AP – Kurt Gidley scored his first try for Warrington but his five-star performance was soured when he was forced off with concussion in his side’s 34-16 Super League victory over Wakefield on Friday.
The former Newcastle Knights, NSW and Australia utility also created another couple of the Wolves’ six tries and kicked five goals from six attempts.
The win at the Halliwell Jones Stadium moved Warrington above neighbours Wigan at the top of the table.
Wakefield coach Brian Smith never looked like celebrating a victory over his younger brother and opposite number Tony despite a plucky effort.
The Wolves, after wins over Leeds and Hull KR, led 24-6 at the break and had a star man in Gidley before he was forced off through injury in the second half.
Ben Currie and former Parramatta halfback Chris Sandow each crossed twice for the Wolves with their other try from Kevin Penny, but it was not a five-star display from the hosts, who threw away several other scoring opportunities.
A try apiece from Wakefield’s Craig Hall, Anthony Tupou and Jonny Molloy – as Liam Finn added the extras – proved not enough.
Gidley took Sandow’s short pass to blast over for his first try for the club since his arrival from the Knights.
It was not a fluent first-half display by Warrington who were sloppy in possession at times but Sandow scored a superb individual effort just before the break when he collected his own neat chip to stretch the lead to 24-6.
Wakefield were rewarded for their endeavours early in the second half with a try from sub Tupou, converted by Finn.
But a touch of class from Gidley set up a walk-in try for Sandow after he burst through the visitors’ stunned defence to make it 28-12 after 54 minutes.
Gidley missed his first kick for Warrington after 13 successes from as many attempts before it was followed up by the ever-alert Currie for his second try before the Australian went off on the hour.
“There is a six day turnaround before our next game at Salford and we will need a new halfback combination,” said Tony Smith.
“That’s a shame because Kurt was terrific and has struck up a fine understanding with Chris Sandow.”
