Jack Walker reviews a brilliant display from Sam Tomkins which lifted Catalans Dragons to an away win at Huddersfield.
MATCH DETAILS
Sam Tomkins scored a typically brilliant hattrick as Catalans Dragons moved back above Wigan Warriors into fourth place in the Super League table.
Huddersfield bombarded the visitors with a late onslaught but it was too little, too late as the away side walked away from the John Smith’s Stadium with the two points.
Ex-Wigan man Tomkins played the starring role, notching a personal 20-point haul after adding 4 goals to his three first-half tries. Jodie Broughton’s double and Brayden Wiliame’s try then what seemed to be the icing on a very pretty French cake, but the hosts rallied as the clocked ticked towards eighty.
Three of the Giants’ five tries came late on via Darnell McIntosh, Lee Gaskell and Innes Senior’s second. Senior and Jake Wardle, who kicked four goals, scored Huddersfield’s other first-half points as they eventually responded to Tomkins’ two self-converted tries in the opening half hour. Despite their late rally, however, the hosts were not able to add to the win at Salford last week, leaving them level on points with Hull KR, who won at Leeds 24 hours prior, and still only two points above bottom-club London Broncos.
FOUR POINTERS
GIANTS IN TROUBLE
The hosts fought valiantly but, for the umpteenth time this season, they left themselves far too much to do. If their defence doesn’t improve, they’re staring relegation square in the face.
TOMKINS QUALITY IN ABUNDANCE
Before his excursions in Australia, Tomkins was billed as one of, if not the best, player in Super League. Since his return, things haven’t gone as swimmingly for the full back, but he’s bang in form now and fired his side to another important win.
HUDDERSFIELD SENIOR PLAYERS MUST STAND UP
The Giants have now lost five of their last six games and face a trip to KCOM Craven Park to go head to head with Hull KR in what is most definitely the most crucial ‘four-pointer’ of 2019, with the losers potentially ending the round at the foot of the table. Given current form, I don’t give Huddersfield much of a chance.
DRAGONS CONTINUE TO IMPRESS
Yes, it was probably a game they were expected to win, but their free-scoring play has been a joy to watch all year. If they tighten up their defence, they could well end next term higher than fourth – where they currently sit now.
THE RESULT
HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS 28
Tries: Senior 2, Jake Wardle, McIntosh, Gaskell
Goals: Gaskell 4
CATALANS DRAGONS 32
Tries: Tomkins 3, Broughton 2, Williame
Goals: Tomkins 4
SQUADS
HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS: McIntosh; McGillvary, Gaskell, Clough, Leeming; Murphy, Mellor; Ta’ai, Jake Wardle, Holmes, Ikahihifo, L Senior, I Senior. Interchanges: Frawley, Matagi, Lawrence, Wilson.
CATALANS DRAGONS: Tomkins; Broughton, Mead, Wiliame, Romano; Langi, Gigot; Bousquet, McIlorum, Simon, Whitley, Garcia, Casty. Interchanges: Edwards, Albert, Maria, Kasiano.
