Super League: St Helens, Wigan Warriors both win on opening night

Reigning champions St Helens defeated Salford Red Devils, while Wigan Warriors narrowly avoided a shock defeat to Leigh Centurions on the opening night of the Super League season.

With all six matches on the opening weekend being played in a Covid-free bubble at Headingley, it was St Helens and Salford who raised the curtain.

Tries from Tommy Makinson and Regan Grace gave St Helens a 13-0 half-time lead before Ken Sio crossed for Salford’s only score of the game.

Mark Percival, Kevin Naiqama and Alex Walmsley completed the scoring in the second half as St Helens eased to a 29-6 win.

In the second match of the evening, Wigan needed to overcome an 18-point deficit to avoid a shock against Super League newcomers Leigh.

Leigh had raced into an 18-0 lead within the opening 25 minutes after tries from Liam Hood, Iain Thornley and Ben Hellewell.

Wigan hit back though through Jake Bibby and Zak Hardaker to pull to within 10 points at half-time.

Joe Bullock crossed midway through the second half and Bibby’s second try late on saw Wigan edge out their opponents 20-18.