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Round 26 Round Up

15 Sep 2024

The race for the League Leaders’ Shield continues into the final regular round, as Wigan Warriors and Hull KR recorded emphatic victories in Round 26.

The Warriors moved one step closer to retaining the League Leaders’ Shield, as they took full control over their game at The Brick Community Stadium.

The hosts started fast as Jake Wardle and Bevan French crossed for tries in the opening ten minutes before Wigan’s lethal left edge struck again.

Wardle and Liam Marshall combined, as Marshall dotted down to add another try to his ever-growing top try scoring tally.

Leeds Rhinos could never really get a hold on the game, and Kaide Ellis crashed over three minutes into the second half to extend the Warriors’ lead, before his side went on to showcase their trademark attack.

Additional tries from Abbas Miski and Adam Keighran in the second half sealed a clinical 38-0 win, as they collected two carbon copy kicks to the corner to touch down.

It was sheer dominance from the Warriors, who kept their opponents scoreless throughout.

The Warriors remain two points clear at the top of the Super League table heading into the final round of the regular season next week. Their victory in Round 26 also officially confirms a top two finish, meaning they find themselves just 80 minutes from another appearance at Old Trafford.

.@WiganWarriorsRL are in complete control ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/qd8fV21UiB
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 13, 2024

Meanwhile, the Robins travelled to face Leigh Leopards, and became the first team to emerge victorious at the Leigh Sports Village since April.

Another nilling would take place on Friday night, and two tries in each half was enough to secure a win for Willie Peters’ men.

Once again back-to-back Player of the Month, Mikey Lewis, stole the show with a brilliant brace against the Leopards, while Ryan Hall and Sauaso Sue were KR's other two try scorers (0-24).

The Robins enter the final round just two points behind Wigan.

Lewis makes that 2 for @hullkrofficial ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/tLBhGKiwQs
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 13, 2024

The third and final game then saw St Helens host Castleford Tigers at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Looking to return to winning ways, the Saints went on to produce a superb performance and ran in eight tries against the Tigers, including a Jon Bennison hat-trick and a terrific from Tommy Makinson, as the hosts racked up 40 points (40-4).

This victory puts them in good stead for Round 27, where they will travel to face Leigh.

There were three Super League matches on Saturday. First, Salford Red Devils and Warrington Wolves recorded big-margin wins over Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants respectively.

The Red Devils secured their 2024 Play-Off spot with a 4-58 rout of their opponents, including a Tim Lafai hat-trick. The Black & Whites' defeat also means that they slip to the bottom of the table for the first time this year.

Over at the John Smith's Stadium, Sam Burgess' men thrashed the hosts 0-66.

Two first half scores from Matty Ashton as well as tries from James Harrison, George Williams, Matty Nicholson and Cai Taylor-Wray gave Wire a commanding 36-0 lead at the break. Ashton then completed his hat-trick in the second half as well as scores from Josh Thewlis, Toby King and Rodrick Tai, with Nicholson and Taylor-Wray getting their doubles.

Warrington's points difference is significantly boosted heading into the final round of Super League fixtures.

It was a much closer contest in the south of France, as London Broncos pushed Catalans Dragons all the way. Lee Kershaw did open the scores for the visitors, but two second half tries from Jarrod Wallace and Arthur Mourgue would seal a 12-8 victory.