Gareth Widdop influential in a ruthless Warrington performance

A dominant performance from Warrington saw the Wolves score 62 points at the AJ Bell Stadium with Gareth Widopp influential throughout.

Following a disappointing first season in Super League with Warrington, Widdop has been one of the standout performers this season with head coach Steve Price praising the 32-year-old “I thought Gareth Widdop was outstanding tonight.”

The half-back came into the game against Salford in excellent form, with a hat-trick against Castleford Tigers at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in the previous round. The England international continued where he left off with a massive hand in Warrington taking an 18-0 lead inside the opening 12 minutes.

Salford did mount a comeback through Ken Sio and Harvey Levitt which saw them pull to within six, but tries either side of half-time for Jake Mamo and Widdop stopped any hope for the Red Devils. His first try came from a handling error from Salford in which the Halifax-born player picked up the loose ball to score.

The 32-year-old grabbed his second with Toby King, who has signed a new four-year deal at the club, setting up the try with a brilliant offload. That is now eight tries in eight games to start the Super League season for Warrington’s number seven, surpassing his tally of five in the whole of last season.

Warrington Wolves boss Steve Price was full of praise for his star man in his post-match press conference.

“His application to his detail in training and preparation has gone to the next level, it is definitely showing in his performances. I feel he is the best player in Super league at the moment. He will be knocking on the door with the World Cup coming at the end of the season. I am really happy with how he is playing and contributing to the team.”

Next Saturday sees a massive game for Warrington as they face Castleford Tigers in the Challenge Cup Semi-Final and it is a big opportunity for the Wolves to win silverware early in the season.

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