Super Long frustrates future employers

The mercurial scrum-half, one of the most decorated and recognisable players of the modern era, announced on Monday that he would be joining Hull at the end of the season after 12 years with the Saints, but there was no suggestion of any divided loyalties for the 32-year-old as he inspired Mick Potter's side to a fifth successive win.

The victory was also their 15th straight success away from home, equalling a record set by Bradford in 1997, and brought about a ninth defeat in 11 outings for his future employers who have been crying out for someone of his creativity in the half-back position for the last two years.

They must wait another six months for that to become a reality, though, and were forced to watch on as Long had a hand in five of Saints' six tries, three of which were scored by Paul Wellens to take his current scoring run to 10 in six games.

Elsewhere, Wigan hit Salford with an early four-try blast to set up a comfortable 34-18 win.

George Carmont, Tim Smith, Pat Richards and Mark Riddell all crossed in the opening 16 minutes as the Warriors overpowered the Reds for a second successive week.

Six-goal Richards, who claimed a hat-trick in the Challenge Cup win seven days ago, then grabbed a second and there were further tries for Riddell and Harrison Hansen.

Hull KR lost ground on league leaders St Helens after conceding the double to fellow surprise packet Huddersfield, falling to a 22-6 defeat at the Galpharm Stadium.

Front-row duo Scott Moore and Eorl Crabtree both celebrated their England call-ups by orchestrating a superb win for the Giants, who moved to within a point of the Robins with an emphatic victory.

Moore, who is on a season-long loan from St Helens, grabbed the opening try and fellow loanee Lee Mossop also scored on an impressive home debut as Huddersfield maintained their top-four challenge.