“The boys were class” – Daryl Powell thrilled as Warrington’s winning record continues 

Daryl Powell praised his Warrington squad as they fought on to claim their eighth successive win in 2023 with a 20-16 victory over Catalans in Perpignan.

The side are now four points clear at the top of the Super League table following their best-ever start toa season, with a feisty match that had it all in the south of France.

Forward Gil Dudson was sent off for a punch on Tom Johnstone in the second half, while Josh Thewlis opened the scoring during the Rivals Round fixture. 

The winger, given the nod over Matty Russell, also scored the match-winner in the latter stages of the clash, with Matt Dufty and George Williams also crossing.

Powell, speaking as hundreds of Warrington fans celebrated in Perpignan, said: “What can you say about that?

“That game had everything, I’m not sure it was good for your blood pressure but what a match.

“It was always going to be tough, for both sides, and both sides gave everything they have got. I’m just happy to have come out on the winning side after such drama.”

“It might have been a great spectacle for the TV but for the coaches and players too there is a lot of emotion involved in such games.

“We’ve been excellent so far this season” – Daryl Powell

“There were so many highs and lows, then we get a guy sent off against a really tough team.

“But some of our try-saving efforts were outstanding and we then got some real quality plays to open Catalans up.

“It was a frantic game and we were fortunate enough to come out the other side. It’s a big win for us.

“We’ve been excellent so far this season, it’s a record of consecutive wins in Super League for us.”

It doesn’t get any easier for Warrington with the visit of Wigan to the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Round Nine before a trip to the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Powell added: “It was a real adversity win for us. The boys were class and turned up for each other.

“I thought it took Josh McGuire a while to get into the game. He got rattled early on but what a first game for him.

“He might have been nervous and edgy before the game and it’s his first taste but he won’t get better than that.”

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