his former club – but it was to be all Leeds for then on as youngster Riley Lumb crossed for two tries on the wing, whilst Morgan Gannon produced some superb strength to reach out and score.

With already a 10-point advantage, a solid Rhinos performance continued in the second stanza, despite another Sneyd 40/20. 

Ash Handley added to the tally, before James Bentley’s picked the pocket of Joe Shorrocks and raced away to dot down.

A further try from Ryan Hall would round off an impressive 6-32 victory, as the Rhinos claimed their first win of the new season - bouncing back well and truly back from their disappointing loss in Round 1.

History was also made on Saturday as the first successful Captain's Challenge took place when Ash Handley challenged the on field decision of a Rhinos knock on.

Saturday’s second game saw St Helens come away with two points following a ruthless performance on the road.

They made the trip to face Castleford Tigers at the Jungle and enjoyed a prominent purple patch in the first half – running riot with three tries in fifteen minutes, with Joe Batchelor and Kyle Feldt touching down, before Saints broke the line once more and Jon Bennison and Jonny Lomax combined for a sensational score.

Cas did pull it back through Sylvester Namo who crashed over from close range, as they headed into the break with just 8 points separating the two sides.

But the visitors were unstoppable from this point onwards, and blitz of six more Saints tries ensured a comprehensive 6-46 victory.

Agnatius Paasi, Alex Walmsley, Player of the Match Jack Welsby and Jon Bennison were the second half try scorers, as well as young prospect Harry Robertson who bagged an extraordinary brace.

Paul Wellens' men top the table following Round 2's results.

Leigh Leopards v Huddersfield Giants brought the curtain down on Round 2 with the Leopards making it two wins from two.

A back-and-forth first half saw the visitors go in with a narrow 6-8 lead at the break thanks to Oliver Wilson's try and two George Flanagan goals. Keanan Brand had opened the scoring for Leigh.

However, the Leopards fought back in the second half courtesy of efforts from Matt Davis as well as first Betfred Super League tries from David Armstrong and Tesi Niu (24-10).

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