Engage Super League XVI Play-Off Week 1 review

Engage Super League XVI Play-Off Week 1 review by Simon Reuben


Warrington Wolves move within 80 minutes of Old Trafford as they shutout and demolished Huddersfield Giants at the HJ Stadium.

Having knocked Warrington Wolves out of the play-offs last year and with three wins out of four, the Giants came into this one with some confidence.

However, favourites Warrington were in a determined mood and they blew Huddersfield away from the start. Chris Riley helped himself to a brace and a long pass from Lee Briers sent in Joel Monaghan for a third score for the hosts.

Chris Bridge, who was having a good game, made it 20-0 just before the end of the first quarter as he won the race to Brett Hodgson's kick.

The game was all over as a contest by the break as Matt King added a fifth try for the Wolves with Lee Briers kicking a drop goal the host's lead ballooned out to 25-0.

Early into the second half, the visitors were setback further as Scott Grix was sin-binned for holding down Richard Myler and the home side took full advantage of the extra man by scoring twice.

Monaghan grabbed his second and Brett Hodgson then sliced through a yawning gap in the visitors' defence to score against his former club.

Myler kicked ahead for his side's eighth try and centre Ryan Atkins completed the rout by scoring late on after good work from Hodgson.

With this win Warrington have now earned a week off and with them being the highest ranked team in the semi-finals they will have