Pre-season round up: Alex Walmsley testimonial, Leeds win derby over Bradford and Featherstone defeat Wakefield

Josh McAllister
Newcastle Thunder

Patrick Mago of Wigan Warriors is tackled during the friendly match between Newcastle Thunder and Wigan Warriors at Kingston Park

A round up of all this weekend’s pre-season friendly fixtures, including St Helens’ clash with Leigh for Alex Walmsley and his testimonial. 

St Helens 16-6 Leigh

St Helens claimed a 16-6 victory at home over Leigh in the testimonial for Alex Walmsley.

New signings Will Hopoate and Konrad Hurrell made their first appearances for the Saints. There were a handful of first appearances for Leigh, including Caleb Aikens, Jy Hitchcox and Nene Macdonald. 

Tommy Makinson opened the scoring in a tight clash at the Totally Wicked Stadium. Josh Simm also crossed in the second half, while James Bell scored on his first appearance. 

The man celebrating his testimonial in Alex Walmsley converted the two from Bell’s try in the club’s only pre-season friendly. 

St Helens v Leigh: Talking points

Bradford 12-30 Leeds

There’s no such thing as a friendly when Bradford face Leeds, with the game seeing two sin-bins. Matty Dawson-Jones and Muizz Mustapha were sent for 10 just before the half-time break.

Jack Walker returned to action for the first time in two years due to injuries and was named at full-back. 

Bradford’s Kieran Gill opened the scoring. Rhys Evans extended the home side’s advantage to 12-0 before the half-time break.

However, 30-unanswered points saw Richard Agar’s side claim the victory at Odsal. Alex Mellor, Max Simpson, Liam Tindall and Kai Morgan all crossing for second half tries. 

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Salford 32-10 Halifax

Salford retained the Colin Dixon Memorial Trophy with a 32-10 win over Halifax at the AJ Bell Stadium. 

Amir Bourouh made his first appearance for the Red Devils. Ryan Brierley and Brodie Croft impressed in their second appearances for the club.

Newcastle Thunder 12-42 Wigan

Wigan traveled to Newcastle Thunder for their first test of 2022.

Abbas Miski, Patrick Mago and Ramon Silva all made their first appearance since joining the club. Talented youngster Logan Astley featured in the halves alongside Harry Smith. 

Sam Halsall opened the scoring and went on to cross for a hat-trick as the Warriors claimed a 42-12 victory over their Championship opponents.

Featherstone 22-18 Wakefield

Championship favourites Featherstone proved they mean business in 2022 with an impressive 22-18 home victory over Super League’s Wakefield.

Josh Hardcastle opened the scoring. Further tries from Craig Kopczak, Craig Hall and Morgan Smith saw a victory for the hosts.

Friday

Dewsbury 12-60 Hull KR

Salford 32-10 Halifax 

St Helens 16-6 Leigh 

Saturday

Oldham 24-24 Wakefield

Sunday

Swinton 28-22 Whitehaven

Barrow P-P North Wales

Bradford 12-30 Leeds

Doncaster 18-66 Castleford

Featherstone 22-18 Wakefield

Huddersfield 50-6 Batley

Newcastle 12-42 Wigan

READ MORE: List of pre-season friendlies 2022

Championship League 1