Castleford scrum-half Luke Gale was in inspiring form as the Tigers maintained their unbeaten start to the Super League season with a thrilling 30-22 victory over Warrington at the Halliwell Jones stadium.

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 title contenders 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 play 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.

Winger Tom Lineham and second row forward Andre Savellio both claimed two tries for the Wolves, who are still looking for their first league win of the season.

In other matches on Friday night, Liam Sutcliffe came off the bench to score the winning try as Leeds continued their dominance of Salford at Headingley.

Sutcliffe landed the telling blow three minutes from time to give the Rhinos a 20-14 victory.

Wigan recovered from a 14-point deficit to beat Widnes 28-26 in a controversially and hastily-rearranged clash at Widnes.

The newly-crowned world club champions were supposed to host the Vikings on Friday only for the game to be called off following Thursday’s storms, and then switched at short notice.

The circumstances surrounding the initial cancellation are to be investigated by the Rugby Football League, but the Warriors put the issue aside with a thrilling late fightback.

Acting captain Danny Brough led Huddersfield to a 24-16 victory over Wakefield.

Brough succeeded with only two of his five conversion attempts but was responsible for the decisive moment when he broke clear nine minutes from the end and produced an inch-perfect kick for England winger Jermaine McGillvary to pounce for the match-winning try.

And Leigh Centurions recorded their first victory since winning promotion to Super League with a hard-fought 24-16 success over St Helens.

After defeats against Castleford and Leeds, Neil Jukes’ side showed tremendous character to upset their illustrious rivals.