Pictures Eddie Whitham
A YOUTHFUL Warrington Wolves side eased past Salford in Lee Mossop’s testimonial at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Young full-back Josh Thewlis impressed as the Wolves won 30-14 in their final hit out before the new Super League season.
New signing Joe Bullock got a useful stint in the first half, while Ellis Robson once again impressed in the middle.
The only other familiar first team names in the line-up were winger Josh Charnley, Australian loose forward Jason Clark, sparingly used Londoner Rob Butler and Ellis Longstaff.
Despite that, Warrington largely controlled proceedings and scored the game’s first try within four minutes, a fine solo effort by Thewlis, who played alongside brother Jake.
He almost had a second on 20 minutes off Riley Dean’s kick, but was beaten to it by Morgan Escare, one of a sprinkling of familiar names in the Salford line-up.
The Red Devils used the evening to blood a number of their fringe and reserves players, as Paul Rowley looks at his options in depth ahead of their season opener against Castleford.
Young winger Noah Booth was tackled in to touch closer to the line and then Thewlis was denied a second try by a knock on call.
Salford got a score on the board on 35 minutes when Ryan Lannon held off three defenders to crash over from close range, though Robson powered over before half-time to restore the Wolves’ advantage to 12-4.
Jake joined Josh on the scoresheet with a try early in the second half to extend the lead to 12, but the visitors rallied.
Two tries from Joe Brady and Jacob Lee dragged them back within two but Warrington finished with a flurry in the final 15 minutes.
Jake got his second try before the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for young Jack Darbyshire, son of Wire legend Paul, who scored on his first first team outing down the right.
Longstaff completed the scoring to round off a positive night for Warrington’s youngsters.
After the match Head Coach Daryl Powell said: “The young players acquitted themselves really well and showed that the future’s really bright.”
Warrington: Josh Thewlis, Charnley, Darbyshire, Jake Thewlis, Booth, Hayes, Dean, Bullock, Inman, Butler, Robson, Longstaff, J Clark. Subs: Gannon, Burgess, Whitehead, Scott, Thomas, Doolan.
💬 "The young players acquitted themselves really well and showed that the future's bright."
The Boss' reaction to last night's pre-season win ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/U3vm18vet8
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) February 5, 2022
Jake Thewlis 🤝 Josh Thewlis
The future is bright 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/TUUtIyVvJN
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) February 4, 2022
