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.
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
I thought the magic millions weekend was a terrific idea. but it would appear they have canned that idea this year?
trakl
Guest
Rugby union's average top-flight attendance is higher than Super League's - but falls below the latter quite markedly in terms of TV ratings. Oddly - and similar to the NRL - Sky appears to have bought rights, relatively speaking, on the cheap. The average attendance, of course, is boosted massively by the odd blockbuster game at Twickenham and Wembley - something that I wish rugby league would follow but know that it is not easy to do with the massive disparity in national newspaper coverage and "elite" sponsors.
Manoa
Guest
The average crowd of super league last season was 9716. The average crowd of the aviva premiership was 13410. If your going to come onto the roar and exaggerate just to try to prove a point don't bother. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
hey but doesnt Murdoch own some British papers. Oh and yea doesnt he own Super league? so im pretty sure RL gets a fairlly big slice of the media action considering its regional nature. try being a RU or HAL fan in Australia, then complain to me abotu media coverage.
Matt_S
Roar Pro
Actually KOG, the Broncos first game back at the Stoop attracted nearly 6000. Not bad considering union club games, which are played to less spectators on av. (super league just ahead) and less TV audiences, get for example, 5 pages in most dailys to SL's 1, or half, or Qtr, or no pages. A disgrace really for union anhd shows how elitism in English society pushes union to the front while league is worthy of just as much publicity. In fact Sale is a good example. It get way too much coverage compared to giants like Wigan and St Helens. But things may never change, but yes, Saints have a great Stadium, and Salford's new one ain't half bad.
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Unlucky start for the London (Aussie) Bronocs. Back to playing in front of 2K at the Stoop. big fan of st helens new stadium. looks like its got a great atmosphere. any crowd updates?
adam214
Guest
Long season for salford widnes and lahndon although the game i saw when widnes played wakefield showed at home they could be a big banana skin for bigger teams if they don't come down to the merseyside prepared.
oikee
Guest
Ouch, that must hurt. The Bronc's have quickly fallen back to earth. Looks like it is going to be a long season for the boys in London, you can never take anything for granted these days. Then again, Warrington are the team to beat.