Wigan edge out Huddersfield
Ryan Sutton returned from the sin bin to score a crucial try as Wigan came from behind to beat Huddersfield 24-16.
The Warriors, who lost George Williams in the warm-up, conceded an early try through Anthony Mullally.
At the other end of the field Matty Bowen was prevented from chasing his own grubber but got quickly back to his feet to set up Joel Tomkins from the resulting penalty.
Wigan led 10-6 after John Bateman darted into a gap after a fantastic pass from Sam Powell but the Giants responded imminently with former Warrior Jack Hughes breaking before offlloading superbly to Jamie Ellis.
Powell was then sin binned for a chicken wing, meaning he will miss next Saturday’s World Club Series clash against Brisbane if handed a suspension.
Huddersfield took advantage of their extra man to lead 16-10 at the interval, Jake Connor finding space before putting in a neat grubber kick to Aaron Murphy.
Tomkins scored his fourth try in two matches after overpowering his opposite man but another missed Ryan Hampshire kick left the Warriors two points adrift with half an hour to play.
Sutton and Craig Huby were both given ten minutes in the sin bin after an altercation at the scrum and it was in that time that Wigan went back ahead, a dangerous looking Bateman breaking the line again before finding Michael McIlorum in support.
19 year-old Sutton powered over just 20 seconds after returning to the field, his try confirming Wigan’s first victory of the new campaign.
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A Gareth O’Brien drop-goal on the stroke of half-time proved crucial as Warrington recorded a slender 7-6 win over Hull FC.
Last season’s Man of Steel Daryl Clark, who joined the Wolves over the winter, scored the only try of the first half in the 27th minute.
O’Brien converted before noticing the opportunity to add a vital point in what was clearly going to be a low scoring affair.
Tom Lineham finally managed to breach the Wolves’ defence in the 65th minute but despite the Black and Whites’ best efforts, they were unable to trouble the scoreboard again.
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Leeds scored a flurry of late tries to record a comprehensive 38-6 victory over Widnes.
The two sides were level at 6-6 at the break, Manese Manuafakoa barging over to cancel out Zak Hardaker’s effort after a quarter of an hour.
But Leeds were proving too hot to handle in attack and established a healthy lead through Ryan Hall and Adam Cuthbertson.
Danny McGuire, Kallum Watkins, Kevin Sinfield and Andy Yates on debut all scored late tries to give the Rhinos a convincing win.