Sam Burgess on Warrington Wolves' Magic Weekend win

A second-half hat-trick from Matt Dufty proved decisive as The Wire won 24-6 at Elland Road, with George Williams touching down before half time.

Burgess also credited Leeds' performance, believing his side's opponents were 'exceptional' but said his men 'came up with some big moments that mattered.'

Check out a snippet video of Burgess' post-match press conference below

Here is everything Burgess said in his press conference...

Q: This was a difficult game pretty much on away soil, so you must be really happy with how your side handled everything?

SB: I thought the stadium was fantastic today and Leeds played exceptional – they were really physical and were on top of us early.

We came up with some big moments that mattered – Rod Tai’s tackle and George finishes it – but we were on the back foot in that first half as they were playing well.

We just took a couple of moments, but it was a hard-fought victory.

Matty Ashton celebrates the victory at full time (Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

Q: Defensively, you may be a little annoyed to lose the clean sheet at the end but do you think that kind of defence will win you some big games further down the line?

SB: I thought our defence was good but I still think there’s moments in which we can be better.

We were very good but things could have gone against us so there’s things we can tidy up, but I was really happy with the effort.

Leeds came out and played a bit more in the second half as well – they moved the ball around and challenged us – so I was happy with the way we worked for each other.

Q: Rod Tai’s tackle lit up that first half and is the kind of thing he’s capable of in defence, isn’t it?

SB: Rod’s just improving every week and is getting better in his decision-making.

The boys love him and love what he brings, so it was nice for him to get that moment.

Q: Matt Dufty scoring three tries on what seemed to be one leg at times – how close was he to coming off?

SB: We nearly brought him off about five minutes into the second half.

Something happened and play stopped for a while, so we decided to get him a bit further into the game, then as play went on he warmed up a bit.

He’ll be sore tomorrow and we’ll see where he’s at this week.

(Image: Neil Ashurst/P&B Pictures)

Q: Do you think that typifies a change in attitude for him this year? I think he’s said himself that maybe last year, he’d have gone off with a knock like that but now, he’s more willing to put his body on the line?

SB: Tonight was great evidence of how far he’s come.

He’s got a couple of things he could tidy up but he’s working hard for the team and putting the team first.

He’s working hard on his defensive plays – his defensive game tonight was pretty clean and he was pretty good out the back, so he deserves the plaudits he’s getting.

Q: This obviously keeps you in touch with Wigan and Hull KR above you – do you keep an eye on them at all or is it just a case of keeping your own house in order?

SB: We’re just getting our job done and getting after our own results.

I’m watching a lot of rugby at the moment so I’m seeing everything, but we’re just focused on getting our job done.

Q: Is the League Leader’s Shield a focus for you?

SB: No. Ask me again in a few weeks.

That was a really tough game that we had to prepare hard for. The further ahead we look, the more we’re going to get beat so we’ll just stay in the present.

Q: Winning at Elland Road is quite something to put on your CV?

SB: Jimmy Harrison is more buzzing as he’s a big Leeds United fan. He was buzzing in the changing rooms before the game.

It was a good finishing game for the day, the stadium was pumping all day and it was a good atmosphere.

The Magic Weekend win keeps Warrington in the hunt for a top-two finish (Image: Neil Ashurst/P&B Pictures)