Match Report – Salford 22 – 20 Hull Super, League, Sky, Sports, Rugby, League, Bulls, Rhinos, Warriors, Harlequins, Wolves, Giants, Tigers, Dragons, Crusaders, Hull, Reds, Wildcats,

Match Report – Salford 22 – 20 Hull Super, League, Sky, Sports, Rugby, League, Bulls, Rhinos, Warriors, Harlequins, Wolves, Giants, Tigers, Dragons, Crusaders, Hull, Reds, Wildcats,


Salford Red Devils profit from missed conversion from Hull FC’s Ben Reynolds late on to extend winning run to four matches; Marc Sneyd registers five goals on 300th Super League appearance as home side consolidate fifth spot in table – watch every Super League match live on Sky Sports

Last Updated: 07/07/24 5:59pm


Salford held off Hull FC to earn their fourth straight win and consolidate fifth place in the Super League table

Ryan Brierley made a try-scoring comeback and Marc Sneyd celebrated his 300th Super League appearance with five vital goals as Salford edged Hull FC 22-20 to register a fourth successive win.

Hull half-back Ben Reynolds missed a 78th-minute conversion to Lewis Martin’s try to send the game to golden point as the Red Devils cemented fifth place in the table.

Full-back Brierley had sat out his team’s three previous victories with a rib injury but returned with a bang against a Hull side still without an away win in 2024 and who sit second bottom of the standings.

Hull led 6-4 in the first half and scored four tries to their hosts’ three in the game but Reynolds failed to improve his team’s final two touchdowns.

A minute’s applause to remember Rob Burrow took place before Super League’s only fixture of the day and there was further recognition of the Leeds Rhinos’ legend on seven minutes as all fans united to sing: ‘There’s only one Rob Burrow.’

The on-field action was less inspiring until Salford made a 27th-minute breakthrough as Deon Cross touched down.

Reynolds scythed through the home defence to register his first try for the Black and Whites and then booted Hull in front but it was all square at half-time as Sneyd kicked a penalty after the hooter.

Marc Sneyd starred for Salford on his 300th Super League appearance

Marc Sneyd starred for Salford on his 300th Super League appearance

Tom Briscoe’s off-the-ball challenge on Brierley earned him a yellow card and his temporary absence and a game-ending injury for hooker Danny Houghton was a double blow for Simon Grix’s side.

When Briscoe returned Salford were 18-6 in front thanks to Sneyd’s converted tries for Brierley and centre Chris Hankinson.

Young Hull forward Denive Balmforth provided an instant response with his third try in as many games but when Salford were gifted a cheap penalty on the hour Sneyd took the points on offer to move the Red Devils two scores in front again.

Final-quarter tries for Jordan Lane and Martin kept Hull in contention right until Reynolds’ costly late miss.

What’s next?

Hull FC host city rivals Hull KR on Saturday July 13 (2.55pm, Sky Sports Arena), with Salford visiting Catalans Dragons later the same day (5.25pm, Sky Sports Arena).

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Max Kilman to West Ham transfer: Julen Lopetegui’s move for underrated Wolves captain makes sense even at £40m | Football News

Max Kilman to West Ham transfer: Julen Lopetegui’s move for underrated Wolves captain makes sense even at £40m | Football News


Steve Bull is surely Wolves’ greatest-ever signing, brought in for a pittance from West Bromwich Albion and going on to become the club’s all-time top scorer. But there are now 40 million reasons why Maximilian Kilman’s name is in the frame.

At 27, he departs Molineux for around 1,000 times the fee that was paid to Maidenhead for his services in 2018. He has been superb for Wolves, captaining the club this past season. The question now is whether he can be even better for West Ham United.

Kilman should not be underestimated. Even his colleagues have made that mistake in the past. A conversation with Jose Sa, in particular, comes to mind. The goalkeeper knew most of his new team-mates upon arrival but not the fresh-faced lad at the back.

Watch Kilman’s best bits from the 2023/24 Premier League season

“I talked with him,” he told Sky Sports. “I said, ‘Max, the first training session here, when I saw you, I said to myself that this guy cannot be a player’. In that first session, when we were defending, he did not run. I thought that was impossible. This guy doesn’t run!”

His confession to Kilman came months down the line by which point he had realised the truth. “I had to say sorry to him because after that first session all I was thinking was that he did not run and he did not tackle. I eat my words. He is amazing.”

Kilman is not a defender who tends to catch the eye with last-ditch tackles, although he did rank among the top three in the Premier League last season for headed clearances and possession won in the defensive third. It helps that he did not miss a single minute.

His strength, alongside this unusual durability, is his calmness in defence. It has become something of a running joke that references to Kilman’s rise cannot ignore his time playing futsal for England but it is an inescapable element of his development.

A different kind of defender?

Michael Skubala, now head coach of League One side Lincoln City, was the England futsal manager during Kilman’s time in that game. Speaking to him when Kilman first emerged at Wolves, Skubala told Sky Sports: “His journey is quite unique in England.”

He added: “Max did not do futsal within a football environment, he did futsal within a futsal environment. That is to say, he had come out of the professional football system and was in the futsal system being coached by futsal coaches.”

That meant that he was not your average non-League centre-back. He was exposed to another style of play throughout. “By twin-tracking, he was getting all of these elements and he was doing it for years. He used futsal to make him a better footballer.”

And he used his early football career to prepare him for the physicality that futsal could not. Skubala called it “getting across the grass” in reference to making that adjustment to the wide-open spaces of the football pitch. A loan to Marlow helped him progress.

Mark Bartley, his manager there, explained: “You do not need to be crashing into tackles to impose your physicality on a game and ball retention comes naturally to him. A lot of players who step up have to adapt but moving the ball quickly is part of his make-up.

“He has great ball-manipulation skills. He can draw opponents into certain areas and then just manoeuvre his way out of them. It catches you off guard because it is that old cliche, good feet for a big man, but he does have tremendous feet.”

Skubala agreed. “He is really good at rolling out of pressure. He never gave the ball away in tight areas. You could always rely on him security-wise to keep possession of the ball.” Those qualities have remained a feature of his game even at Premier League level.

Lopetegui’s plans for Kilman?

Positionally, it will be interesting to see what Lopetegui has planned for him at West Ham. The most obvious explanation for the appetite for his acquisition would be the exit of the left-footed Nayef Aguerd, opening up a like-for-like space in the Irons’ squad.

Could Kilman partner Konstantinos Mavropanos in a new-look West Ham central defence? Initial reports indicate that Lopetegui is open-minded about it and will assess the situation during pre-season, something possible because of Kilman’s flexibility.

For instance, Nuno Espirito Santo and Bruno Lage both used Kilman on the right of a back three despite being a natural left-footer. Playing on the opposite side allowed him to collect the ball and then carry it forward with a pass out wide easily available.

Asking Lage about this at the time, he explained: “He drives with the ball. He goes inside and when the guys come towards him he finds the spaces.” Gary O’Neil would later shift Kilman back to the right of a three-man build-up, again hailing his adaptability.

Putting that position question to O’Neil, he said: “Sometimes I really like him on the right because he gives us different solutions. And then sometimes he gets the ball and I think we could do with a right-footer there. That he can do both is important.”

Max Kilman's positioning under various different managers during his Wolves career
Image:
Kilman was used very differently by Lopetegui when at Wolves

Lopetegui, Kilman’s manager at Wolves in between Lage and O’Neil, had a more conventional approach. He deployed him as the left-sided centre-back in a four-man defence. Kilman was part of eight clean sheets in his 11 home games under Lopetegui.

The new West Ham manager was impressed by his work ethic and his character, as well as his willingness to take on new ideas. A relative introvert, he has added even more to his game under O’Neil, taking on greater responsibility as a leader in the dressing room.

Lopetegui is banking on all of that to help make a difference as he prepares for his first full season as a Premier League manager. He believes Kilman’s peak years are upon us and it would not be a huge shock if that England call-up soon comes.

Wolves may welcome the fee but they will miss the player. There will be more spectacular signings this summer but few more sensible. This is a defender with no obvious weaknesses in his game. Lopetegui and West Ham will be the beneficiaries.

Max Kilman transfer: West Ham have improved offer in region of £40m accepted by Wolves | Football News

Max Kilman transfer: West Ham have improved offer in region of £40m accepted by Wolves | Football News



Wolves accept West Ham’s bid in region of £40m for captain Max Kilman; Hammers made improved bid after seeing their opening £25m offer last month rejected by Wolves; West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui set to be reunited with Kilman, whom he managed in his time at Wolves

Warrington 8 – 18 Wigan Sky, Sports, Rugby, News, League, Top Story, World, Cup, Super, Superleague, Bradford, Bulls, Leeds, Rhinos, Wigan, Warriors, St, Helens, Harlequins, Huddesfield, Giants, Castleford, Tigers, Warrington, Wolves, Catalans, Dragons, Celtic, Crusaders, Hull, FC, K R, Salford, City, Reds, Boots N All, Live, Results, Fixtures, Tables, fixtures, video, watch

Warrington 8 – 18 Wigan Sky, Sports, Rugby, News, League, Top Story, World, Cup, Super, Superleague, Bradford, Bulls, Leeds, Rhinos, Wigan, Warriors, St, Helens, Harlequins, Huddesfield, Giants, Castleford, Tigers, Warrington, Wolves, Catalans, Dragons, Celtic, Crusaders, Hull, FC, K R, Salford, City, Reds, Boots N All, Live, Results, Fixtures, Tables, fixtures, video, watch


Tries from Zach Eckersley, Lance Todd Trophy winner Bevan French and Liam Farrell, plus three conversions from Harry Smith, secured an 18-8 victory for Wigan Warriors over Warrington Wolves in the men’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley; tributes were paid to Rob Burrow CBE throughout the day

Last Updated: 08/06/24 5:17pm


Wigan captain Liam Farrell lifts the Challenge Cup after Wigan’s 18-8 victory over Warrington at Wembley

Sam Burgess’ hopes of claiming the Challenge Cup in his first season as Warrington Wolves head coach were dashed as Wigan Warriors triumphed 18-8 in Saturday’s final at Wembley.

On an emotional day which saw the rugby league community commemorate the life of Rob Burrow CBE, tempers flared in the opening minutes of the game as both Mike Cooper and Matt Dufty were sent to the sin bin for dangerous tackles in quick succession.

Although Josh Thewlis kicked Warrington ahead from a penalty goal, it was Wigan who led 12-2 at half-time thanks to converted tries from Zach Eckersley, making only his third start for the club in place of the suspended Adam Keighran, and Bevan French.

A third from skipper Liam Farrell approaching the midway point of the second half put the Warriors firmly on course for a record-extending 21st triumph in the knockout competition and although Dufty grabbed one for the Wolves, there was no way back for his side.

Story of the game

As well as being one of rugby league’s showpiece events, this year’s Challenge Cup final saw the sport come together to pay tribute to Burrow following his death last Sunday at the age of 41 following a four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease.

A minute’s silence was observed before both the women’s and men’s finals, along with a minute’s applause at the seventh minute of each game, while Burrow’s image was on display on the big screens at Wembley. Fans left tributes at the Rugby League Statue outside the ground as well.

When play did begin at 3.07pm, a time chosen to honour Burrow, any doubts about just how intense the latest chapter of this rivalry would be were dispelled in the opening three minutes as both teams had players sent to the sin bin by referee Chris Kendall.

Warrington's Matt Dufty was sin-binned early on

Wigan’s Bevan French scored a try and was named Lance Todd Trophy winner

Having seen out an early spell of pressure following the restart which was ended when Matty Ashton was gang-tackled into touch, Wigan moved further in front in the 56th minute when the ball was worked through the hands of Harry Smith and Jai Field to send Farrell racing away from around 40 metres out to finish.

That seemed to light a fire under the Wolves though and having been camped on Wigan’s line following a repeat set and a goal-line drop-out, Dufty got the ball and carved his way through the defence for a try with just over a quarter of an hour remaining.

But that was as good as it got for Warrington and they were unable to make further inroads, as Wigan celebrated their first Wembley triumph for 11 years, with their last Challenge Cup win in 2022 having come at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What’s next?

Warrington Wolves are back in Betfred Super League action on Friday, June 14 when they host Salford Red Devils live on Sky Sports Arena (8pm). Wigan Warriors travel to Castleford Tigers on the same evening in a match live on Sky Sports Action (8pm).

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.

Match Report – NSW 10 – 11 Q’Land Sky, Sports, Rugby, News, League, Top Story, World, Cup, Super, Superleague, Bradford, Bulls, Leeds, Rhinos, Wigan, Warriors, St, Helens, Harlequins, Huddesfield, Giants, Castleford, Tigers, Warrington, Wolves, Catalans, Dragons, Celtic, Crusaders, Hull, FC, K R, Salford, City, Reds, Boots N All, Live, Results, Fixtures, Tables, fixtures, video, watch

Match Report – NSW 10 – 11 Q’Land Sky, Sports, Rugby, News, League, Top Story, World, Cup, Super, Superleague, Bradford, Bulls, Leeds, Rhinos, Wigan, Warriors, St, Helens, Harlequins, Huddesfield, Giants, Castleford, Tigers, Warrington, Wolves, Catalans, Dragons, Celtic, Crusaders, Hull, FC, K R, Salford, City, Reds, Boots N All, Live, Results, Fixtures, Tables, fixtures, video, watch


Shenae Ciesiolka and Tarryn Aiken scored Queensland tries, before a Lauren Brown drop-goal sealed a one-point win vs New South Wales in Game II of Women’s State of Origin; Game III in historic best-of-three series takes place in Townsville, Queensland on June 27 live on Sky Sports

Last Updated: 06/06/24 1:22pm


Queensland levelled the Women’s State of Origin series at 1-1, coming from behind to clinch a late win vs New South Wales

A Lauren Brown drop-goal with two minutes to play sealed an 11-10 win for Queensland in an epic State of Origin contest at New South Wales, levelling the series.

In front of record women’s Origin crowd of 25,782, the Maroons dug deep to keep the series alive after trailing by six points with 10 minutes to play.

Keeley Davis and Tiana Penitani scored tries for New South Wales’ Sky Blues – either side of a Shenae Ciesiolka try – before Queensland’s Tarryn Aiken hit back with a superb individual try, which Brown converted to level the scores into the closing stages.

The Maroons – who lost 22-12 in Game I – then recovered the ball with three minutes to play, and set up a position for Brown to produce a drop-goal winner into the face of a wind.

The two sides will now face off in a series decider in Queensland on Thursday June 27, live on Sky Sports.

Lauren Brown struck a drop-goal with two minutes to play, as the Maroons hit back in their Origin series

When Tiana Penitani scored a try in the corner for New South Wales, the Sky Blues looked to have done enough to win

Maroons five-eighth Aiken came up with a dazzling solo try in the 62nd minute as the defending champions refused to lie down and with Brown’s conversion it was locked up at 10-10.

A dropped ball by Sky Blues prop Caitlan Johnston with three minutes to play ensured a grandstand finish and it was Brown who slotted a composed field goal into the breeze to put the Maroons ahead 11-10.

From there the defending champions hung on to the lead and will head home to Queensland for a decider on June 27.

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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Match Report – NSW 10 – 38 Queensland Sky, Sports, Rugby, News, League, Top Story, World, Cup, Super, Superleague, Bradford, Bulls, Leeds, Rhinos, Wigan, Warriors, St, Helens, Harlequins, Huddesfield, Giants, Castleford, Tigers, Warrington, Wolves, Catalans, Dragons, Celtic, Crusaders, Hull, FC, K R, Salford, City, Reds, Boots N All, Live, Results, Fixtures, Tables, fixtures, video, watch

Match Report – NSW 10 – 38 Queensland Sky, Sports, Rugby, News, League, Top Story, World, Cup, Super, Superleague, Bradford, Bulls, Leeds, Rhinos, Wigan, Warriors, St, Helens, Harlequins, Huddesfield, Giants, Castleford, Tigers, Warrington, Wolves, Catalans, Dragons, Celtic, Crusaders, Hull, FC, K R, Salford, City, Reds, Boots N All, Live, Results, Fixtures, Tables, fixtures, video, watch


Three tries from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow set Queensland on course for a 38-10 victory in Sydney in the opening match of this year’s State of Origin series; New South Wales had debutant Joseph Suallii sent off for a high tackle on Reece Walsh just eight minutes into the match

Last Updated: 05/06/24 2:41pm

New South Wales were reduced to 12 men in the opening 10 minutes of their clash with Queensland as Joseph Suaalii became just the sixth man to be sent off in State of Origin history

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New South Wales were reduced to 12 men in the opening 10 minutes of their clash with Queensland as Joseph Suaalii became just the sixth man to be sent off in State of Origin history

New South Wales were reduced to 12 men in the opening 10 minutes of their clash with Queensland as Joseph Suaalii became just the sixth man to be sent off in State of Origin history

Joseph Suaalii’s first-half dismissal proved costly for New South Wales as Queensland triumphed in Game I of this year’s State of Origin series.

Suaalii, one of five debutants in the Blues team, was given his marching orders just eight minutes into the match in Sydney for a high tackle on Maroons full-back Reece Walsh.

The visitors made the most of that numerical advantage as well, with a hat-trick of tries from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, two from Ben Hunt and one from Xavier Coates securing a 38-10 victory.

Reigning champions Queensland had taken the lead when both sides still had 13 on the pitch after Daly Cherry-Evans’ burst out of dummy-half set up Hunt for the opening try in the fifth minute.

New South Wales, with former New Zealand head coach Michael Maguire at the helm for the first time, were then dealt a bigger blow when Samoa international Suaalii was sent off by referee Ashley Klein for his high shot on Walsh which saw the Maroons man forced out of the game.

Valentine Holmes kicked the first of his seven goals from the resulting penalty, yet NSW hit back on 14 minutes through a try from James Tedesco which was converted by Nicho Hynes.

However, that was as close as the Blues got for the rest of the game and Queensland seized the initiative with two tries in the space of five minutes from Tabuai-Fidow.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow ran in three tries for Queensland as they beat New South Wales in State of Origin Game I

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow ran in three tries for Queensland as they beat New South Wales in State of Origin Game I

Trailing 20-6 at half time, New South Wales were quickest out of the blocks when play resumed as they crossed again in the 44th minute through Zac Lomax.

Despite their best efforts a man down, the Maroons would prove too strong though and Hunt went over for his second try of the game in the 67th minute.

Coates got in on the scoring act with 10 minutes to go and Tabuai-Fidow’s converted try in the final minute put the seal on Queensland’s biggest-ever victory in Sydney.

History is on the side of Billy Slater’s side as they bid to retain the Origin shield for the third year in a row, with New South Wales’ only series win after losing the first game in Sydney coming 30 years ago.

What’s next?

The Women’s State of Origin series takes centre stage on Thursday with the second match between New South Wales and Queensland taking place at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event (10.45am kick-off).

The men’s series continues on Wednesday, June 26 when the Blues and Maroons clash at the MCG in Melbourne. That match is also live on Sky Sports (11.45am kick-off).