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Tag: Warriors

  • Trail Blazers see opportunity to make move, starting with Jazz game

    (Photo credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images)

    The Portland Trail Blazers have an opportunity to climb the standings by hosting eight of their next 10 games.

    Portland looks to begin that stretch on a positive note when it hosts the Utah Jazz on Monday night.

    The Trail Blazers have momentum, having won four of their past five games, beginning with an impressive 114-108 victory over the Boston Celtics.

    The last three were on the road and Portland went 2-1 and put together a strong effort in Saturday’s 115-110 takedown of the San Antonio Spurs. The Trail Blazers never trailed by more than three points against the 25-win Spurs.

    ‘Down the stretch, I think we kept our composure most of the time,’ Portland interim coach Tiago Splitter said afterward. ‘A couple of mistakes, a couple of missed free throws again, but found a way to win the game and got it done.’

    Donovan Clingan excelled with Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (knee) sidelined and recorded a career-best 24 points to go with 12 rebounds.

    Clingan set the tone by scoring Portland’s first 11 points and he knocked down three 3-pointers during the run.

    ‘Just being aggressive,’ Clingan said of coming out of the gates fast. ‘And then once I saw two go in, I knew I had to get up a third. And then I tried a fourth, and I missed that time.’

    Deni Avdija celebrated his 25th birthday by continuing his strong season with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. It was his third triple-double of the season and fifth of his career.

    Toumani Camara also stood out with 20 points and eight rebounds. He knocked down five 3-pointers and is 9 of 20 from behind the arc over the past two games.

    ‘I think I’m playing better than I was earlier,’ Camara said. ‘This season, just kind of finding a rhythm, stop overthinking the game, just playing with more confidence. I think that’s the biggest thing for me.’

    The Trail Blazers beat Utah 136-134 on Oct. 29 in Salt Lake City in this season’s first meeting between the teams.

    Jrue Holiday had 27 points and eight assists for Portland, while Lauri Markkanen had 32 points and Keyonte George added 29 points and eight assists for the Jazz.

    Markkanen scored 35 points on Saturday but Utah lost 123-114 to the host Golden State Warriors. George added 22 points and nine assists but also had seven turnovers.

    The loss was the third straight and seventh in the past nine for the Jazz.

    The game in Portland is the third of a four-game road trip for Utah.

    Veteran Kevin Love collected 10 rebounds in just 24 minutes against the Warriors for his second double-digit outing on the boards in his last four appearances.

    Love, 37, recently displayed his early career form with 16 points and 16 rebounds in a 128-127 overtime loss to the Orlando Magic.

    Utah coach Will Hardy plans to increase Love’s minutes after the recent uptick in production.

    ‘He’s an elite rebounder, and so those things continue to show up,’ Hardy said. ‘And then obviously, just kind of his general savvy in his 18th year — he’s gotten a little more familiar with his teammates, and I think his spacing element gives us a different look.’

    The Jazz are expected to be without big man Jusuf Nurkic (left toe) for the third straight game.

    Holiday (calf) has missed the last 24 games for Portland.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Warriors’ Jimmy Butler returns to Florida to take on Magic

    (Photo credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images)

    The Jimmy Butler two-show Florida reunion tour kicks off Tuesday night when the former Miami Heat standout takes center stage as the Golden State Warriors visit the Orlando Magic.

    Dealt early last February from the Heat to the Warriors, Butler joined Golden State in time for both its visits to Florida last season, which came on separate Southeast excursions.

    The first of the two saw him play a complementary role in new teammate Stephen Curry’s 56-point explosion in a 121-115 win at Orlando in late February. Butler had only five points in the game but tied Brandin Podziemski for game-high assist honors with seven.

    Four of Butler’s assists came on Curry 3-pointers as the all-time distance-shooting king buried 12 in all, including four in a 22-point third-quarter flurry.

    Butler assisted on two of the third-quarter threes then a last one that extended Golden State’s lead to 111-104 lead with 2:37 to go.

    Butler himself inflicted pain upon the Magic many times during his days with the Heat, going for 20 or more points on five separate occasions, including 38 in a visit in March of 2023. He has 358 points, 93 assists and 43 steals in games at Orlando in his career.

    Golden State visits Miami on the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday.

    Butler took time after his last visit to Orlando to describe Curry’s impact on the Warriors.

    ‘It makes everyone want to be great on the defensive side,’ he told reporters after the game, ‘so we can get him the ball back and watch him do something incredible. In a weird way, isn’t it kind of expected?’

    Curry had 46 and 49 points last week when the Warriors, after falling at Oklahoma City, rebounded with a pair of victories at San Antonio. They then won a third in a row Sunday at New Orleans, riding Moses Moody’s 32 points to a 124-106 win.

    The Orlando visit is a reunion of sorts for Moody as well. He played his final two prep seasons at Montverde Academy near Orlando, where he joined Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham and Day’Ron Sharpe on a 25-0 club in 2020.

    The Magic has won three of their last four, seeing a winning streak come to an end in a 117-113 overtime loss at Houston on Sunday night.

    The head-to-head with Golden State will be the first for Desmond Bane since he was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies via trade in June. He’s averaged 22.3 points over the last four games, connecting on multiple 3-pointers in each of the last three.

    Bane faced the Warriors 22 times during his days with Memphis, including in the 2022 playoffs, when he outshot Curry 48.5% to 32.9% on 3-pointers in the Grizzlies’ 4-2 loss to the eventual champs in the Western semifinals.

    With star Paolo Banchero out for a second straight game with a groin injury, Bane found the ball in his hands with a chance to play hero at the end of regulation at Houston. However, he had his driving attempt blocked by Alperen Sengun with five seconds left and later wished he had it to do over again.

    ‘Something that we’ve talked about — getting the last shot of the game. I went a little bit too fast,’ he admitted to reporters. ‘We had our opportunities. Hopefully we learn from those moments and become better because of it.’

    –Field Level Media

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  • Warriors’ Draymond Green has another fan confrontation

    Golden State forward Draymond Green went nearly chest-to-chest with a fan during the Warriors’ 124-106 road victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.

    “He just kept calling me a woman. It was a good joke at first but you can’t keep calling me a woman,” Green said, clarifying later that the fan was calling him “a woman’s name.”

    “I got four kids and one on the way,” Green added. “Just don’t be disrespectful.”

    The fan, who identified himself as Sam Green, 35, of New Orleans, was wearing a black polo with a Pelicans logo on it. He was standing and cheering after Draymond Green had been called for a shooting foul while guarding Pelicans forward Herb Jones.

    While players began taking their positions along the key for Jones’ foul shots, Draymond Green strode over to the grinning fan and stood just inches from him as they spoke to one another, with the fan holding his arms out on each side.

    Game officials quickly stepped between them and pulled Draymond Green away while ushers gathered around and spoke with the fan, who continued to look amused by the exchange.

    Draymond Green said game official Courtney Kirkland told him, “I got it. I’ve heard him over and over and over again. You’ve handled it well. Don’t get yourself in no trouble. I’ll take care of it. Courtney was great.”

    Sam Green said he was heckling Draymond Green with chants of “Angel Reese,” because several of the Warriors’ star’s early rebounds resulted from his short-range misses, starting with a Golden State possession in which Green missed five straight shots and rebounded the first four. Draymond Green finished with eight points and 10 rebounds.

    Sam Green said the NBA star shouted profanity at him and threatened to punch him out if he continued the “Angel Reese” taunts (a refence to the WNBA and former LSU star who set several LSU and SEC rebounding records).

    “I wasn’t using profanity and for him to walk 12 feet off the court to come and get in my face like that, it was a little unnerving,” said Sam Green, who was given a warning by ushers but was allowed to remain in his front-row seat.

    Warriors coach Steve Kerr said in postgame remarks that he couldn’t comment extensively about the confrontation because he wasn’t sure what was said.

    “As long as it doesn’t escalate, it’s fine (for a player) to go over and have a discussion,” Kerr said. “It would have been nice if security had gotten there a little bit earlier.”

    Draymond Green, who has been known to draw technical fouls, fines and ejections for his confrontational and emotionally combustible on-court persona, has been fined for fan interaction before.

    In 2022, he was fined $25,000 for what the NBA described as “directing obscene language toward a fan.”

    Green has been critical of fan behavior, saying fans face relatively few consequences for saying inappropriate things, and are in fact motivated to do so by the fact that players can be fined for engaging with them.

    Green said Sunday night that he is accustomed to heckling at road games and that it generally doesn’t bother him.

    “I love disrespect on the road because we win a lot,” Green said. “Quieting a home crowd is always fun.”

    Although the Pelicans have won just two of their first 13 games and fired coach Willie Green on Saturday, Green said he was surprised to see such a small crowd for a game in which Stephen Curry was playing. Announced attendance was 18,373, close to capacity, but many seats remained empty.

    “The Steph Curry show; it usually travels,” Green said. “Man, this place; it’s tough in here.”

    “You want to go into full arenas (which) also helps the entire league out,” Green said. “So, you might need to take a look. It’s interesting.”

    ___

    AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA

    Brett Martel | The Associated Press

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  • Sources: Mike Brown reaches agreement on 3-year contract extension with Sacramento Kings

    Sources: Mike Brown reaches agreement on 3-year contract extension with Sacramento Kings

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) – After a week’s worth of drama surrounding the future of Mike Brown as head coach of the Sacramento Kings, both parties came to an agreement late Friday night to secure his future in the capital city.

    According to multiple sources, the Kings agreed to a contract extension with Brown that will keep the 54-year-old as Sacramento’s head coach through the 2026-27 season. 

    Brown becomes the most recent NBA head coach to be rewarded with a lucrative contract extension. His new deal with Sacramento is worth $8.5 million per season as a base deal that could reach as much as $10 million annually because of incentives, according to sources.

    Those sources spoke to FOX40 on the condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet official.

    Brown would have been entering the final year on his deal with Sacramento next season, as both he and the Kings held a mutual option for the 2025-26 season.

    Reports of talks stalling late last week, coupled with reported details of negotiations between Brown and the organization, became public in recent days, causing a wealth of mixed emotions for Kings fans and a wealth of emotions on social media. 

    Mike Brown (94-70) and Rick Adelman (395-229) are the only two head coaches to boast winning records in the Kings’ 39-year history in Sacramento.

    Two seasons ago, Brown left the Warriors following their championship run (where he served as Associate Head Coach under Steve Kerr) to join the Kings as the franchise’s 21st head coach in the Sacramento era.

    Brown was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year following that first season after leading Sacramento to a 48-34 record, finishing third in the Western Conference and snapping a 16-year playoff drought. In doing so, the Kings featured a potent offense led by two all-stars in De’Aaron Fox (his first all-star selection) and Domantas Sabonis, and they set a new record with the highest offensive rating in NBA history.

    Sacramento would lose to Golden State in seven games, resulting in a first-round playoff exit. 

    The Kings took a step back this season, compiling a 46-36 overall record, two wins shy of the previous season, finishing ninth in the west. The Kings would clinch a spot in the Play-In Tournament, defeating the Warriors in their first Play-In game, but they would miss out on the postseason when they were eliminated by the New Orleans Pelicans in the next round.

    While the Kings offensive dipped to 13th in the NBA in Mike Brown’s second season as head coach, Sacramento made strides on the defensive end, leaping from 24th to the 14th-best defensive rating in the league.

    Before coming to the Kings, Brown served as head coach in two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he won his first NBA Coach of the Year award in 2009. He went 305-187 during his time with Cleveland. He also made a stop with the Los Angeles Lakers (42-29) as their head coach in 2011, but he was fired just five games into his second season.

    Sean Cunningham

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  • Keegan Murray on Play-In matchup with Pelicans, Kings looking to snap 0-5 record vs. New Orleans

    Keegan Murray on Play-In matchup with Pelicans, Kings looking to snap 0-5 record vs. New Orleans

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) – Following Thursday’s practice in Sacramento, Keegan Murray reflects on the Kings win over the Warriors on Tuesday night, the hope of carrying that momentum into New Orleans on Friday night for the final Play-In Game, the pressure that comes with playing in an elimination game, the Pelicans 5-0 dominance over his squad this season and the sense of accomplishment to advance in the Play-In Tournament.

    The Kings and Pelicans will tip-off on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. PT in New Orleans.

    Sean Cunningham

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  • End of the Warriors, Knicks’ Ceiling, Zion, and Lillard’s Future With Frank Isola. Plus, Comedian Dan Soder.

    End of the Warriors, Knicks’ Ceiling, Zion, and Lillard’s Future With Frank Isola. Plus, Comedian Dan Soder.

    Russillo opens the show with his thoughts on the play-in games and the end of the Warriors dynasty (0:34). Then, Frank Isola joins to explain what went wrong for Golden State, share which eliminated team needs to hit the reset button, and discuss the Knicks’ ceiling (18:44). Next, comedian Dan Soder comes on to share why he chose comedy and details how jokes are created (55:13). Plus, Ceruti and Kyle join for Life Advice (89:51). How do we kick the bad player out of our pick-up games?

    Check us out on Youtube for exclusive clips, live streams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRussilloPodcast

    The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

    Host: Ryen Russillo
    Guests: Frank Isola and Dan Soder
    Producers: Steve Ceruti, Kyle Crichton, and Mike Wargon

    Subscribe: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / RSS

    Ryen Russillo

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  • Keegan Murray on his 32-point night to lift his Kings over the Warriors, advancing to meet Pelicans

    Keegan Murray on his 32-point night to lift his Kings over the Warriors, advancing to meet Pelicans

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) – Kings forward Keegan Murray talks about Tuesday night’s 118-94 win over the Warriors in the Play-In tournament, the sense of accomplishment to end Golden State’s season after losing a Game 7 to them in last season’s playoffs, his game-high performance with 32 points in the contest, Sacramento’s defensive effort and getting a shot to play in New Orleans on Friday night as they try to avoid losing to the Pelicans for a sixth consecutive time this season.

    Sean Cunningham

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  • De’Aaron Fox on the Kings Play-In matchup with Warriors; Sacramento’s experience with Golden State

    De’Aaron Fox on the Kings Play-In matchup with Warriors; Sacramento’s experience with Golden State

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) – Following Monday’s practice, Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox shares his thoughts on another matchup with the Warriors coming up in Tuesday’s winner take all Play-in Game, the experience they have against Golden State after dropping a seven-game playoff series last season, how three of the four games this season were decided by one-point and the defensive improvements for Sacramento this season.

    The Kings will host the Warriors on Tuesday night at Golden 1 Center with tip-off set for 7:00 p.m.

    The winner of Tuesday’s contest will advance to face the winner of Wednesday’s Pelicans and Lakers Play-In game in New Orleans, where the victorious team hosts the second Play-In game on Friday night.

    Sean Cunningham

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  • The Warriors, Rakuten ‘Future Leaders Experience’ empowers young women entering the workforce

    The Warriors, Rakuten ‘Future Leaders Experience’ empowers young women entering the workforce

    SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors and Rakuten have celebrated their annual mentorship event known as the “Future Leaders Experience.”

    This March marks 6 years of the program, and it’s all to empower the next generation of women entering the workforce.

    “This is our opportunity to bring young women from Girls Inc. together with mentors both from the Rakuten and the Warriors organizations,” expressed Yoyo Murphy, the Senior VP of Government and Community Relations for the Warriors/Chase Center.

    The 2-day experience includes professional development opportunities, a shopping experience, and job shadowing. In addition, program participants are afforded various networking opportunities from speaking with a panel of powerful women leaders to meeting fellow young women embarking on career journeys.

    “Socializing with our mentors, our mentees, we’re getting to know each other, and it’s just a really fun and useful experience,” described Mia Sanchez, a mentee from the Girls Inc. of Alameda organization.

    Participants are in high school from sophomore to senior year. Throughout the experience, mentors guide mentees through an exploration of various future career paths.

    “It couldn’t have come at a better time to meet and mentor the future leaders and kind of show them that there’s jobs both in media, tech, sports entertainment,” shared Cara Straus a mentor and Associate Manager of Creator Experience & Events at Rakuten. “There’s a wide world of possibilities that they can do upon graduation.”

    Straus added, “Going off to college can be kind of daunting…but reassuring the students that there are so many opportunities and that if they just put their best foot forward that they’re going to succeed no matter what.”

    At the end of this year’s program, the mentees received special parting gifts, including a work bag, iPad mini, and more.

    “One tip that I learned is to be confident in myself and to push myself in different situations and when it comes to different people,” said Sanchez.

    “A big part of our DNA at the Warriors is what we do in the community and off the court,” said Murphy. “This is something we’ve been very invested in even when we were back in Oakland and certainly now that we’re here in San Francisco, our reach has really expanded to serve the entire Bay Area.”

    For more information, follow @warriors, @rakuten, and @girlsinc.ac on Instagram.

    CCG

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  • Nets’ offense comes back down to earth as they fall to Steph Curry, Warriors

    Nets’ offense comes back down to earth as they fall to Steph Curry, Warriors

    One night after hanging 136 points on the short-handed 76ers in Philadelphia, the Nets’ offense came spiraling back down to earth in Monday’s 109-98 loss to the Golden State Warriors, a game where Ben Simmons sat out for precautionary reasons.

    Buckets were hard to come by for both teams Monday night — especially from distance. The Nets held Golden State to 38.3% shooting in the first half and went into the locker room with a 49-43 advantage. But the Warriors, led by Jonathan Kuminga and Stephen Curry, quickly became the aggressors in the second half, outscoring Brooklyn 32-21 in the third quarter to take a five-point lead into the final frame.

    The Nets’ largest lead in the first half was nine points. Golden State made just two 3-pointers in the first half, both from Curry, and turned the ball over 10 times.

    Royce O’Neale did his best to keep the Nets in it down the stretch. He knocked down three 3-pointers in just over a minute to cut the Warriors’ lead to four with 7:37 left in regulation. But Curry responded with five straight points and suddenly Golden State was getting to the rim just about whenever it wanted. A Brandin Podziemski layup put the Warriors up 11 with 5:41 to play.

    The Nets’ frustration boiled over with 4:59 left, as Nic Claxton slammed Podziemski onto the hardwood while trying to prevent him from grabbing another offensive rebound. The play was reviewed. Referees found Claxton’s actions aggressive and unnecessary. He was ejected soon after, which spoiled a night where he tied a career-high with six blocks. Claxton was also Brooklyn’s most efficient scorer on Monday, converting on 7-of-9 attempts.

    The Warriors went 13-for-22 in the fourth quarter (59.1%) and outscored Brooklyn 34-28. Curry, who finished with a game-high 29 points, poured in 12 in the final frame. Golden State outrebounded them 60-38, including 10 on the offensive glass. The absences of Simmons, Day’Ron Sharpe and Dorian Finney-Smith were felt.

    Kumina added 28 points on 9-of-18 shooting for the Warriors. Cam Thomas led the Nets with 18 points but did it on a 4-of-21 clip (10-of-11 from the free throw line. Thomas, O’Neale, Mikal Bridges and Spencer Dinwiddie shot a combined 17-for-60 from the field. It was ugly.

    The Nets (20-29) had won three of their last four games entering Monday night.

    Lonnie Walker IV left the game with 1:20 left in the first quarter and did not return. Left hamstring tightness was the initial diagnosis. He had missed 17 straight games earlier in the season because of a left hamstring strain.



    C.J. Holmes

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  • Do Better: Warriors Draymond Green Suspended Indefinitely By The NBA 24 Hours After Latest Flagrant Foul

    Do Better: Warriors Draymond Green Suspended Indefinitely By The NBA 24 Hours After Latest Flagrant Foul

    Draymond Green – Source: Christian Petersen / Getty

    The NBA has suspended Draymond Green indefinitely after his latest on-court fiasco with Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic.

    Draymond Green is one of the staples of the Golden State Warriors franchise. Also, he brings the most drama and shame to the franchise as well. Green plays a very old-school type of basketball that involves throwing elbows like it’s a Lil Jon music video. On Tuesday, December 12, Draymond once again was ejected for the 18th time in his career the AP reports.

    This stemmed from him busting Suns center Jusuf Turkic upside the head and receiving a Flagrant 2 foul. After a string of concerning behavior on the court, the NBA has announced it is suspending green indefinitely.

    NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2023 – Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been suspended indefinitely for striking Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. This outcome takes into account Green’s repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts. The incident occurred with 8:23 remaining in the third quarter of the Warriors’ 119-116 loss

    to the Suns on Dec. 12 at Footprint Center. Green received a Flagrant Foul 2 and was ejected. Green’s suspension will begin immediately. He will be required to meet certain league and team conditions before he returns to play.

    While it may seem harsh to suspend him with no time frame for a return this wasn’t nearly the first time Green went full UFC on the court. We all remember his infamous falcon punch on Jordan Poole that went viral. Just a few weeks ago we witnessed him put Rudy Gobert in a MMA headlock for no reason. Perhaps the most egregious Draymond MMA highlight is when he stomped on the chest of Domantis Sabonis’.

    Furthermore, we all saw this coming sooner or later regardless if his latest incident was intentional or not. Hopefully whatever punishment he receives will help him find the root cause of his frustrations and violent tendencies.

    Noah Williams

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  • Super League: Hull derby to open 2024 season as first home game for all 12 clubs announced

    Super League: Hull derby to open 2024 season as first home game for all 12 clubs announced

    Hull FC and Hull KR will kick off the 2024 Betfred Super League season at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, February 15; the full fixtures for next year will be revealed at 8.30am tomorrow; For the first time, watch every game of the 2024 Super League season live on Sky Sports

    Last Updated: 22/11/23 7:01pm

    Hull FC and Hull KR will get the 2024 Super League season under way with a derby clash next February

    A Hull derby will kick off the 2024 Betfred Super League season, with every match to be shown live on Sky Sports.

    Cross-city rivals Hull FC and Hull KR meet at the MKM Stadium in the season-opener on Thursday, February 15.

    The match-up was announced on Thursday evening as all 12 clubs confirmed their first home games of next year.

    Hull FC claimed the bragging rights the last time they met Hull KR in the Betfred Super League, winning 16-6 at Sewell Group Craven Park

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    Hull FC claimed the bragging rights the last time they met Hull KR in the Betfred Super League, winning 16-6 at Sewell Group Craven Park

    Hull FC claimed the bragging rights the last time they met Hull KR in the Betfred Super League, winning 16-6 at Sewell Group Craven Park

    Friday, February 16 sees three matches taking place as Leeds Rhinos host Salford Red Devils, St Helens welcome promoted London Broncos, and Leigh Leopards face Huddersfield Giants.

    Castleford Tigers’ new head coach Craig Lingard faces arguably the toughest opening game possible as they host reigning champions Wigan Warriors on Saturday, February 17.

    The other game that day see Grand Final runners-up Catalans Dragons welcome Warrington Wolves to Stade Gilbert Brutus.

    After travelling to their rivals on opening night, Hull KR face Leeds in their first home game on Thursday, February 22, at the start of Round 2.

    Highlights of the 2023 Betfred Super League Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons

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    Highlights of the 2023 Betfred Super League Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons

    Highlights of the 2023 Betfred Super League Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons

    The Broncos’ first home game back in Super League sees them host Catalans at Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium the following night, with Warrington welcoming Hull FC to the Halliwell Jones Stadium on the same day.

    Huddersfield’s first home match is against St Helens on Saturday, February 24, while Wigan are pencilled in to face Leigh in the ‘Battle of the Borough’ at the DW Stadium.

    The second round of the 2024 Super League season is rounded off by Salford hosting Castleford Tigers on Sunday, February 25.

    The full fixture list for next year’s regular season will be announced at 8.30am on Thursday, November 23.

    Betfred Super League 2024 opening fixtures

    Round 1

    Thursday, February 15: Hull FC vs Hull KR.

    Friday, February 16: Leeds Rhinos vs Salford Red Devils, St Helens vs London Broncos, Leigh Leopards vs Huddersfield Giants.

    Saturday, February 17: Castleford Tigers vs Wigan Warriors, Catalans Dragons vs Warrington Wolves.

    Round 2

    Thursday, February 22: Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos.

    Friday, February 23: London Broncos vs Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC.

    Saturday, February 24: Huddersfield Giants vs St Helens, Wigan Warriors vs Leigh Leopards.

    Sunday, February 25: Salford Red Devils vs Castleford Tigers.

    Watch every match of the 2024 Betfred Super League season, including Magic Weekend, the play-offs, and men’s, women’s and wheelchair Grand Finals, live on Sky Sports. Also stream with NOW.

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  • Kevin Sinfield announces new challenge to raise funds for MND, the disease affecting great friend Rob Burrow

    Kevin Sinfield announces new challenge to raise funds for MND, the disease affecting great friend Rob Burrow

    Kevin Sinfield to run seven ultra-marathons in seven days to raise funds for motor neurone disease; 43-year-old will start in Leeds, then head to Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin and Brighton before finishing in London; Sinfield has raised millions for MND since Rob Burrow diagnosis

    Last Updated: 08/11/23 10:30am

    Kevin Sinfield will run seven ultra-marathons in seven days in December to raise funds for MND

    Kevin Sinfield will undertake a new challenge to help those affected by motor neurone disease by running seven ultra-marathons in seven days in December.

    Sinfield has raised millions of pounds for MND charities since his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate and great friend Rob Burrow was diagnosed in 2019.

    The 43-year-old, currently defence coach of the England men’s rugby union team, will start in Leeds on December 1.

    He will then head to Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin and Brighton before finishing in London on December 7, when he runs from Twickenham Stadium to The Mall.

    Sinfield will run 27.2 miles a day – full marathon length plus an extra mile to show how people can always do even more to help friends needing support.

    Sinfield says carrying Rob Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds Marathon was 'really, really special'

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    Sinfield says carrying Rob Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds Marathon was ‘really, really special’

    Sinfield says carrying Rob Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds Marathon was ‘really, really special’

    This will be Sinfield’s fourth fundraiser, with the former Rhinos man telling the BBC: “I did say last year that the Ultra 7 in 7 would complete the trilogy, but there was always that caveat that Rocky 4 was my favourite Rocky film.”

    “For the MND community, every second counts and we will be making the most of every step on this challenge to raise awareness, funds and support for that community.

    “The MND community have always given us incredible support and we wanted to find a way we could show that support for more people around the country.

    The charities supported by this latest challenge include the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds.

    Donations will also go to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the Irish MND Association, the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, and the 4ED campaign, with the latter supporting former Leicester rugby union player Ed Slater.

    Slater, who also represented Gloucester and Nottingham, was diagnosed with MND in 2022.

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  • Jordan Poole hangs 41 on Knicks as ex-Warriors star leads Wizards to victory

    Jordan Poole hangs 41 on Knicks as ex-Warriors star leads Wizards to victory

    This time, it was Jordan Poole who threw the haymakers.

    Yes — that Jordan Poole: the third Splash Brother turned Washington Wizards franchise cornerstone who was unceremoniously traded from the Golden State Warriors after the punch felt ‘round the world.

    The last time the basketball world heard from Poole, he spoke with a tattered jaw after his tough-guy teammate Draymond Green duffed (read: sucker-punched) him during Warriors training camp a summer ago.

    Poole spent the entirety of an uncomfortable season playing alongside Green before the Warriors shuttled him to D.C. in a deal for Chris Paul.

    My-oh-my how things can turn with a change of scenery and a blaring green light.

    Poole’s light shined emerald with Kyle Kuzma sitting for the Wizards against the Knicks on Wednesday night. There was a Poole Party at MSG to end the preseason and usher in the regular season, which begins in a week on Oct. 25.

    The Warriors’ castaway-turned-Wizards star is still instant offense, an early front-runner for Most Improved Player of the Year after pelting the Knicks from downtown in a 131-106 finish in New York’s preseason finale on Wednesday.

    The Knicks, on the other hand, end the preseason on a low note in their first game with their starters playing a full share of minutes. Immanuel Quickley sat after head coach Tom Thibodeau called him “nicked-up” for the finale.

    Poole was anything but that.

    He finished with 41 points on 6-of-12 shooting from downtown, but 29 points came in the first half alone. Of his six threes, none were more impressive than his final three of the second quarter, where he pump-faked to get R.J. Barrett off his feet, then took one dribble toward the paint as if he were driving to the rim, before uncorking an unorthodox escape side-step three — a sequence that left Barrett swerving like an Uber driver on the Jackie Robinson Parkway.

    On his previous attempt from downtown, Poole let an open three fly, then turned his back and got back on defense before the shot ripped through the net.

    Just like he learned from Steph Curry.

    And he hit his final three of the night with three-and-a-half minutes left in the third quarter, when
    Quentin Grimes crowded him at half court, only for Poole to drive into him and push off for a top-of-the-key three. On the very next possession, Poole blew by Jalen Brunson and got to the line. He converted on 15-of-16 attempts from the line, 11 of the 12 coming in the first half.

    Maybe Poole is the new James Harden?

    After all, Harden’s ascent to superstardom occurred after his trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets, where the organization built an entire identity around The Beard’s offensive prowess and crafty style of play.

    Harden ironically did not win Most Improved Player of the Year despite a jump from 17 to 26 points and six assists as Rockets point guard the following season. Poole could very well be overlooked for the honor this season, as well: He has always had this kind of offensive ability – it was just dumbed downplaying fourth fiddle to Curry, Green and Klay Thompson on the Warriors.

    Poole’s 40-point night is going to become a regular occurrence on a team – aside from Kuzma – otherwise devoid of scoring.

    What cannot become the norm at The Garden is the Knick bench getting outplayed by the opponent.

    Wizards stretch-four Mike Muscala came off the bench and gave the Knicks 20 points — all after Julius Randle dunked on him midway through the first quarter. Muscala made his first five threes of the night. The Wizard bench scored 63 points to 48 for the Knicks reserves, minus Quickley — whose value increased in a loss he watched idly from the bench. Quickley will be a restricted free agent next summer, and the Knicks have an Oct. 23 deadline to sign him to a contract extension

    Randle finished with 20 points, Barrett with 19 and Jalen Brunson finished with just 12 points on 12 shot attempts. No Knicks players scored in double figures off the bench, Miles McBride struggled from downtown, and both McBride and Donte DiVincenzo posted the worst plus-minuses of the night: The Knicks were outscored by 23 in each of their minutes on the floor.

    And now, it’s a wrap: The exhibition games are over and the games will begin to count. Beginning with a seven-game stretch against teams far more talented than the Wizards — who hosted a Poole Party at The Garden to end the preseason.

    Kristian Winfield

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  • Bevan French named 2023 Steve Prescott MBE Betfred Super League Man of Steel

    Bevan French named 2023 Steve Prescott MBE Betfred Super League Man of Steel

    Bevan French is the first Wigan Warriors player to win the Betfred Super League Man of Steel award since Sam Tomkins in 2012; Jack Welsby and Tom Johnstone were also nominated; Sinead Peach and Lewis King win the Women’s and Wheelchair awards

    Last Updated: 11/10/23 12:35am

    Bevan French was been named as Super League’s Man of Steel for 2023

    Bevan French has been named as this year’s winner of the prestigious Steve Prescott MBE Betfred Super League Man of Steel award.

    The Wigan Warriors stand-off, who was previously nominated for Super League’s player-of-the-year award in 2020, was given the accolade after playing a pivotal role in his side winning the League Leaders’ Shield and reaching Saturday’s Grand Final after excelling following his move from the wing to the halves this year.

    French, named in this year’s Super League Dream Team, beat off competition from Super League’s joint-leading try-scorer and star for Wigan’s opponents Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford, Tom Johnstone, and St Helens full-back Jack Welsby to claim the prize.

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    The Australian is the first Wigan player to win the award since Sam Tomkins, now with Catalans, in 2012 and it marks the 12th time overall a player from the club has been honoured with the accolade since it was instituted in 1977.

    Bevan French is the first Wigan player to win Super League's Man of Steel since Sam Tomkins

    Bevan French is the first Wigan player to win Super League’s Man of Steel since Sam Tomkins

    French was named as winner at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester, with England international hooker Sinead Peach earning the Woman of Steel award for her role in helping York Valkyrie win the League Leaders’ Shield and claim a maiden Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final triumph.

    England Wheelchair World Cup winner Lewis King, meanwhile, was named winner of the inaugural Wheels of Steel award for his impressive displays for London Roosters in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League.

    In total, 17 awards were handed out at Emirates Old Trafford, with Adrian Lam taking the Super League Coach of the Year prize after overseeing Leigh Leopards lifting the Betfred Challenge Cup for the first time in over half a century and guiding them to a maiden play-off appearance.

    Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel – Bevan French (Wigan Warriors); Woman of Steel – Sinead Peach (York Valkyrie); Wheels of Steel – Lewis King (London Roosters); Betfred Championship Player of the Year – Dean Parata (London Broncos) and Lachlan Walmsley (Halifax Panthers); Betfred League One Player of the Year – Reiss Butterworth (Dewsbury Rams).

    Betfred Super League Young Player of the Year – Josh Thewlis (Warrington Wolves); Betfred Women’s Super League Young Player of the Year – Caitlin Casey (Leeds Rhinos); Betfred Wheelchair Super League Young Player of the Year – Josh Butler (Leeds Rhinos); Betfred Championship Young Player of the Year – Bill Leyland (London Broncos); Betfred League One Young Player of the Year – Ciaran Walker (Workington Town).

    Betfred Super League Coach of the Year – Adrian Lam (Leigh Leopards); Betfred Women’s Super League Coach of the Year – Lindsay Anfield (York Valkyrie); Betfred Wheelchair Super League Coach of the Year – Tom Coyd MBE (London Roosters); Betfred Championship Coach of the Year – Mike Eccles (London Broncos); Betfred League One Coach of the Year – Liam Finn (Dewsbury Rams).

    Foundation of the Year – Barrow Raiders.

    Glen’s Spirit of Super League Award – The Burrow Family.

    Lindsay Anfield won the Women’s Super League equivalent after guiding York to a successful season and England head coach Tom Coyd took the wheelchair prize for his work with London Roosters.

    Warrington Wolves winger Josh Thewlis was named as Super League’s Young Player of the Year, while Leeds Rhinos half-back Caitlin Casey took the Women’s Super League young player award and another Rhinos in Josh Butler won the wheelchair equivalent.

    As announced before the ceremony, the Glen’s Spirit of Super League Award was presented to the family of Rob Burrow MBE, for their inspirational support of the former Leeds Rhinos and England half-back since his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease four years ago.

    Watch the men’s Betfred Super League Grand Final and the Betfred Wheelchair Super League Grand Final live on Sky Sports this weekend. Also stream the best rugby league and more on NOW for £21 a month for six months.

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  • Abbas Miski: Wigan Warriors winger earns plaudits after four tries in Super League win over Hull KR

    Abbas Miski: Wigan Warriors winger earns plaudits after four tries in Super League win over Hull KR

    Lebanon international Abbas Miski followed up a hat-trick against Leigh Leopards by scoring four tries as Wigan Warriors defeated Hull Kingston Rovers 64-6; the visitors fielded a much-rotated side ahead of their Betfred Challenge Cup final appearance on Saturday, August 12

    Last Updated: 04/08/23 11:51pm

    Abbas Miski ran in four tries as Wigan stormed to victory over Hull KR

    Matt Peet praised ‘flawless’ Abbas Miski after the Lebanese winger scored four tries in Wigan Warriors’ 64-6 thrashing of a much-rotated Hull Kingston Rovers side at the DW Stadium.

    Peet’s men were in no mood to go easy on a Rovers matchday squad featuring three academy debutants and a trio of short-term signings with more than one eye on next week’s Betfred Challenge Cup final against Leigh Leopards.

    Miski’s quadruple followed hot on the heels of a hat-trick against Leigh Leopards last week and continued the remarkable transformation of a player who spent part of his early Wigan career on loan at Betfred Championship side Newcastle Thunder.

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    “There isn’t a major flaw in his game, he’s worked so hard, he lets his rugby do the talking and he is just a great advert for perseverance and hard work,” Peet said.

    “He showed the right attitude when he went to Newcastle, and he is benefiting from that. From a coach’s point of view, he is technically where you want him to be, and he is such a well-rounded player for us.”

    Jai Field helped himself to a late hat-trick as Wigan ran in a total of 12 tries to make up for their agonising cup semi-final loss to the same team – albeit with different personnel – at Headingley less than two weeks ago.

    “We did a professional job,” Peet said. “It was a different sort of challenge for us, and it was quite difficult to prepare the group.

    Jai Field grabbed a hat-trick as Wigan thrashed Hull KR

    Jai Field grabbed a hat-trick as Wigan thrashed Hull KR

    “I want to pay tribute to Hull KR who brought a young and spirited team and while they lacked some cohesion and experience, I thought their performance was honourable and we had to earn our points.”

    Robins boss Willie Peters had no complaints about the result or performance and paid tribute to the way a side featuring just two starters from that Headingley golden-point win kept the hosts at bay for much of the first period.

    “The score didn’t reflect the effort and how hard the guys competed,” Peters said.

    “It came down to a bit of technical stuff but with Wigan being the quality side that they are, there was a high level of skill there and some really quality tries and it is all about learning for the young guys.”

    Hull KR head coach Willie Peters is now focused on next week's Challenge Cup final

    Hull KR head coach Willie Peters is now focused on next week’s Challenge Cup final

    Peters’ attention will now turn to Wembley and fashioning only Rovers’ second Challenge Cup win in their history after their Hull derby triumph in 1980.

    And Peters paid tribute to the big names he rested, who made the long journey to the DW Stadium en masse to support their new-look side from the sidelines.

    “They came into the dressing room before the game and that highlights the connection we’ve got within the group,” Peters said.

    “They met for dinner beforehand and turned up together, and that’s really pleasing to see as a coach. We’re heading into a massive game next week and it’s the teams who are most connected that win the big games.”

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  • Hull KR 34-16 Castleford Tigers: Rovers strengthen grip on Super League top-six with victory

    Hull KR 34-16 Castleford Tigers: Rovers strengthen grip on Super League top-six with victory

    Tom Opacic, Rhys Kennedy, Kane Linnett, Elliot Minchella, James Batchelor and Ethan Ryan score tries as Hull KR beat Castleford Tigers in Friday’s Super League action; Rovers back up their Challenge Cup semi-final win over Wigan with a business-like victory over the Tigers

    Last Updated: 28/07/23 10:21pm

    Rhys Kennedy was among the tries for Hull KR as they defeated Castleford on Friday

    Hull KR strengthened their grip on a top-six spot in the Betfred Super League with a 34-16 win over strugglers Castleford at Craven Park.

    Rovers scored six tries to the visitors’ three as they backed up their Challenge Cup semi-final win over Wigan with a business-like victory over the Tigers.

    While Rovers can go to Wigan next week in a relaxed frame of mind ahead of their Wembley showdown with Leigh, the 11th-placed Tigers are once again left nervous about their Super League status.

    Rovers grabbed the lead with 14 minutes gone as Tom Opacic dotted down in the right corner after they had kept the ball alive across the field through Jez Litten’s kick, which the visitors knocked on.

    Brad Schneider was on hand to collect and feed Opacic, who gave his side the lead despite the best efforts of the visitors’ defence.

    Rovers soon doubled their lead thanks to a fine sniping run by Mikey Lewis. Litten’s pass to Rhys Kennedy saw the prop go over near the posts to give Rowan Milnes a simple conversion for a 10-0 lead at the midway point of the first half.

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    Rovers made it three tries five minutes later as Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s offload found Lewis and he saw Kane Linnett in support for another easy score which Milnes improved.

    Castleford were back in the game with 11 minutes left in the half as Will Tate scored from an offload close in and Riley Dean’s kick reduced the arrears to 10 points.

    Ethan Ryan was denied a try down the right for a forward pass and Castleford claimed their second score as full-back Jack Broadbent found a gap to dive over to make the score 16-10 to Rovers at the break.

    The home side added try number four two minutes after the restart as a fine run by Matt Parcell carved open the Tigers defence to set up Elliot Minchella and Milnes pushed the gap out to 12.

    James Batchelor powered his way forward before reaching to touch down to become the fifth home try scorer and Milnes’ fourth conversion made it 28-10.

    Broadbent was then shown a yellow card as he prevented Matty Storton from playing the ball close to the posts after stopping his fine run. Milnes kicked the penalty to stretch the lead.

    Rovers made the player advantage pay as Schneider looped a pass to Ryan wide on the right for their sixth try, with a little under 20 minutes remaining.

    With eight minutes to go, Greg Eden’s try in the left corner and Dean’s tricky kick from out wide were of little consolation for Castleford as the home side secured the Roger Millward Trophy.

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  • St Helens head coach Paul Wellens hits out at RFL for ‘failing to protect players’ after four Saints stars injured

    St Helens head coach Paul Wellens hits out at RFL for ‘failing to protect players’ after four Saints stars injured

    Alex Walmsley, Agnatius Paasi, Morgan Knowles and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook were all injured in tackles by Leigh Leopards’ John Asiata; St Helens head coach Paul Wellens hit out at the RFL for lack of punishment for the tackles

    Last Updated: 25/07/23 6:56pm

    Paul Wellens read out a statement at the beginning of his press conference accusing the RFL of failing to protect players

    St Helens head coach Paul Wellens has accused the RFL of “failing to protect players” in an explosive statement after four of his players were injured during their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to the Leigh Leopards.

    Agnatius Paasi and Alex Walmsley have been ruled out for the remainder of the season with ACL and MCL injuries respectively, Paasi missing at least nine months.

    Morgan Knowles is 50/50 to play in St Helens’ Super League clash with Leeds on Friday, while Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook looks set to miss two weeks.

    John Asiata, who tackled all four players, was not charged by the match review panel after being cited and Wellens believes the lack of punishment sets a dangerous precedent.

    “As a game, we bang the player welfare drum a fair bit and make a lot of effort and make a lot of strides as a game to protect players because ultimately we have a duty of care to protect our players at all times,” Wellens said.

    “But, in my opinion, and very few would disagree with me, this weekend, the governing body has failed in its duty to protect its players. On the weekend, we had four players injured by one player.

    “One of those has a 50/50 chance of playing this weekend, that is Morgan Knowles. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook will not play for two weeks. Alex Walmsley is today having MCL surgery and will be out for 12 weeks and the fourth, Agnatius Paasi, has torn ankle ligaments and a torn MCL and also will undergo surgery to repair his ACL. He will not play for nine months.

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    “The RFL, before the match review panel met to adjudicate on those decisions, were provided with detailed medical reports from our medical staff.

    “But when I spoke to the MRP who viewed that game they, by 6.30pm on Monday evening after the decision not to charge John Asiata was made, by that point, had still not seen those scan reports.

    “What I want to ask is why? Because that is a very different procedure to which Morgan Knowles was subjected to when he was part of a similar scenario after a game on Good Friday in which, unfortunately, Mike Cooper suffered an ACL injury.

    “I think it’s important to consider, this isn’t an emotional response after losing a cup game. I congratulate Leigh wholeheartedly for the way they played and wish them all the luck in the final.

    “But what we have got to consider when we are making decisions not to charge players who are tackling in that manner is that we give the green light to coaches, players at all levels to be able to tackle like that.”

    Highlights of the Super League match between St Helens and Catalans Dragons

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    Highlights of the Super League match between St Helens and Catalans Dragons

    Highlights of the Super League match between St Helens and Catalans Dragons

    Wellens took his comments further, revealing that if such tackling techniques continue, he would consider taking his son away from playing the community game.

    “As I sit here now as someone that loves the game, that doesn’t sit with me well and it doesn’t make me feel comfortable,” he added.

    “I have an eight-year-old son who plays at Pilkington Recs with a smile on his face but if that’s the type of tackle we are allowing in games then maybe rugby league is a game I don’t want my son playing anymore. I feel that strongly about it.

    “I feel that strongly that Agnatius Paasi, Alex Walmsley, LMS and Morgan Knowles have been severely let down by the governing body.”

    Sky Sports News has reached out to the RFL for comment.

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  • St Helens 12-14 Catalans Dragons: Super League leaders hold off Saints to strengthen grip on top spot

    St Helens 12-14 Catalans Dragons: Super League leaders hold off Saints to strengthen grip on top spot

    Tries from Tom Johnstone and Matt Ikuvalu, plus two conversions and a penalty from Adam Keighran saw Catalans move four points clear at the top of the Betfred Super League with victory over third-placed St Helens in the Round 19 opener at Totally Wicked Stadium

    Last Updated: 13/07/23 10:38pm

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    Highlights of the Super League match between St Helens and Catalans Dragons

    Highlights of the Super League match between St Helens and Catalans Dragons

    Catalans Dragons further cemented their place at the top of the Betfred Super League table as they held out for a 14-12 win over St Helens at Totally Wicked Stadium on Thursday evening.

    A stunning length-of-the-field try from Tom Johnstone and a penalty and conversion from Adam Keighran put Catalans ahead in the third-versus-first clash, but Mark Percival’s converted score ensured Saints trailed by just two points at half-time.

    Matt Ikuvalu’s converted try five minutes into the second half ultimately proved enough to seal the win as a valiant rearguard action from the French side prevented the hosts from completing a comeback despite Lewis Dodd’s late score which ensured a grandstand finish.

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    The result ensured the 2021 League Leaders’ Shield winners secured a first win over St Helens at this ground for seven years, while the reigning champions were left to count the cost of failed head injury assessments for key men James Roby and Mark Percival which rule them out of next week’s Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final against Leigh Leopards.

    Story of the game

    Catalans’ performance made it all the more remarkable that they had arrived on Merseyside smarting from last week’s shock home loss to struggling Huddersfield Giants which had raised inevitable questions over their inability to stay the course.

    With Sam Tomkins reverting to full-back in place of the injured Arthur Mourgue, the visitors set about erasing those doubts during a tight opening period in which they more than matched their opponents for muscle and flair.

    Saints, creeping up the table after what has proved a sluggish campaign by their own high standards, gave nothing away for the opening quarter of an hour until a high tackle on Paul Seguier gave centre Keighran the chance to kick Catalans into a two-point lead.

    Tom Johnstone ran the length of pitch in an outstanding solo effort to get his 22nd try for Catalans this season

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    Tom Johnstone ran the length of pitch in an outstanding solo effort to get his 22nd try for Catalans this season

    Tom Johnstone ran the length of pitch in an outstanding solo effort to get his 22nd try for Catalans this season

    Jack Welsby’s persistence at the other end was rewarded with a repeat set inside the Catalans’ 20, but a kick from Jonny Lomax was intercepted deep by Keighran, who sent Johnstone cruising down the wing where he crossed unchallenged for his 22nd try of the season.

    Roby’s exit summed up a frustrating start for the home side but they were doing little wrong, and bustled their way back into the contest when they pressed through three consecutive penalties before Percival latched onto Dodd’s kick to touch down, before also kicking the extras.

    The French side extended their lead five minutes after the break when Matt Ikuvalu squirmed over in the corner and Keighran’s touchline conversion stretched their advantage to 14-6.

    Having been denied by May, Hopoate finally unlocked the Dragons defence with a clever ball inside to send Dodd over with six minutes left.

    Joey Lussick’s kick made it a two-point game and Saints almost snatched it on the hooter when Hopoate blazed down the right but a costly mix-up with Konrad Hurrell saw the Tongan fling his final pass into touch.

    What they said

    Catalans Dragons head coach Steve McNamara

    Steve McNamara felt a few on-field decisions went against his side which put their defence under unnecessary pressure but they managed to dig in to get the win over St Helens

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    Steve McNamara felt a few on-field decisions went against his side which put their defence under unnecessary pressure but they managed to dig in to get the win over St Helens

    Steve McNamara felt a few on-field decisions went against his side which put their defence under unnecessary pressure but they managed to dig in to get the win over St Helens

    “We were in front all the way through the game…but we had to overcome some adversity there. A few bits went against us, but we managed to find some spirit in there and win the game under pressure at the end.

    “It could have gone either way, but it was a very semi-final-style game.”

    St Helens head coach Paul Wellens

    Paul Wellens said there's not a lot between St Helens and Catalans and was proud of his team despite their loss

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    Paul Wellens said there’s not a lot between St Helens and Catalans and was proud of his team despite their loss

    Paul Wellens said there’s not a lot between St Helens and Catalans and was proud of his team despite their loss

    “I’m really proud of the team and their efforts. It was a red-hot game between two sides where there wasn’t much between them.

    “There are more games down the track and opportunities to pick up points. We’re never happy when we lose a game – those are the standards we set ourselves – so naturally we are disappointed, but not in terms of the fact we went down fighting.”

    Player of the match Michael McIlorum

    Player of the match Michael McIlorum says Catalans need to keep grinding out results after defeating a tough St Helens side

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    Player of the match Michael McIlorum says Catalans need to keep grinding out results after defeating a tough St Helens side

    Player of the match Michael McIlorum says Catalans need to keep grinding out results after defeating a tough St Helens side

    “It was tough and what we expected. They’ve won four titles in a row so coming here is always tough.

    “We needed a good start…but we felt like we could get through the middle and we did in the end.”

    What’s next?

    St Helens are in Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final action next Saturday when they take on Leigh Leopards at the neutral venue of the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Catalans Dragons‘ next game is in Super League Round 20 when they host Salford Red Devils on Saturday July 29.

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  • Warrington Wolves 6-22 Leeds Rhinos: Hosts fall to fifth defeat in six games as Super League slump continues

    Warrington Wolves 6-22 Leeds Rhinos: Hosts fall to fifth defeat in six games as Super League slump continues

    Sam Walters, Ash Handley (two) and Richie Myler scored tries for Leeds, three of them in the first 15 minutes, with Rhyse Martin scoring three conversions to cancel out Matty Ashton’s converted try; Wolves remain two points behind Catalans Dragons at the top of the Super League table

    Last Updated: 29/06/23 10:50pm

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    Highlights of the Betfred Super League match between Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos

    Highlights of the Betfred Super League match between Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos

    Faltering Warrington lost again as Leeds recorded a 22-6 Betfred Super League victory at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

    All the damage was done in the opening 15 minutes as the Rhinos crossed for three tries and raced into a 16-0 lead.

    Winger Ash Handley scored twice in the blistering start and Sam Walters also touched down, with Rhyse Martin landing two conversions.

    Richie Myler is congratulated after scoring a try against his former side

    Richie Myler is congratulated after scoring a try against his former side

    Some excellent defending in the second half and a late Richie Myler try helped them seal victory and avenge their opening day 42-10 humbling by the Wolves.

    It was another disappointing night for Daryl Powell’s side who started their Super League campaign with eight straight victories but have won just once in their last six games.

    They claimed a consolation try through Matty Ashton midway through the second half which Stefan Ratchford converted.

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    The Rhinos started where they left off in the rout of Huddersfield as they scored three tries in a blistering opening to the game.

    They were ahead after just six minutes when a super Blake Austin break against his former club saw Aidan Sezer send Walters over for the opening try.

    The Rhinos continued with some enterprising attacking play which paid dividends again five minutes later when some sharp passing allowed Handley to cross for his first try of the evening.

    And it got even better for the visitors four minutes later as more accurate passing between Cameron Smith and Martin gave Handley a walk-in try.

    Martin was on target with two conversions to give Leeds an early 16-0 lead.

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    Things got worse for the home side when Sam Kasiano was sent to the sin bin for a shoulder charge but the dominant Rhinos failed to make their extra man tell as Austin had a try ruled out by the video referee for obstruction.

    Warrington rarely threatened the Leeds line in the opening 40 minutes and when they did have opportunities late in the half they could not pierce a stubborn Rhinos defence or came up with a poor kick option as they trailed by 16 points at the break.

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    With the defences very much on top in the second half the Wolves gave themselves hope of a comeback when Ashton crossed in the corner and Ratchford converted from the touchline with 17 minutes remaining.

    But Leeds made sure of the win 10 minutes from time when Myler ran in under the posts and Martin kicked his third goal of the night.

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