Who had a belter or blundered? SunSport’s Challenge Cup final ratings
Our verdict on the players in the Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves Wembley showpiece as the French side triumphs 20-14
CATALANS Dragons and Warrington Wolves have battled it out at Wembley for the Challenge Cup.
But who impressed and who had an afternoon to forget? Here’s SunSport’s verdict on the players.
CATALANS DRAGONS
TONY GIGOT – WHAT A turnaround for the full-back. From talking his way into a drugs ban to a crucial role in a moment of history and the Lance Todd Trophy for man of the match. 8
LEWIS TIERNEY – HAD A dream start with opening try as he added the Challenge Cup to the Super League title he won with Wigan. 7
DAVID MEAD – PAPUA New Guinea ace was relatively quiet but produced the goods by bundling Tom Lineham into touch when threatened. 7
BRAYDEN WILIAME – STUPID penalty at 8-0 up was almost punished and caught on last tackle in good position. Made up for it with huge try. 7
FOUAD YAHA – SIGNALLED intent and threat early on but was clearly second best for the high ball as Warrington targeted him repeatedly. 5
SAMISONI LANGI – HUGE half-back threatened the line on many occasions, much more than his Warrington counterparts. 7
JOSH DRINKWATER – CONTROLLED things with his boot for the first half and had role in Wiliame’s try but nerves clearly showed late on. 6
MICKAEL SIMON – CAN BE forgiven for pinching himself all night long after doing his bit in a French resistance. 6
MICHAEL MCILORUM – LANDED first massive blow in battle with Daryl Clark and experience was crucial as they held on. 7
SAM MOA – TRY stopping the prop when he is on the charge. Pounded down Wembely time and time again. 6
BENJAMIN JULLIEN – STARTED like a train as the former Warrington man haunted a few familiar faces. 7
BEN GARCIA – MUST HAVE learned to steal over from dummy-half during his time in Australia. Vital contributions as the Dragons made history. 8
REMI CASTY – NEEDED to watch his 2007 final appearance on video as it was such a blur. Will want to watch this again and again. 6
JULIAN BOUSQUET – PROVIDED perfect impact off the bench, running straight and making metres. 7
JASON BAITIERI – QUALITY addition off the bench made sure there was no easing off. 6
KENNY EDWARDS – OFTEN attracts headlines for off-field antics but was solid in role when introduced to the back row. 6
MICKAEL GOUDEMAND – EXPERIENCED a Wembley win after coming off the bench. Unspectacular but did nothing wrong either. 6
WARRINGTON WOLVES
STEFAN RATCHFORD – NIGHTMARE start by dropping kick but found himself making metres as Warrington sensed huge comeback. 6
JOSH CHARNLEY – SO MUCH expectation rested on his shoulders but the winger was marshalled well by the French defence. 5
TOBY KING – CRUCIAL role in Murdoch-Masila try and a danger at kicks all afternoon. Best of a bad bunch though. 7
BRYSON GOODWIN – TASTED victory at Wembley for New Zealand in 2013 but there was no repeat of the late drama of that World Cup semi-final. 5
TOM LINEHAM – DITCHED formality by giving guest of honour Andy Burnham a fist bump! Warrington’s display and disallowed try would have changed his mood. 5
KEVIN BROWN – WHEN his side is on top, his cool head creates control. Reverse kick for George King try was inspired and threat grew. 6
TYRONE ROBERTS – MUCH expected from the Aussie half-back but most of his kicks looked largely aimless and could not inspire a comeback. 5
CHRIS HILL – ENGLAND prop won on his first Wembley appearance but it is now three straight losses at the national stadium. 5
DARYL CLARK – STEADILY grew more of a threat as the game went on before running himself to a standstill. 6
MIKE COOPER – HOMETOWN boy had been hitting his best form in recent weeks but was patrolled excellently. 6
HARVEY LIVETT – EASILY shrugged off by Jullien for early opener and made little impact going forward. 5
JACK HUGHES – BACK-ROWER often goes unnoticed when things are going well. Knocked on as Warrington pounded the Dragons’ line late on. 5
BEN WESTWOOD – HUGE impact early on left him wondering whether he was at Wembley or Wakefield. Also dropped ball with tryline begging. 6
BEN MURDOCH-MASILA – HAULED Warrington back in it seconds after coming on but big man could not inspire a turnaround. 7
GEORGE KING – GAVE his side hope with try that made it 20-12 but ultimately tasted defeat. 6
DECLAN PATTON – GAME had seemingly gone by the time he came on, scoreline closed but not enough. 7
JOE PHILBIN – DESPERATELY tried to get his side in the game but Warrington needed more. 6
