Leeds 18 Warrington 12 match report: Tom Briscoe’s solo effort puts Wolves on back foot

England winger Tom Briscoe scored a sparkling try on his home debut to help Leeds compound Warrington’s miserable start to the Super League season with an 18-12 win that was more comfortable than the score suggests.

The teams were locked at 6-6 four minutes before half-time when the former Hull flier, who scored a hat-trick in his first appearance for the Rhinos last Sunday, charged through the Wolves defence for a 70-metre try.

With full-back Zak Hardaker scoring Leeds’ other tries and centre Kallum Watkins excelling on his 100th appearance, Leeds provided more ample evidence that they have the best set of outsidebacks in Super League.

While the Rhinos followed up their impressive opening win at Hull KR, Warrington produced another below-par performance following their opening 38-8 defeat at home to St Helens.

As against St Helens, Warrington opened the scoring through Joel Monaghan, his third try in two matches. Stefan Ratchford added the goal for a 6-0 lead, but Leeds bounced back. Briscoe demonstrated his kicking skills to set up a try for Hardaker, then added his spectacular try four minutes before half-time.

Kevin Sinfield added both conversions to put his side 12-6 ahead. Hardaker then scythed through the Wolves defence to score his second try on 56 minutes and Sinfield kicked again for a 12-point lead. Warrington scored a consolation try through Ben Westwood and Ratchford kicked a second goal.

In last night’s other Super League game, St Helens came from behind, scoring five second-half tries to beat Hull 34-22.