Warrington Wolves maintained their unbeaten start to the season as Chris Sandow inspired them to a 30-31 win over Salford.
The enigmatic halfback landed a stunning drop-goal after the hooter to secure a thrilling comeback, with the Wolves trailing 30-12 earlier in the match.
Despite earlier tries from Jack Hughes and Ben Currie, Warrington went into the break 28-12 behind as the Red Devils produced another sizzling attacking display. Tries from Junior Sa’u (2), Josh Jones, Greg Johnson and Josh Griffin gave Salford a commanding lead at the interval.
O’Brien extended that lead with a penalty goal against his former club, but with 20 minutes to go Sandow came to the fore. He gave the Wolves a glimmer of hope as he set up Ryan Atkins for two tries before Ashton Sims brought Tony Smith’s side level with another late try.
Both teams had opportunities to win the game, but Sandow stepped up and produced the late drama.
Salford O’Brien; Carney, Sa’u, J Griffin, Johnson; Lui, Dobson; Kopczak, Lee, Griffin, Murdoch-Masila, Jones, Flanagan. Interchange Evalds, A Walne, Tomkins, J Walne.
Tries Sa’u 2, Jones, Johnson, Griffin. Goals Dobson, O’Brien 4.
Warrington Russell; Penny, Evans, Atkins, Lineham; Ratchford, Sandow; Hill, Dwyer, Sims, Currie, Hughes, Westerman. Interchange Dodds, King, Jullien, Wheeler.
Tries Hughes, Currie, Atkins 2, Sims. Goals Sandow 5. Drop goal Sandow.
