Super 8s: Wigan defeat St Helens, Wakefield boost play-off hopes

Wigan Warriors defeated St Helens 26-16 to boost their chances of reaching the Super League playoffs.

Oliver Gildart crossed twice in the first five minutes before debutant Ben Barba pulled a try back to take the half-time score to 14-4.

Anthony Gelling and George Williams scored within two minutes of each other to extend Wigan’s lead before Zeb Taia and Tommy Makinson scored for St Helens.

Wakefield ran in six tries to defeat Salford Red Devils 43-18.

Jacob Miller scored twice in the first half and Joe Arundel crossed to give Wakefield a 22-12 lead at half time, Craig Kopczak and Greg Johnson with the Salford replies.

Tyler Randell scored twice on his debut to extend Wakefield’s lead and Bill Tupou also added a score.

Tyrone McCarthy pulled a try back in the closing stages.

In the evening’s third game, Huddersfield Giants’ play-off hopes took a blow after a 24-16 loss to league leaders Castleford Tigers.

Jake Webster opened the scoring in the 12th minute but Oliver Roberts and Paul Clough scored to give Huddersfield a 12-6 half time lead.

Cas took control in the second half with three successive tries. Ben Roberts and Greg Eden crossed early in the half before Luke Gale stretched the lead.

Darnell McIntosh added a Huddersfield try late on.

The results see Wakefield hold onto their play-off place, just one point ahead of Wigan.

Huddersfield sit five points back in eighth while St Helens have dropped to sixth, five points off the playoffs.