Warrington’s play-off hopes hit by Huddersfield loss

Betfred Super League

Huddersfield (6) 23

Tries: Flanagan, Gagai, and McGowan.

Warrington (10) 10

With a defeat at Huddersfield Giants, Warrington Wolves’ chances of winning the Super League play-off ended in a potentially fatal blow.

The hosts took control through Aidan McGowan’s try in a game filled with twists and turns.

Warrington came out in front 10-6 at halftime thanks to Connor Wrench and Toby King.

A George Flanagan try double, a Jacob Gagai try, and an Oliver Russell drop-goal gave Huddersfield the lead.

When McGowan crossed in the corner, the Giants rose to victory despite being under early pressure.

The video referee overturned a first-time no-try decision, concluding that Flanagan’s superb work and timely conversion from a challenging angle had resulted in a fair grounding.

After Marc Sneyd’s forward kick, Warrington responded when Flanagan lost the ball to Wrench on the line. Before Sneyd failed to convert from close range, the video referee gave an official confirmation of the decision.

In a fifth game in a row against Huddersfield, Matt Dufty, back in the Wolves side, fed King with the extras, turning the situation around.

The hosts early in the second half forced Warrington to retreat, but they kept fighting back. Russell’s searching kick on the line was effectively cut out by Wrench as Gagai persisted intently.

After some brilliant improvisation, Gagai crossed for his 10th try of the season 15 minutes from time. Flanagan missed his kick, giving him the lead.

The Giants’ desire was only fueled by that failure, though. When Gagai fed Flanagan, who drove over the line before turning in his own try, they saw an opportunity and seized it.

I’m extremely pleased with how they went about it. We had a little trouble moving the ball, which was disappointing. We were always going to be a little clunky, but I applauded everyone’s efforts and drive, and we succeeded.

Ollie Russell doesn’t play, which is a fact. “We don’t win the game.” When young children aren’t ready, I don’t want them. The club supported my decision to bring him back, and that drop-goal was a really nice decision.

Interchanges: Burgess, English, Wilson, and Golding

Warrington: Dufty, Jake Thewis, Wrench, King, Josh Thewis, Williams, Sneyd, Yates, Walker, Matterson, Stone, Fitzgibbon, and others. Currie

Thomas, Powell, Holroyd, Harrison, and others.