MATT Dufty hailed Marc Sneyd as the missing piece in the jigsaw as Warrington Wolves reached the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-finals with a 20-12 win at home to St Helens on Sunday.
As when the sides met at the quarter-final stage last year, eventual 2024 Cup runners-up Warrington came out on top, securing their sixth-straight victory over Saints with England captain George Williams playing a starring role with two assists and a try.
That included setting up Dufty for the opening try, although the full-back was just as quick to praise the impact Williams’ half-back partner Sneyd, who was four from four with kicks at goal, has made since joining from Salford Red Devils last month.
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“Since Sneydy came to the club, we’ve been building as a spine, but if I was to sum it up I think that’s the best performance we’ve had as a spine to date,” Dufty told BBC Sport.
“It’s always a tough battle when we play Saints and I think we’re building a good rivalry, especially over the last couple of years.
“We know they’re always going to turn up and it’s just a great feeling to get the job done.”
Sneyd has now tasted victory over St Helens twice in a Warrington shirt, having made his debut in the 14-12 Betfred Super League win at Totally Wicked Stadium last month.
The 34-year-old, who tasted Challenge Cup glory with Hull FC in 2016 and 2017, is now on the verge of a return to Wembley as well – providing the Wolves can overcome 2023 winners Leigh Leopards on the weekend of May 10-11.
“It’s outstanding,” Sneyd told BBC Sport.
“For a club like Warrington it’s probably expected, but you’ve still got to do the job to get there.
“Luckily we did it and we’ve got a semi-final to look forward to.”
WARRINGTON 20 (M Dufty, B Currie, G Williams tries, M Sneyd 4 goals) beat
ST HELENS 12 (T Sailor, D Clark tries, J Bennison 2 goals)
Referee: Liam Moore
