The Morning After: Matt Dufty proves doubters wrong & French talent on display

The Morning After looks at three talking points from the latest Super League action.

Spirited Salford

Salford’s trip to the Leigh Sports Village kicked-off the action on Saturday, with Paul Rowley’s side holding out for a 22-20 victory over the Leopards.

It’s the side’s fourth win of the season, with Ken Sio, Sam Stone, Brodie Croft and Tyler Dupree all scoring in the triumph.

It was Marc Sneyd’s goal-kicking that was the difference on the day, converting three from four, with Leigh also crossing for the same amount of tries through Josh Charnley (2), Tom Briscoe and Ben Reynolds, with the latter only converting one try and a further penalty kick.

Salford boss Rowley was a proud head coach following the victory.

He said: “It was a good contest between two evenly-matched sides and the crowd was on form.

“It was a decent quality game and we were delighted ultimately to get the win. We know Leigh are a good side and we’ve beaten them twice in eight weeks.

“We completed very well, but I thought both teams played pretty good football and the difference was that purple patch in the first half.

“There’s more to come from a lot of our players, but I thought we showed character and desperation, which is what you need in big games like these.

“We have a few bodies missing through injury like most teams, but it’s been nice to see our squad digging in and showing character and showing they’re capable of stepping in.

“Our boys stood firm when they needed to so I’m really proud of their efforts.”

Dufty proves doubters wrong

Warrington full-back Matt Dufty proved his worth in the 20-14 win over Catalans, with Sky Sports pundit Phil Clarke giving a brutal assessment ahead of the clash in Perpignan.

Clarke stated that he did not think the Australian was a good enough full-back to help lead Warrington to a Super League Grand Final.

Then less than 20 minutes later, Dufty produced a slick assist for Josh Thewlis to the first try in France, before a long-range solo effort for a potential try of the season contender.

Clarke might be eating his words today. 

Meanwhile, it’s a record eighth straight win for Warrington, who take on Wigan in Round Nine. Although, they are likely to be without Gil Dudson following his red card for a punch.

WATCH: Gil Dudson could face lengthy ban after brain explosion in Wire win

French talent on display

11 French players were named in Steve McNamara’s Catalans side for their Rivals Round clash, with the likes of Sam Tomkins, Mitchell Pearce and Michael McIlorum all missing through injury.

Despite the 20-14 defeat, the side put in a solid performance on home soil, with 20-year-old Tanguy Zenon impressing at full-back in his first appearance of the season.

Ugo Tison, 21, was named on the bench, with the pair having only signed their first professional contracts earlier this week. Their deals will keep them with the club until at least the end of 2025. 

A late try from Josh Thewlis was the difference on the day, while Catalans thought they hit back through Arthur Romano in the dying minutes, only to be disallowed by the video referee.

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