Former Kangaroos winger Joel Monaghan scored twice as Warrington showcased their Super League title credentials with a thumping 50-10 win over London Broncos on Sunday.
The Wolves, last year’s winners of the League Leaders’ Shield, had to come from behind after former NRL journeyman Michael Witt converted his own try to put the Broncos into a shock early lead.
But two tries from Chris Bridge and tries from Monaghan and Ryan Atkins meant the home side went in 22-10 at the break.
And after the break the onslaught continued as Monaghan and Atkins both crossed again before a late brace from Lee Briers added a touch of gloss to the scoreline.
Despite topping the table last season, Tony Smith’s men came unstuck in the play-offs against eventual champions Leeds Rhinos, who will take on Manly Warringah in the World Club Challenge on Friday.
And the Rhinos appeared to have one eye on that key clash as they fell to a 20-6 defeat on Saturday against a Josh Charnley-inspired Wigan Warriors.
The 20-year-old winger’s superb hat-trick, supported by the trusty boot of ex-Wests Tigers man Pat Richards, led the Warriors to a comfortable win over their arch-rivals.
Richards kicked four goals to back-up Charnley and help his side bounce back in fine style from their surprise defeat to Huddersfield in their season opener.
Meanwhile, Royce Simmons saw his St Helens team come from behind for the second week in a row to defeat Salford City Reds 38-10 to continue their perfect start to the season.
Iosia Soliola and Anthony Laffranchi both opened their season accounts for St Helens, while winger Francis Meli scored his second try in as many games.
Fullback Brett Kearney was on the scoresheet for Mick Potter’s Bradford as they bounced back from their opening day defeat to Catalans Dragons by seeing off Castleford.
Jarrod Sammut also touched down for the away side who eventually ran out comfortable 20-12 winners.
Hull Kingston Rovers had Mickey Paea to thank for their quick start as they beat Wakefield 22-10.
Paea got Rovers off to flyer with a try in the sixth minute and Constantine Mika also touched down in the opening period before the Rovers held out for the win.
Elsewhere, Nathan Brown’s Huddersfield continued their 100 per cent start to the season with a 66-6 thrashing of promoted Widnes, Leroy Cudjoe running in four for the home side.
Saturday’s clash between Catalan Dragons and Hull FC was postponed because of a frozen pitch at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
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