Warrington Wolves 22 Castleford Tigers 30: Tigers stun Wolves to prove they are serious

Luke Gale claimed one try, had a hand in two others and landed three goals as the Tigers showed why many are tipping them to be real Super League challengers in 2017.

Former Man of Steel Zak Hardaker also caught the eye with a try and a spectacular 70-metre break from deep inside his own half to set up Gale’s try during an eight-minute purple patch in the first half which saw the Tigers cross for four tries.

Jesse Sene-Lefao and Greg Eden also touched down in a stunning spell of attacking rugby by Daryl Powell’s side and the win was secured with a fine second-half try from winger Greg Minikin and Eden’s second of the game five minutes from time.

It was the hosts who had been quickest out of the blocks and got their early rewards after just six minutes when Kevin Brown’s crossfield kick was palmed back by Rhys Evans and second row forward Savellio did well to scoop up the loose ball to dive over.

The game changed dramatically midway through the first-half as Cas hit their hosts with four tries in a devastating eight-minute spell, the first coming when Gale sent Sene-Lefao in for the opener.

Two minutes later, Hardaker raced clear to score with Gale adding both conversions.

Eden went over in the corner before Hardaker sprinted 70 metres before sending Gale clear to score.

Tom Lineham powered over to reduce the deficit to 12 points at half-time.

That deficit was cut to six points midway through the second half when Lineham claimed his second try, but the Tigers hit back almost immediately when winger Minikin beat four men to make it 26-16.

Savellio’s converted second try cut the lead back to six points at 26-20, but Eden sealed victory with a late try.

Warrington Wolves: Johnson, Russell, Evans, Atkins, Lineham, Brown, Patton, Cooper, Clark, Sims, Hughes, Savelio, Westerman. Substitutes: Dwyer, Crosby, Livett, Westwood.

Castleford Tigers: Hardaker, Minikin, Webster, Shenton, Eden, Chase, Gale, Lynch, Milner, Springer, Sene-Lefao, McMeeken, Massey. Substitutes: Millington, Moors, Cook, Monaghan.

Referee: Phil Bentham (RFL).