Sunday Social: Sydney still World Champions, Johnstone’s incredible finish & All Stars support bullying victim

James Messenger

It is time for Love Rugby League’s Sunday Social, your alternative recap of the serious and not so serious talking points from the past seven days.

Sydney Roosters retained their status as World Club Champions with a gritty 20-12 victory over St Helens. They needed a superbly-worked team try, finished off by Luke Keary, to make sure of victory in the final quarter. A try worthy of winning any big match.

Tom Johnstone is a man renowned for his incredible finishing, but was this try against Castleford the best of his career so far? His truly remarkable score could not prevent Trinity from suffering defeat in the West Yorkshire derby.

In one of the most hotly-anticipated games of the weekend Down Under, the Maori All Stars came from 16-12 behind to beat the Indigenous All Stars at Cbus Super Stadium. Hooker Brandon Smith, understudy to Cameron Smith at Melbourne, scored twice, including this one late on, to wrap up the win.

Before the match, the Indigenous All Stars were led out by nine-year-old Quaden Bayles. Latrell Mitchell and his team-mates invited the youngster to the game after his bullying experience made headlines across the globe.

Warrington recorded their second win of the campaign with a hard-fought 32-22 win over Toronto Wolfpack at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. It was a special night for Gareth Widdop, who opened his Wolves account with a first half try.

And finally, Huddersfield ensured they were the only side in Super League still with a 100% record in tact after their 22-4 win away at Hull KR. I doubt many would’ve predicted their successful start to the campaign, especially while they’ve yet to play at home!

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Ian Watso accuses referee of “ruining the game” in Salford’s defeat to Leeds

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