Sunday Social: Ugly scenes in Perpignan, Saints win League Leaders Shield, Widnes prepare for Wembley

James Messenger

It is time for Love Rugby League’s Sunday Social, your alternative recap of the serious and not so serious talking points from the past seven days. 

The main headlines from this week’s action come from the Stade Gilbert Brutus, after ugly scenes both on and off the field marred the conclusion of Catalans’ victory over Warrington. Both sides criticised the violence in statements released after the game and the RFL have vowed to take appropriate action. There were two red cards and four yellow cards issued by referee James Child during an ill-tempered contest.

Defeat for Warrington means that St Helens have clinched the League Leaders Shield for the second successive year with five games still to play. With a Challenge Cup final coming up later this month, Justin Holbrook’s men still have a very good chance of achieving the treble.

Leeds gave their survival hopes a major boost after dismantling Huddersfield in their own back yard on Friday night. Konrad Hurrell, one of the standout players of 2019, received the majority of the plaudits after producing over a quarter of his side’s tackle busts at the John Smiths Stadium. The win moves the Rhinos up to eighth, two points above Hull KR and London who both take to the field later today.

Another side guaranteed to be smiling after this weekend’s results are the Wigan Warriors. They will finish the weekend in the play-off spots after Zak Hardaker’s long-range drop goal secured victory over Hull FC. A late winner in Humberside must be a regular feeling for Wigan fans by now!

Sydney star Cooper Cronk was on-hand to score his 100th NRL try as the Roosters eased to victory over the Gold Coast Titans. The 36-year-old made his debut in 2004 and has gone on to make 368 appearances, over 300 of which came during his 13-year stint at the Melbourne Storm.

Finally, one side very much looking forward to a trip to the Capital later this month are the Widnes Vikings. The club have already sold thousands of tickets as they prepare for their 1895 Cup Final meeting with Sheffield. It will be the first time Keiron Purtill’s side have visited Wembley in 26 years.

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