Warrington Wolves began their Super League campaign with a 22-8 victory over Salford Red Devils at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Tony Smith's side are expected to be among the challengers to be crowned Super League champions this season after suffering a 16-12 semi-final defeat to Wigan Warriors last year and they made a positive start on Saturday.

Riche Myler opened the scoring with the first of four tries for the home side, who led 12-0 at half-time after evergreen hooker Mickey Higham also crossed before the break - with Stefan Ratchford converting on both occasions as part of a superb all-round display that saw him excel both in the tackle and with the boot.

Salford were given hope when Ben Westwood was sin-binned 10 minutes after the interval for a high shot on Adam Walne, who had also been shown a yellow card for a high tackle late in the first half.

However, a converted Ryan Atkins try put Warrington 18-0 up.

Ben Jones-Bishop marked his Super League debut for the visitors with two tries either side of a score from Rhys Evans, as Iestyn Harris' men started the season with a defeat.