Pictures Eddie Whitham
WARRINGTON Wolves marked Chris Hill’s testimonial with a comfortable 34-12 win over Leigh Centurions.
The main talking point of the night though was superstar signing Greg Inglis, who only took part in a light warm-up pre-game and didn’t take part in the match, with coach Steve Price saying afterwards he is unlikely to play in the Super League opener against Castleford next Sunday.
There was also an injury scare for Blake Austin, who limped off during the match, but Price said he was OK.
Forwards Jack Hughes and Mike Cooper both sat out what is Warrington’s only pre-season friendly before the new season.
After Hill was welcomed to the field with a guard of honour by both clubs, Warrington made a fast start and led 16-0 inside as many minutes.
Gareth Widdop’s break helped set up the opening try for Toby King before Josh Charnley claimed an Austin kick to touch down and opposite wing man Tom Lineham grabbed the third.
Although Leigh hit back through Alex Gerrard, Warrington pulled well clear before half-time, Lineham adding a second and then Hill marked the occasion by crashing over under the sticks.
The Wolves led 26-6 at half time and within four minutes of the restart, youngster Josh Thewlis had stretched that lead further.
The two sides went through the motions after that, Ryan Brierley scoring Leigh’s second try before Lineham got his hat-trick try on 62 minutes, which proved to be the final score of the match.
Hill, 33, made 160 appearances for Leigh before moving to Warrington ahead of the 2012 season – making 2021 his 10th in the primrose and blue.
As well as his 272 appearances for the Wolves, he has won 33 caps for England and Great Britain.
He was part of the 2012 and 2019 Challenge Cup winning teams, played at the 2013 and 2017 World Cups and has been named in the Super League Dream Team three times.
Warrington: Ratchford, Lineham, King, Wrench, Charnley, Austin, Widdop, Hill, Walker, Mulhern, Currie, Robson, Philbin. Subs: Ashton, D Clark, J Clark, Burgess, Butler, Mamo, Thewlis, Doro.
Leigh: Brierley, Roebuck, Brand, Thornley, Tierney, Ellis, Mellor, Ioane, Hood, Mason, Foster, Hellewell, Thompson. Subs: Wildie, Gerrard, Peteru, Wallace, Eaves, Sidlow, Spencer.
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