Wigan Warriors are just 80 minutes from an appearance in the Super League Grand Final after brushing aside league leaders Huddersfield Giants 22-8 in the first round of the playoffs at the John Smith’s Stadium.



The Warriors overcame a shaky start after going behind through Danny Brough’s try but a brace from Josh Charnley put Wigan on their way to victory before Blake Green’s try put the result beyond doubt.

Huddersfield lifted the league leaders’ shield in style with a dominant 40-0 victory over Wakefield at the John Smith’s Stadium.



In front of a raucous crowd, Paul Anderson’s men lived up to their pre-match billing as odds on favourites as they took the Wildcats – who went into the game having lost pivotal playmaker Tim Smith to Salford just yesterday – to the cleaners.

Huddersfield’s giant pack of forwards set the platform for Lunt, Brough, Robinson and Grix to combine and unleash their pacy backline.

Huddersfield extended their lead at the top of the table with a hard earned victory over second placed Wigan in front of a bumper crowd at the DW Stadium.



The Giants came out on top of the battle of the top two in a ferocious clash as they stood up to Wigan’s big pack and displayed an expansive attacking game on the back of their forward dominance.

Joel Monaghan scored a try either side of half-time to help Warrington into the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup where they will face Hull.



Warrington started at a frightening pace chalking up a 20-0 lead by the 25 minute mark through Paul Wood, Trent Waterhouse, Micky Higham and Chris Briers.



The visitors scored twice before the break to spark a possible comeback but Monaghan scored his second and Lee Briers scored to put the game beyond doubt.

Huddersfield held off last season’s finalists, Leeds to progress into the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup despite having a man sent off.



21 year-old centre, Joe Wardle scored a first half try to help his side establish a two try lead but knew his fate after sending three punches to the head of Carl Ablett.

Huddersfield romped to the top of the table as they dismantled basement dwellers Castleford at Wheldon Road.



On Grand National day, this game was a one-horse race from the 20th minute as Huddersfield had run in three tries to Castleford’s one and the Tigers found themselves down to 12 men.