Teenager Ewan Irwin shone as Warrington came from behind to move top of the Betfred Super League with a hard-fought 18-6 win at rivals St Helens.
The 18-year-old half-back capped a superb fightback with the decisive second-half try at the BrewDog Stadium as the Wolves secured a ninth successive win over their neighbours.
Saints paid the price for failing to build on their first-half dominance, managing just a single converted try from Tristan Sailor.
Leon Hayes of Warrington and James Bentley of Warrington fail to stop Tristan Sailor of St Helens from scoring a try
Danny Walker celebrates his side’s victory – which takes them top of the Super League
With Irwin involved in the move, Warrington replied through Albert Hopoate before the interval and Josh Smith put the visitors ahead after the restart.
Irwin, who converted all three Wire tries, settled the contest 10 minutes from time.
It marked some turnaround, with Warrington having been fortunate to get in at half-time with the score 6-6.
Jonny Lomax twice went close to opening the scoring for Saints but knocked on with the line at his mercy and was then held up by a last-gasp tackle from Josh Thewlis.
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Sam Tomkins explains why Paris will be hosting another Super League encounter between Catalans Dragons and Wigan Warriors.
Sailor put the hosts ahead with a piece of individual brilliance as he kicked through and regathered his own kick to touch down. He converted himself.
Warrington’s problems were compounded by the loss of youngster Zack Gardner, who was making his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury, with what appeared a shoulder problem.
Things might have got worse for the visitors as Jack Welsby found Owen Dagnall out wide with a floated pass but, after skipping past one challenge, the winger was halted by another try-saving challenge from Thewlis.
The Wolves weathered the storm and drew level on the stroke of half-time as Smith broke clear from an Irwin pass and sent Hopoate over in the corner.
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Leeds Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease is this week’s guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.
The visitors carried momentum in the second half and Ben Currie thought he had forced his way over but was denied by the video referee.
It was a contentious decision but Warrington got a lucky break soon after as a George Whitby kick bounced kindly into Smith’s hands. The centre quickly turned defence into attack, racing 80 metres to score.
Saints rallied but were unable to find a way through Warrington’s disciplined defence.
Their hopes ended after Welsby spilled a high ball in front of his own posts, and Warrington made the most of the opportunity as Irwin spotted a gap to dart through and score.\
2026 Super League – key dates and what to look out for
- Magic Weekend: July 4-July 5
- Rivals Round reversed: July 23-July 26
- Elimination Play-offs: September 19-September 20
- Play-off semi-finals: September 26-September 27
- Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford
Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on Sky Sports+
