Sunday Social: Warrington salute Westwood, French on fire, Gallen kicks a drop-goal

James Messenger 08 Sep 2019 3:09 PM

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.

In tribute to retiring team-mate Ben Westwood, a number of Warrington players – as well as former star Louis Anderson and Head of Rugby Operations Kylie Leuluai – performed the Haka following their win over Wakefield. Westwood will hang up his boots at the end of the season, having made over 440 appearances in Primrose and Blue.

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— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) September 6, 2019

It was a thoroughly enjoyable night for the Wigan duo of Harry Smith and Bevan French on Friday night. Debutant Smith scored the first try of his Warriors career, while French crossed for a hat-trick, meaning he has now scored four tries in as many games since joining from Parramatta.

?Oh What a Night ? pic.twitter.com/PwebFPhyh1

— Wigan Warriors ?⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) September 6, 2019

Amidst the euphoria as Whitehaven sealed a return to the Betfred Championship for the first time since 2016, Carl Forster’s small gesture certainly didn’t go unnoticed. The 27-year-old decided to give his League winners medal to the club’s Team Manager, Des Byrne.

League champions.
So much love for this man, can’t thank him enough for the last 3 years. Done a lot for me personally and can’t thank him enough. Hopefully this small gesture is enough for the great man. Top man ? ?? pic.twitter.com/AxhM8ed3Wg

— Carl Forster (@cforster26) September 7, 2019

Despite winning at Headingley for the first time in a decade, there was one sour note for Salford as a flare was thrown from the away end shortly after Joey Lussick’s second-half try. Jackson Hastings took to Twitter after the game to condemn the actions of the supporters responsible.

Best part of it all. Enjoy @SalfordDevils fans! ? Playing at Headingley last night was so special, I’ll never forget it. To whoever threw the flare – We don’t need that in our game nor associated with our club! Hope it gets dealt with appropriately. pic.twitter.com/24BSQ1nbCi

— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) September 7, 2019

One young flag-bearer had a unique method of exiting the field ahead of St Helens’ clash with Huddersfield. Justin Holbrook’s side went on to record a 48-6 victory, meaning they have gone unbeaten at home through the entirety of the regular season.

When Saints’ is life…..??#saintsandproud pic.twitter.com/EozXqYDuJr

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) September 7, 2019

And finally, despite making just shy of 350 appearances in the NRL, representing New South Wales in numerous State of Origin series and amassing 32 caps for Australia, Paul Gallen kicked the first-ever field goal of his career as Cronulla booked their place in the play-off’s with a 25-8 win over Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.