Huddersfield Giants 16 Warrington Wolves 26, key talking points

In knocking of Huddersfield Giants on their own turf, they sent out another warning that they are turning things around after a nightmare 2022.

Here are the key talking points we noticed from the 26-16 win at the John Smith's Stadium...

We know one thing is different...

FOR months now, we’ve been told things will be different this year.

Last week’s hammering of Leeds Rhinos gave signs that might be right and this one did the exact same, albeit in a different way.

Wire found themselves under some serious pressure in this game, particularly in a first half that saw Huddersfield lay siege to their line.

While some of that heat was self-inflicted, what cannot be doubted is this team’s commitment to defend their line and turn away those waves.

Last season would have seen them cave under such an examination but as we’re continuing to see, this is different…

Wire's defence at Huddersfield was sensational (Image: SWPix.com)

Simple is effective

Things are still coming together with the ball although there was still hints of enterprise.

At this stage of the season, though, it’s all about the basics and Wire gave another demonstration of how to nail them.

With so little territory, they had to be clinical when chances came and they certainly were, with Matty Ashton’s poacher’s instinct in full effect to seal it in the second half.

Daryl Powell’s men completed well with a generally low error rate and ended sets on their terms – rule number one of winning a rugby league match.

If they continue to do those things, they will not go far wrong.

Matty Ashton celebrates his second try (Image: SWPix.com)

Control from the halves

While Huddersfield could be accused of getting their last plays wrong when it mattered, George Williams and Josh Drinkwater showed them how it was done.

Both of them kicked superbly, making the hosts fight their way out of corners and in many ways giving them a taste of their own medicine as that is what they enjoy doing to teams.

Williams reined in his natural running instincts while the control brought by Drinkwater was exceptional, with both doing their fair share of good defensive work as well.

As time goes on, their partnership will develop but the early signs are very promising.

George Williams in action (Image: SWPix.com)

Ratchford shows his worth at centre

There has been a lot of talk about whether or not Ratchford’s move into the centres was a move doomed to fail.

Without the ball at least tonight, however, he showed his worth there with some critical defensive interventions.

A lot of traffic was sent down Wire’s left edge but they held firm until tired legs took effect late on to let Kevin Naiqama through with the game won.

With the ball, he timed a pass just right to send Matty Ashton away for his try in a display that will give him and his colleagues on that side a lot of confidence.

The middle unit stands up again

Once again, we were treated to an excellent showing from Warrington’s big men.

The job of a lung-bursting stint this week fell to James Harrison, who did 55 minutes from the start and showed again why he is rated so very highly.

His try was created by some superb skill from Sam Kasiano – his hands are so delicate for a man of his size and while it didn’t always come off, it gives defenders something extra to think about.

Tom Mikaele’s first stint was excellent, Paul Vaughan was solid once more as was Joe Bullock off the bench.

With Josh McGuire, Gil Dudson and Joe Philbin still to add to that unit, it can only bode well for Powell’s men.

James Harrison touches down (Image: PA)

To get the latest from our dedicated, unrivalled Warrington Wolves coverage straight to your inbox, why not sign up for our free 'Wire Daily' newsletter?

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP