Warrington Wolves stun Catalans at Magic Weekend

Pictures Eddie Whitham

NEW signing Matty Nicholson had a debut to remember as Warrington Wolves beat Catalans Dragons 36-10 at Magic Weekend.

A recent capture from Wigan, Nicholson marked his first appearance for the Wolves with a first half try as they built a 24-6 first half lead that proved more than enough to secure two Super League points.

WHAT A DEBUT TRY!!! 🤩

Nicholson on his debut scores a stunning diving try and Ratchford's conversion luckily goes through off the upright for Warrington!

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— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) July 10, 2022

It was a third successive win at Magic Weekend for the Wolves, who upset the league table and form book with the win at St James’ Park.

After last weekend’s collapse at home to Salford, all eyes were again on Daryl Powell and he responded with a fascinating team selection.

George Williams returned having sat out the Salford defeat through injury, and he played at half-back alongside Stefan Ratchford – with youngster Riley Dean on the bench after signing a new contract in the week.

Peter Mata’utia played at centre along with another recent signing Jake Wardle, who switched from Huddersfield in the deal that saw Toby King go the other way.

There was no Mike Cooper in the pack, with Rob Mulhern and James Harrison starting at prop, and Oliver Holmes dropping to the bench alongside Thomas Mikaele.

They opened the scoring after three minutes after a searing break from Matty Ashton down the left touchline resulted in Gareth Widdop stumbling over for the first try, picking up an injury that forced him off in the process.

WHAT A START FOR WARRINGTON! 🤯

Out of nothing the Wolves get a TRY through Widdop, but they fail to get maximum points as Ratchford's conversion is poorly missed wide.

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— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) July 10, 2022

Catalans, who were missing eight regulars through injury and suspension, hit back when Samisoni Langi barged over and then Sam Tomkins kicked them in front at 6-4.

But a fumble gifted Wardle a try and then Nicholson powered over, before coming close to a second try moments later when he was held up.

A mistake by Sam Tomkins enabled Stefan Ratchford to jink through and the Wolves had opened up a 24-6 half time lead.

TRY WARRINGTON!! 🙌

Ratchford scores after more poor Catalans defending right before half-time and a Video Ref check shows Ratchford is just about onside…

He converts his own try.

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— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) July 10, 2022

They maintained their momentum when Josh Thewlis went long range, and although Tomkins pulled one back, Williams had the final say to give the Wolves their biggest win of the season.

Catalans: Tomkins, Yaha, Langi, May, Romano, Pearce, Drinkwater, Dudson, Da Costa, Goudemand, Whitley, Jullien, Garcia. Subs: Seguier, Laguerre, Le Cam, Chan.

Warrington: Widdop, Thewlis, Mata’utia, Wardle, Ashton, Ratchford, Williams, Mulhern, Clark, Harrison, Currie, Nicholson, Clark. Subs: Bullock, Holmes, Dean, Mikaele.