Super League XIV – Grand Final Preview

October 8, 2009 at 8:17 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

We’ve arrived at the magic number.  My first ever Challenge Cup Final was the 1978 date in which the late John Holmes sent his side home as I sat on the ledge between the upper and lower terraces in the Leeds end.  The family at the bottom of the upper terrace were Leeds fans and very kindly let me sit in front of them.  I have few recollections of the game itself other than the drop goals and my dad’s reaction.  At half-time the banter was in good spirits, replaced by a feeling of loss which had emanated from my dad.  It was a day without meaning for a six year old Saints fan but the memories of the feelings and atmosphere have never left.  Facing a trip to Old Trafford for a possible third loss at the hands of British rugby league’s new glamour club has presented many an issue for Saints fans.  Over the past twelve months I have witnessed, formerly avid Saints fans, throw off the chains of success and bemoan it to the point that some are not even attending this year’s Grand Final.  Many Saints fans are bored of success and as we now stand on the precipice of doom with no silverware to follow for many a year I question why they are not here to celebrate the club’s last chance of a trophy for, well until next year.

This season has now unwound.  Leeds have not given us a year similar to previous years and neither have Saints.  Purposeful or not, both teams appear set for trying to climax on Saturday.  It is mutual masturbation, with erotica replaced by a desire for perfect timing.  Like in the era before the internet when you used to express yourself, trying to time your tender moment when the right inspiration was on screen.  Mis-time it and you’ve switched from Harriet Makepeace’s folded arms look to Dempsey slaughtering the screen with his usual ham harvest. Timing is everything.  Have we been fortunate enough to be in this position before?  In the earlier years of the Grand Final it was commonplace to see the two finalists be at similar levels with a couple of exceptions when teams had blown themselves out just trying to qualify e.g. Wigan.  Does this year’s Grand Final present us with one of our most evenly-matched?  The predictors don’t think so.  We’re in for an unprecedented third consecutive championship winning season for Brian McClennan’s side and who can argue with that?

There are a few critical factors which the RL watching public have picked up upon in the build up to this match.  The strength of the defences, the pressure and Saints’ current capability around putting points on the board.  Starting with the latter, there is evidence to suggest Saints are struggling in that department, not having rattled up more than fifteen points since the trip to Harlequins RL in July.  There has definitely been a loss of chemistry with the ball compensated for by some stirling defensive efforts.  Compare this with Leeds who gave us some show-stopping action against Catalans in that game winning spell before half time.  There is little comparison.  It would be dangerous to jump to such a conclusion with Saints and it is something that I imagine their most aware fans will be wary of.  It is though a clear edge in form for the champions in this area.

Defensively it is not so clear.  Both teams can rely on strong efforts in this area.  Is there a difference?  Maybe where the difference between the two lies is in their ability to handle their opposition.  Saints may not be clicking and threatening out wide but they are inside.  Since the start of the year Potter has had his side barging up the middle with good success, much to the chagrin of some of the Saints mentalists.  In the head-to-head games against each other I think Saints have won this game on the basis of their defence has been stronger in winning the forward battle.  This is partly of course due to a less effective yardage making front set for Leeds.  It is also another dangerous game to ignore the wide threats of Lauititi and JJB.  The big Kiwi could prove to be a critical factor in the final outcome (33/1 for the Harry Sunderland).  There is an edge though but I’m not convinced its the kind of edge which influences you enough to look at winning margins for Saints because whatever Saints gain with the slowing of the PTB down, it is little when offset against Leeds’ first rate tackle grounding game.

And the final piece of this breakdown is the pressure.  Saints fans will have you believe the pressure is off them and the team.  It isn’t.  Losing for a third year in a row may send Saints into a downward mental spiral for future finals.  Losing so often to Saints harmed the Bulls only in losing face.  Bradford responded excellently in disposing of other opponents and the Saints legacy is a wrong they wish to correct in the same way Saints wish to do the same on Saturday.  Leeds are favourites and favourites with good cause.  Favourites can be a weighty tag.  It can also be a weighty advantage if you get on top quickly with some tries.  Everybody knows this.  It is down to Saints to prevent themselves getting put in that position.  If the game gets away from Saints before the interval it may already be lost so pressure may play a bigger part than anyone would like it to.

We want a game for the ages.  Each match between the two this year has been a cut above anything else we’ve seen in Super League.  I am not decrying the tremendous efforts we have seen across the competition this year because there has been some great confrontations in Super League XIV.  However, we are being flippant if we ignore how well these two have clashed over the years, going all the way back to my childhood and beyond.  A respect between the two has grown and grown to become a truly fierce rivalry for the ages akin to others in my lifetime.  I want a classic and I believe we will get all the drama and thrills which a classic demands.  A close encounter between two closely match bulks of beef. Big hits in great supply.  Hard runs garnering applause and Francis Meli.  It is time for Leeds to test Super League’s excitement machine and see if their stronger kicking game forces Saints into that mindblowing internal pressure.  Enjoy the game everybody.  Leeds by 6.

For those of you that have read this far and read along with me over the course of the year I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives to receive my thoughts.  There are many great sporting blogs out there and I hope that I’ve been able to provide you with something interesting and thoughtful.  After all, which other sporting blogs reference Neil Sedaka with Leeds’ effectiveness at bringing the tackler down and when do you ever see Noam Chomsky, Oscar-nominated shorts or the Foreman-Lyle heavyweight epic sit alongside the greatest game?  If you follow my links I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed sourcing them.  Usually, if you haven’t realised already, I’ll try and find a way of shoehorning in something I like and tailor my waffle around it.  I love this game.

Power to the peaceful.

Super League XIV – Qualifying Semi-Finals Preview

October 1, 2009 at 8:49 pm | In Rugby League, Sport, Super League | Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Here we are then. One week to go and it might well be the most eagerly anticipated match-ups in play-off history. We have two knockout games instead of the usual one. Last week Huddersfield’s season tailed off as Catalans played the game, controlled it and let the home side give in first. It was first rate performance in a game I thought was unfairly criticised. There may have been plenty of penalties in the opening thirty minutes but there was some exciting rugby as well with big breaks lighting up the match until Catalans score put them out of sight. If the opposition had been Leeds people would be wetting themselves about it.

A trip to Leeds was Catalans reward which means the only team left capable of beating Leeds play on Saturday night. Which team that is we’ll find out. Both Saints and Wigan can usually be relied on to provide resistance to Leeds even if recent Old Trafford battles have seen Leeds come home with the silver. At Rovers, Wigan never really looked to be in too much trouble and have set up the dream fixture on the ball of the universally successful club call.

Leeds vs Catalans
Of the two matches this is the one which attracts the least interest, not because we don’t follow Catalans because everybody does. It is the ominous feeling surrounding the game that the French have come as far as they can and now face the champions. Leeds aren’t champions by accident and although this season hasn’t seen them hit the heights they look very good from where I am sat. Catalans will need every bit of their recent defensive showings to even compete here. In the past three weeks the Dragons have given us performances not dissimilar to a top four team with serious Grand Final aspirations. Had they been at home for any of those games their probability of success on Friday would increase. This is not based on any sensible reasoning, merely the logic that teams looking to win away from home for four games in a row against statistically superior opposition come unstuck eventually. From where do you see Catalans breaking this Leeds side? Adam Mogg continues to be a vital cog and contributor and he is capable of being a key factor down the flanks for Walters. Casey and Bosc definitely give the back line some structure and momentum when they have the forwards pushing the defensive line backwards. Against Leeds they are less likely to get that. Over the past three seasons or so Leeds have perfected their tackling technique to the point of being the most effective wrestlers in the game. This is not a complaint in the manner that Walters’ comments about Huddersfield was. In the past two Grand Finals, Leeds’ game plan has centered around forcing ball carriers onto their backs with good defensive weight. Catalans do not strike me as a team with zip in the tackle which may explain Walters’ fears against the Giants. If you watch Leeds you can see they aren’t unnecessarily scrappy in the tackle. They are great with their timing in relation to what the referee is looking for. Pushing the boundaries would be an easy comment because I don’t see it in their style. A set Leeds defence is too strong for Catalans and coupled with Leeds’ freshness it has to be too much for the Dragons. Leeds by 12.

St Helens vs Wigan
What’s your prediction for the attendance on Saturday? It might not be the first time the old enemies have squared off for a place in the Grand Final with the loser going home. It might be the first time both sets of fans have been going in expecting to reach the Grand Final. If you haven’t heard Saints are at their weakest now since, well since 1997 by the sound of it. Despite looking much improved in their last outing at home to Huddersfield Wigan are running hotter at the moment. I can see how people have arrived at this opinion. Wigan have bowled over Castleford and Hull KR in the play-offs after being butchered at the Galph so it makes sense to point to those two comfortable wins and compare them favourably to facing Saints on their own turf. What have Saints got that Castleford and Rovers haven’t? Saints, after all, have lost more games at home this season for at least five years and, without consulting the record books, you probably have to go back to the last century to find a similar record of defeats. This means that Wigan confidence is not wild-eyed optimism. The visitors are battle-hardened with those two games but I ask you to look at those two games. Were they really the type of game that gives you irresistible armour against a team like Saints? Critics comment on the lack of cohesion when Saints have the ball in their hands whilst ignoring their other strengths such as defence and forward power. Is there a better yardage making set in the league? I don’t think there is and it will take an immense effort from Wigan to hold a side as fresh at Saints. The week off might take an edge off the attack but in both play-off games I thought Wigan looked ready for pushing on the back foot in the final third of the game. Neither Castleford nor Rovers was able to force the play well enough to test out Wigan. It will take a strong first half with a couple of tries lead for Wigan to win this. I don’t foresee a shoot out and if Wigan are to win it will be on the back of hard work, grit and determination, problem is I see Saints having more. Saints by 8.

Play-off predictions so far 2-4.

Dante’s Inferno

September 29, 2009 at 8:47 pm | In Tests | Leave a Comment
Tags: , , ,

The Dante’s Inferno Test has banished you to the Second Level of Hell!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Level Score
Purgatory (Repenting Believers) Very Low
Level 1 – Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers) Low
Level 2 (Lustful) Very High
Level 3 (Gluttonous) Moderate
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious) Very Low
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy) Moderate
Level 6 – The City of Dis (Heretics) Very High
Level 7 (Violent) Moderate
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers) High
Level 9 – Cocytus (Treacherous) Very High

Take the Dante’s Inferno Hell Test

Super League XIV – Preliminary Semi-Finals

September 24, 2009 at 9:18 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Incredible! Here we are just two games away from British sport’s biggest domestic climax.  Last week Castleford and Wakefield said goodbye to love.  This week we circle around two more do-or-die battles.  Please don’t let the winners expend too much energy ahead of the semi-finals because we demand two belters next week.  We want our blood!

Huddersfield vs Catalans
Wrestlemania is back in town and boy am I looking forward to this one.  If there’s no biff, bang, bosh in this I want my money back.  Big boys duffing up other big boys has been top class entertainment for centuries and across all social classes.  Us hungry RL morons are one and the same.  We abhor violence.  Put some big collisions, high shots and punch-ups in any game and we are abhorring it.  Ruined it I have.  Instead of the coliseum headliner I foresee a tight game liberated from excitement by loose handling, flopping around and bombs.  This deserves my “this can go either way” comment with references to Catalans, at times, flowing distribution being flattened by strong Giants defence.  Walters’ team have the intelligence, skill and approach to test Nathan Brown’s team.  Is it capable of performing at its best, which is what it will need to be.  I doubt it.  It would be absurd of me to ditch Huddersfield after singing their praises through most of the season.  With Brett Hodgson whizzing around the pitch, Mongo squashing oranges in the pack and Fulton giving some game-winning inspiration it is a solid home outing keeping some distance between the two.  I would love Catalans to make a fight of this and I am holding out on them being in a final fling mindset to give us good Friday night viewing.  Huddersfield by 10.

Hull KR vs Wigan
One big question for this game.  Was Hull KR’s collapse at Leeds indicative of the way their season is ending or merely a switching off before inevitable conquest by the league’s bully boys?  The pundits have made their opinion clear. It was the former.  The manner in which the first admirable team from Rovers country capitulated was a reflection of how their campaign has progressed.  A good crust to open with offset against a soggy middle before some flavour kicks back towards the end.  Neither the crust or the flavour has been enough to overcome that soggy middle.  There’s a downbeat journey here.  You can’t say the same for Wigan.  Brian Noble’s annual spurt has most observers predicting a Wigan trip to St Helens thanks to a strong second half of the season.  It has been strong.  It has not been that strong though.  Who are we trying to kid here?  I’m amazed the visitors didn’t dismantle Castleford to the tune of fourty-odd points last week.  It is the play-offs I guess and you don’t write Wigan off, something that I learned a long time ago.  The difference is it was a long time ago that I also decided to write off not writing Wigan off.  Here we are all in danger of writing off a Rovers team which can be very deadly when it forces those errors.  Wigan are a team which volunteers errors and I think we’re primed for a blow out either way.  At Leeds the stresses and strains of a long season came to the fore and it is difficult to avoid looking there for your result.  There are all sorts of permutations possible from this one and if Rovers do out-percentage Wigan I hold little hope of them progressing further if they have to go back to Leeds.  Look, it isn’t because I believe Leeds are simply superior.  It is this has to be a battle-weary win for Rovers and I am going to plump for the exhilaration of a potential semi-final wooing Craven Park to an ugly death at Headingly.  Hull KR by 2.

Play-off predictions rate, 2-2.

Super League XIV – Play-Offs – Week One Previews

September 16, 2009 at 9:39 pm | In Rugby League, Sport, Super League | Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hey!  How a week changes your perspective.  Last week I couldn’t hold back my saliva when I thought about what these coming weeks has in store for us.  Turns out the first week is a mixture of death-defying victories alongside pre-ambles to possible encounters in a couple of weeks time.  Now you might not enjoy reading too much about how miserable a season your side as had and it’s tiring listening to the same old lack of RL analysis on this blog.  However, there is one thing nobody ever gets bored of reading and that’s mistakes.  I made a mistake last week.  It was a foolish one which I’m quite happy to put down to my usual playful exuberance about Super League play-off football.  There is no better time to be had watching professional rugby live in this country’s domestic calendar.  This will be our twelfth year of Super League play-off football and it has gone faster than a Keith Senior purchase order for shoulder chips.  From the epic first final when Jason Robinson’s dazzling footwork undid one of the best Leeds teams of the past thirty years to Wakefield’s heroics at Hull and from Castleford almost going all the way to the inevitable mention of “Wide to West.”  You may not like the play-off format and you’re a fool if you don’t.  You would prefer to deny us the pleasures of knockout football by the very best.  I’ve strayed from my point.  If you’re still arguing about the merits of a play-off system, stop watching the World Cup, Champions League Football, Major League Baseball, the Olympics, American Football and boxing because it’ll ruin your appreciation for round-robin leagues.

Back to my point.  My problem now is this could be the first of two encounters between Leeds and Hull KR.  Assuming results go to form and positioning there’s every chance that Hull KR and Huddersfield will have to beat Leeds and Saints twice just to progress to the Grand Final.  It will be some achievement for either to reach Old Trafford.  Why bother going 100mph this week when you could lose and end up facing a game next week just for the right to face the same side again?  Well I suppose if either team wins this week they will be at home in two weeks time with a week off inbetween.  Maybe it is more interesting than I thought it is.  The Giants and Rovers can more than upset the applecart if they win this weekend.  They will establish a golden opportunity for a new club to participate in the pinnacle of the northern hempishere’s professional domestic rugby competitions.

Leeds v Hull KR (winner advances to a home game in week 3)
Awesomeness.  Just how did Brian McClennan manage to have his team turn up one week, drift through games the next, snatch a victory after that and secure a minor premiership off the back of it?  The more cynical and loveless of us would decry such astonishment with throwaway ill-researched comments about decreasing quality instead of recognising the increased intensity.  Mentalists.  Given the way results between the champions, Hull KR and Huddersfield have played out this year we’re all probably glad that it is Michael Dobson and gang in town to give us a match that promises greater competitiveness.  Despite close defeats against Leeds, Rovers cannot feel too confident about the trip.  This Leeds team hasn’t yet hit top form which has me believing they are saving their best for last.  At their very best Leeds can burn up the grass like Lebowski and I fancy they are primed for release.  Leeds by 8.

St Helens v Huddersfield (winner advances to a home game in week 3)
Of the two tussles of the big time, this is the one filled with hope.  If you are not a Saints, Halifax or Bradford fan the chances are you will be sat on the edge of your seat this Saturday evening waiting to see if Huddersfield can break the seal.  Okay, I keep mentioning this mythical barrier between the great sides and the aspirational teams every time Huddersfield face up to a challenge.  There have been four of these challenges so far this year for Brownie’s boys.  Leeds twice, the cup semi-final and most recently, the Challenge Cup Final.  A 20% return from those games might not seem that great but it is.  You don’t suddenly start knocking off everybody on the back of an upturn in form.  What makes this game so enticing is the hurricane defence of Huddersfield fronting up again to the 20% opponent.  Now the Giants face a challenge with less pressure than they have had in any of the previous ones.  Expectation might be greater in the Huddersfield than it was before but we know this is expectation buoyed by confidence not hope.  Hope can be frail during the strongest of times.  When facing an adversary you know how to beat and who is making a bit of a mess of putting themselves in the Grand Final painting that hope becomes confidence.  For RL fans this is sure to be a treat with a possible re-match in two weeks time either at the same place or at the Galph.  The scruffbags which make up the bottom four of the play-off places might have something to say about that so let’s just savour this Saturday’s bust-up and pray that if we don’t see this contest again this year, there is something even better waiting to be served for the world’s viewers to gobble up.  Huddersfield by 2.

Wakefield v Catalans (winner advances to away game next week against one of the top four)
I try not to embellish my own ego by pointing out where I was wrong and others weren’t, however I can’t start talking about Catalans and ignore the fact that I singled out their trip to Saints as the climactic encounter in the final round of regular season games.  Saints fans will tell you it was a dull match with Saints unable to inject any sort of efficiency or enthusiasm into the game leading to a rejection of coach Potter and the boys from the terraces meerkats.  Like any set of home supporters the opposition’s win was down to the under-performance of their beloved celtic-tattooed beefchavs.  There is some truth to that assessment but as per usual such crying detracts from what was an impressive Catalans display.  How the French team would have fared against a front line Saints is irrelevant.  You can only beat what is put in front of you.  Quite.  Catalans produced some fine deft skills to embarrass Saints not only with their handling but with the result.  Can Walters’ improving touch help to bring about what wouldn’t be that big a surprise result?  It’s an interesting question and one that I would have ignored but for last week’s impressive application.  Now, we have a Wakefield side which has been good this year no doubt.  Good enough to sit in fifth?  They are.  There may be teams around them claiming to be better but Wakefield’s triumphs speak for themselves.  It is one thing upsetting a higher placed team like Rovers, it is something completely different when you end up belittling the reigning minor premiers on their own turf.  If I was looking purely at tactical nous and ability you might disagree with me and favour John Kear’s Challenge Cup history as evidence for Wakefield.  This weekend I am torn between the two.  Catalans, when they carry our their gameplan are a more effective team and one who can easily slip out of  your sight before you’ve got a foothold in the match.  I don’t see that in Wakefield.  Wakefield will bug you all the way and at home they are a difficult team to beat, so I am going for the emotion of the moment to help Wakefield through to a trip to one of the top four.  Wakefield by 2.

******GAME OF THE ROUND******

Wigan v Castleford (winner advances to away game next week against one of the top four)
Here it is, our final game of the round and what a contest in store.  Both games this year have gone to the away team although Wigan’s more recent victory is a better indicator of how this one should pattern out.  You can say nothing but good things about Castleford’s season.  Not many predicted a seventh place finish, a finish that has been helped by some great results, including their win at Wigan.  Good things at Wigan centre around the progression of Sam Tomkins and a second half of the season which has been very consistent, on the back of losing their strongest attacking forward, Hock.  Games between these two have been, over the years, great for the neutral.  Mainly I am talking about times when Castleford have upset the odds.  Who can forget the Stuart Raper led Tigers or the JPS Nikau inspired thrashing?  Memorable.  Will this be as memorable?  I think it will.  My feeling is it will still be a Wigan win even if it is closer than Noble would like.  Noble?  He is and maybe what is happening with his departure will provide Matterson with an intangible asset.  Wigan by 8.

Last round’s predictions;

Hull by 1 (lost by 3)
Leeds by 10 (won by 6)
Hull KR by 2 (lost by 14)
Castleford by 30 (won by 13)
Huddersfield by 2 (won by 32)
Warrington by 18 (won by 10)
Saints by 8 (lost by 12)

A return to the 4-3 days making it 106-72 overall.  Is anybody really bothered about the accuracy of the score predictions?

Super League XIV Preview – Round Twenty-Seven Previews

September 10, 2009 at 7:07 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Here we are folks.  One game from the thrills and spills of play-off football.  When this year’s play-off format was first announced we all laughed and now I am quite pleased with this new format.  The amount of teams still in the mix is a bit comical, however the RFL have managed to get rid of the two-team elimination game that preceded the Grand Final.  Usually that game was either a walkover for the favourite or an inspired underdog display sees the challenger go through with nothing left in the tank.  Thinking of it, that might just have been once or twice and the Bulls managed it from third so it’s all about my mis-informed perception.

Still, look at next week.  Leeds and Saints against Huddersfield and Hull KR.  Who isn’t excited about that?  Forget those games anyway because the real knockout stuff dings off with Wigan and Wakefield facing up against Castleford  and any one of three others.  Each of those fifth to eighth placed teams are more than capable of beating the other, home or away.  Man, this is exciting.  The Challenge Cup may be historic but it isn’t the Grand Final.  The Grand Final is our heavyweight bout.  There is no luck of the draw when it gets to the Grand Final.  You beat the best to get there and then you beef up to the best to win it.  I love this game!

Hull (12th) v Bradford (9th)
The miracle is upon us.  Catalans impending doom at the hands of their former coach should see Steve McNamara given the freedom of The Love Apple.  Temptation lies in going for the Bulls on the back of some good form and most people will go with that.  If Catalans beat Saints then it will definitely be a Bulls win or will it?  Will they be deflated after pushing an unlikely season all the way until the final round?  On the other hand I look at this and see the Bulls are in a very good position, able to take advantage of any slip up against a team that switched off about twenty rounds ago.  If this was a biopic about Steve McNamara then Catalans would lose by a point at Saints and the Bulls would falter here in an error-strewn performance.  I like a bit of tragi-comedy so let’s go for it.  Ed Wood to direct.  Hull by 1.

Salford (13th) v Leeds (1st)
I suppose there is something on the line for this one.  Leeds need to avoid defeat and hope Saints don’t rattle up a big one at the same time.  It’s been a long season for Salford and one that has had its fair share of bright spots.  Unfortunately those bright spots have been spots and nothing more.  Myler is not the huge loss many may perceive him to be and the money could be put to good use in developing talent further.  That’s probably the question isn’t it.  If this was some sort of strategic management computer game I’d be taking that money and investing in the infrastructure of the club and its facilities, although the latter may not be as important if the long-planned stadium comes to fruition.  Thanks to the maddening format of this league and the British endless obsession with relegation and promotion Salford will not be able to invest large sums of money into their long-term aims because now they need to start fighting for some improvement over the next two years to avoid falling through the trapdoor.  The quest for short-term return on investment, quick profits over sustainable growth has led to three recessions since I reached the age of ten yet we’re quite happy, as supporters, to restrict our premier competition’s ability to avoid the same mistakes.  Good luck next year Salford because you’ll need it.  Leeds by 10.

Wakefield (6th) v Hull KR (3rd)
Great season for these teams.  Whatever happens from here on in I would be proud if I was a supporter of either for how they’ve applied themselves.  Rovers got off to a great start, kept it up, fell to the wayside and then bounced back into big time football.  Wakefield have overcome some horrible setbacks this year, managing to hand them off and hold on to sixth place.  With Wigan at Huddersfield there’s everything to play for here.  Third and fifth place are up for grabs and with the way the table currently lies finishing in these spots offers reasonable advantages.  This really is the game of the round.  I know that.  Hull KR by 2.

Castleford (7th) v Celtic Crusaders (14th)
Like Salford, Celtic face a race against time as the less progressive elements of the RL community circle above them wanting our expansion to fail.  This is developing into a confrontational round of previews I know.  I’d figured earlier in the week, writing about this week’s games was going to be difficult because there’s really only one result that matters.  Lying amongst these fixtures though are games for which teams are jostling for their position on the play-off ladder.  Except in this one.  Castleford by 30.

Huddersfield (4th) v Wigan (5th)
Huddersfield have been in the top five since round six.  Wigan only made the top five seven rounds ago.  What a great story that is, in Huddersfield.  My early season prediction was a fifth place for the Giants and they have exceeded that not just in a pure positional sense but also in the way they have played the game.  There have been significant improvements in their performances with a real purple patch in the holiday months which resulted in a magnificent semi-final win over Saints.  Going to south Wales last week was the perfect tonic and sets up Huddersfield with a chance at another crack at Saints.  After the way their reserves competed a few weeks ago it’s some incentive.  Wigan have rescued their season on the back of commitment, enthusiasm and heart.  These are all characteristics which have been scrutinised by their supporters over this season.  To see the new wave coming through, specifically Tomkins, offers hope for the next six years or so.  What happens if Brian Noble goes?  More years of instability?  Depends on the man who gets the job.  Is Paul Terzis still available?  Huddersfield by 2.

Warrington (10th) v Harlequins RL (11th)
Scorefest last round for the respective oppositions.  Can we expect the same here?  I’m not really bothered now.  I’d love to be able to look back over my previews and see which teams I have written the most about this year.  Warrington have to be up there.  Harlequins RL?  Maybe even if it has just been the same thing week-in, week-out.  Par for my course.  So now it could be curtain down on the season time.  Funnier things have happened and I will be tuning in to the local radio on Sunday if Catalans can’t perform a miracle on Friday.  Warrington by 18.

******GAME OF THE ROUND******

St Helens (2nd) v Catalans Dragons (8th)
For most this is a stroll through the park for Saints.  Second is tied up, The Big Red Machine is having a week off and Catalans have never come close at Knowsley Road.  Time for the conspiracy theorists to take hold.  Potter, being an ex-Dragon, will hopefully be giving the home fans something to moan about by letter his former team run ragged over his side.  Of course, such conspiracy theorists are quite happy to bypass Potter’s professionalism just to try and give some sort of credence to their ridiculous ideas.  This does remain game of the round because Saints might be looking to brighten up their attacking play in the week before the big stuff starts and we all know how much Catalans need to win this.  This is the game of the round because a Catalans win renders the games at the KC and HJ obsolete if the French win.  I’m expecting a high tempo, free flowing match with plenty of points.  Where are the cameras?  Saints by 8.

Last round predictions;

Leeds by 8 (won by 8 )
Wigan by 12 (won by 12)
Catalans by 2 (lost by 14)
Huddersfield by 4 (won by 26)
Hull KR by 12 (won by 24)
Bradford by 6 (won by 26)
Castleford by 2 (won by 48 )

A few blowouts in another 6-1 round with two correct scores.  A late surge pushes the overall to 102-69 (60%).

Super League XIV – Round Twenty-Six Previews

September 3, 2009 at 9:08 pm | In Rugby League, Sport, Super League, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I take a week off when it’s Challenge Cup weekend and whilst I was eagerly anticipating last week’s historic final it sadly lived up to my expectations.  The result was a side issue for me.  Two teams who could win a big trophy for the first time in decades has monumental written all over it.  It was though a bitty affair, brought to life in the early stages by characteristic mistakes which created a false feeling of top class entertainment.  It was definitely an exciting start.  It was also a first half in which neither team was able to generate a good rhythm with the ball in hand and it wasn’t until the second half that the game really felt like a Super League game.  Up until the interval it felt very much like a typically scrappy cup game where neither team wanted to win.  The first twenty minutes or so of the second half were more like it.  It finally felt like a Super League game.

So it wasn’t a cup final for the ages and it won’t be one that people outside of the participants’ towns will be remembering twenty years later.  It was though a brilliant sampling of Tony Smith’s coaching ability as his Warrington side dominated the Giants with a defensive display as strong as their opponents was in the semi-final.  Smith’s side took some chances in shifting the ball wide and the selection of youngster McCarthy was indicative of Smith’s desire to present a mobile and fast moving defensive line.  It worked exceptionally well.  Right from the off Huddersfield had no way of penetrating the Wire line and didn’t look like they would make much yardage up the middle no matter how long the game went on.  Invincible is a strong word and we would be being overly dramatic if we used that word to describe the defence of the Giants after the semi-final.  Overly dramatic possibly.  Not without some substance though.  It was a deceptively intelligent coaching performance which superseded Brown’s victory over Saints.  Despite whatever reservations or disappointments you may have about what happened it was truly a pleasure to see a different set of fans experience the joys of winning a meaningful trophy.  Moments like Saturday’s mean nothing without having first tasted the barren years and Wire fans have had decades of those.

Leeds (1st) v St Helens (2nd)
For many this would appear to be one of the season’s critical fixtures, however there is little to be gained from pushing too hard on Friday.  Victory for either team should see them finish the regular season as minor premiers.  What does defeat bring for the other?  Not much difference in terms of play-off difficulty.  The pressure of being minor premiers has laid heavy on the heads of the visitors who have succumbed to the champions in the last two Grand Finals.  Leeds, I think, would relish the opportunity to convert a minor premiership to a Grand Final win and given the way their season has unfolded, finishing top and winning at Old Trafford would be some achievement.  Neither side has managed to establish an over bearing consistency with mishaps and convincing defeats along the way.  SKY’s game of the round merely presents both teams with the chance to establish some sort of psychological superiority going into the play-offs.  Leeds and Saints aren’t into psychological superiority when it comes to facing each other.  Other teams may already be onto the road to defeat before they’ve taken the field against these sets of highly-powered athletes.  When Leeds play Saints you can never be sure of what the outcome will be unless form is so heavily weighted in favour of one of the sides and even then we’ve seen surprises in recent seasons.  Think Grand Finals and Challenge Cup match-ups.  There is little psychological advantage at this stage because Old Trafford is all that matters to these two.  Standing in their way are expected to be Hull KR and Huddersfield.  Finish top and you will be rewarded by inviting one of those two new kids into your backyard.  It is no longer the reward that it used to be.  Leeds by 8.

Wigan (5th) v Hull (12th)
So Wigan made it.  Congratulations to the most maligned coach in Super League.  Brian Noble is there and whenever a Noble side is sniffing around silverware there’s always a chance, unless it’s at international level or not against Leeds or Wigan.  The home fans can switch off for a couple of games and enjoy the free-flowing and thrilling style in which they’ve been treated to this year.  They should all be on their knees from this day forward praying they get a shot at Leeds.  Wigan by 12.

Catalans (7th) v Wakefield (6th)
Saturday night’s SKY game is my second pick of the round’s games.  Wakefield will be partaking in knockout footy and remain in the hunt for a very creditable fifth place.  With Wigan hosting Hull that hunt is more than a stretch which shifts the concentration levels in favour of the home side.  We all know that Wakefield are a mystery team and unreliable when it comes to predicting.  The same is true of Catalans.  Is it enough by saying it means more to Catalans than Wakefield?  I think it is.  Should be a cracker.  Catalans by 2.

Celtic (14th) v Huddersfield (4th)
I thought pick your game was only in operation in the play-offs.  Surely the Giants must have fixed this one for themselves.  Play a cup final and then take a trip to South Wales, ideal isn’t it?  Not so sure.  Who wants to be making two such long trips in the space of a week?  Huddersfield fans don’t even like taking long trips down the M62.  Holiday in the valleys or a disaster waiting to happen?  If visas weren’t an issue then it might just have been the latter.  Huddersfield by 4.

Hull KR (3rd) v Warrington (9th)
As professional as Tony Smith is and as professional he makes his sides I cannot foresee the Wolves being drilled into the ground for this game after winning the cup.  We all know the story of what happens in the weeks leading up to and the week after the final, it’s preparation then party.  With the two teams above them facing difficult games which could leave them hanging on their final games to quality for the post-season, Wire could conceivably enjoy their cobweb-soaked champagne week and still be in with a shout of making the grade next week.  Can they take that chance?  If you were in the boss’ chair at Wire what would you do?  You’d be silly to force the play this week.  Let them enjoy their week and if there’s a sniff of a chance next week, go for it.  Whatever happens the season has been a success and anything else is now a bonus.  Besides, what harm does a few extra weeks rest do in preparation for the four nations and next season?  It’s a win-win for Cyrano.  Hull KR by 12.

Bradford (11th) v Salford (13th)
Mathematically it is possible.  Theoretically it is possible.  Realistically it is possible and it will happen.  So have been going Steve McNamara’s regular pre-match talks for the past two months.  We all knew the Bulls would storm along towards the end of the year when there was no pressure on them.  It’s motivational coaching of the highest order.  I wish Chris Caisley could see them now.  Bradford by 6.

******GAME OF THE ROUND******

Harlequins RL (10th)v Castleford (8th)
Sudden death it is.  A promising season is on the verge of lying in tatters for Brian McDermott’s men.  A run of just one win in ten rounds has seen Harlequins RL dive out of the play-off picture.  I’m sure they were third at one point as well.  What has gone wrong?  Injuries.  It’s one thing a team blooding youngsters during confident times and occasionally McDermott has managed to inspire brilliant performances.  Sadly, you can’t live on that.  A team like Harlequins RL needs to stay clear of squad testing absences because the depth isn’t there yet.  It might not be enough for them to win here unless they rack up a good score.  With Castleford travelling to Warrington in the final round a win for either of those clubs may still be enough for one of them to go through.  The spivs need favours.  They have to hope that Wakefield and Hull KR rattle up some big numbers and even then it’ll mean nothing without two points from this game.  Sudden death football is great.  Castleford by 2.

Last round predictions;

Hull by 2 (won by 20)
Hull KR by 8 (won by 4)
Saints by 6 (won by 2)
Warrington by 2 (lost by 12)
Leeds by 54 (won by 68)
Bradford by 6 (won by 24)
Wigan by 1 (won by 3)

A wild gamble on Warrington left the week’s predictions at 6-1.  96-68 overall.

Super League XIV – Round Twenty-Five Previews

August 20, 2009 at 9:59 pm | In Rugby League, Sport, Super League, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hull (12th) v Harlequins RL (9th)
Harlequins RL need a win desperately.  From looking like certs for the play-offs they now loom dangerously close to missing out.  Fortunately for Harlequins RL Catalans and Castleford face difficult games so I can see any two point cushion remaining by the end of the weekend.  A four point deficit might be too much to overcome which is partly why I’m hoping for an away win.  To do that I know I have to back against Harlequins RL so they can fulfil their destiny.  Sadly I can’t write positively about Hull.  Good recruiting next for year should have Hull mentioned more often in Super League XV.  Inevitably I’ll be writing about Richard Agar and failing to live up to expectations.  A bit like Matt King being coached by Paul Cullen or James Lowes.  Hull by 2.

Salford (13th) v Hull KR (4th)
Test of Rovers mettle here.  It’s not good jerking off the big boys if you get strap-on-ed by a crack whore.  That’s no good for anybody, except maybe Lolly Badcock.  Huddersfield have the easier final two games but they’ll need three to be sure of third.  Justinho still believes his team can become champions and you know what?  I’m inclined to agree.  The biggest block in the way of that is Leeds’ improving form.  A red hot Leeds team stands to be too hard for any of the contenders.  Great review I know.  Hull KR by 8.

St Helens (1st) v Huddersfield (3rd)
Typical isn’t it?  We get a match up like this on Friday night football and it ends up being a week before a Saintsless Challenge Cup Final.  Nathan Brown, quite rightly, looks to be giving some much needed recovery time for some of his players.  Likely that such a decision will present Saints with a chance of both revenge and confidence building.  I can’t see it being so easy though.  A nervy home outing can give the Giants reason to concentrate on their game, however if they repeat the same amount of handling errors as they did in the semi-final Saints can’t be as merciful.  There’s no use in complaining about the cup final robbing us of one of the year’s prime time collisions because the probabilities  are that these things happen.  Even now though that Huddersfield defence lurks in the back of my mind and any defence like that can keep you in a Super League game.  I hope the Giants dip last week doesn’t get too comfortable though.  Saints by 6.

Warrington (10th) v Wakefield (6th)
Here’s an intriguing one.  Tony Smith knows his team are drifting in the league and defeat here will surely leave them with too much to do.  Last week was pathetic and you cannot just turn on the form tap when you want to.  It is worrying me for next week’s final.  I want both teams to be thrashing the life out of the other which means we need more than some effort here.  Coming into the semi-final Warrington managed to avoid stumbling into the game.  Their line-up for this one indicates Smith is going for this one.  Playing Celtic is like having a week off for some teams and has probably come at the right time for Kear’s men.  I fancy them to be flying around the pitch determined to win and when Wakefield hit their best form they are one of the most entertaining teams in the league to watch.  You may not think this is that interesting.  It is.  Warrington by 2.

Celtic Crusaders (14th) v Leeds (2nd)
Leeds quest for the top continues in South Wales as they embarrass the home side by sticking at least fifty on them.  Leeds by 54.

Bradford (11th) v Catalans Dragons (7th)
The French are fighting, refusing to bow out of the play-off hunt and as mentioned last week they need to take one of the next two games to make it.  It’s not guaranteed in the same way that victory in Bradford isn’t.  The carefree Bulls are spoiling everyone else’s party although even three miracle wins is unlikely to see them in the postseason action.  You all believe that the spoiling will carry on forcing the Dragons into what should be a belter next round at home to Wakefield.  Warrington’s Wembleyitis might just see them fall out of the play-off picture which should also mean one of Catalans or Harlequins RL will do battle beyond the regular season.  Fair play to the Bulls.  They’ve been crap for most of the year and still manage to generate more than two lines of writing.  Perhaps they deserve it.  Perhaps I should write about how terrible a season it has been for them.  My Name Is Earl.  Bradford by 6.

******GAME OF THE ROUND******

Castleford (8th) v Wigan (5th)
Wigan have made it.  A lollercoaster of a season looks set to end with a Brian Noble inspired surge to Grand Final defeat.  When you consider some of the histrionics rampaging across their forum earlier on in the season Noble must have proved some doubters wrong.  Darren Lockyer Jnr’s flashes of quality have given our former glamour boys hope for the next few years.  Similar can be said for Castleford who should be interesting next year when their good youngsters are a year older and a year closer to turning into game winning players.  At the moment Matterson can’t rely on such individual magic which is what makes this one of those great contrasts.  Over the years it was rare that Wigan would find it tough against a well-drilled side usually because of the dearth of them.  We are still some way from every side being able to at least defend each match.  We are not some way from Wigan finding it tough.  Improvements in the consistency of the less talked about clubs have brought us a competition where no brand is too big to be beaten.  Edge of our seat stuff.  Wigan by 1.

Leeds by 8 (won by 64)
Wigan by 6 (won by 20)
Catalans by 6 (won by 12)
Harlequins RL by 8  (lost by 4)
Huddersfield by 2 (lost by 10)
Wakefield by 18 (won by 34)
Rovers by 4 (won by 16)
Reasonable week last time out with 5-2 when I should have backed the Bulls like I almost talked myself into doing.  90-67 (57% which is quite a bit down from last year’s efforts).

Super League XIV – Round Twenty-Four Previews

August 13, 2009 at 9:34 pm | In Rugby League, Sport, Super League, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Momentous.  Truly momentous.  This year’s Challenge Cup semi-finals were the most eagerly anticipated since 1996 and they didn’t disappoint.  Saturday’s contest deteriorated into an error-fest in the second half, however the entertainment level never dipped and you carried on watching.  Warrington almost goofed their way into twenty years only for Lee Briers to save the day.  What a transformation by Briers.  When Tony Smith came in I talked about the psychological benefit he brings to a side.  You have seen it in Lee Briers’ performances of late.  Gone is the petulant hissy-fit throwing Briers, replaced by a player who is finally realising that it was always his inner demons which were holding him back.  I hope such a transformation seeps through into his character and personality.  A possible tale of redemption on our 114th birthday?

Sunday was as incredible a semi-final as I have ever seen.  Competition favourites, Saints, were kept out by the best defensive showing of Super League XIV.  Saints’ looping wide attack was completely shut down by an aggressive defensive strategy, picking out the runner and disrupting their passing patterns.  Without that defence there is no way they would have won.  The cup holders attack might have been stymied but it wasn’t neutered and a weaker team would have shipped more points.  I remember my own personal excitement during the 1996 cup run when we knew Wigan were out of the competition.  More than at any other time of attending cup matches I knew the chance of success was there.  Both sets of fans must feel that now.  It is a tremendous feeling and one which will leave one set of fans disappointed in a way that many of us have experienced.  Huddersfield have been threatening to break through and they face the side most likely to if they don’t achieve it themselves.  A fascinating possibility and I know I speak for pretty much the entire RL population when I say this year’s Cup Final is not only one I will be tuning in for it is one I cannot wait for.

Leeds (2nd) v Castleford (7th)
One of the contenders for this week’s pick of the pops. Castleford going to Leeds is normally a home win and I’m sure most people will be thinking and going that way.  This year you just don’t know do you.  A week of rest will have done both sides good especially Castleford whose revival was crushed by Justiniho’s men.  This is the start of a relatively comfortable run-in for Leeds, who have their one tough match at home (Saints).  Aside from that this is the next hardest.  There’s a least six points in the bag for the champions coming and a couple of big scores at Celtic and Salford might just see them topple Saints as minor premiers.  Castleford have really been too inconsistent this season for me to be tipping them.  Leeds by 8.

Wigan (5th) v Warrington (8th)
I know I should probably keep my chatter about last week’s game to the opening paragraphs of the review.  What’s the point though?  Surely Warrington will have been partying all week whilst Wigan got back into training with revenge and a big stick in the Wire spokes on their mind.  Pity there’s no Terry Newton playing for Wigan anymore some  of their fans have been thinking.  He could have bust a few nuts and bolts before Wemberlee.  What did happen last week?  Pretty straightforward really.  O’Loughlin had his first game back from injury and he wasn’t able to get into the game like he has been doing.  Warrington blitzed Wigan with some devastating attacking rugby and controlled the final thirty minutes of the first half.  It was some half hour of RL.  I guess some Wigan fans would be tempted to mention the going-for-the-two or Phil Bailey’s injury as significant.  They weren’t.  Warrington just clicked man.  They clicked like two clicking things in the Greatest Clicking Things In The World Competition in a click-off in Clickheaton (I should have written Blackadder IV).  Wigan woke up in the second half as Wire folded three aces.  Truth is Wigan weren’t taking control.  They snaffled up a few chances without having to earn them.  Missing leadership on the field was the issue for Wigan.  Their captain’s return was neutralised by his physical condition and there was nobody else there to drive the team forward in the manner in which Morley was doing for Warrington.  What a season Morley is having as well.  If it weren’t for The Big Red Machine churning up the yards for Saints Morley could well be Man Of Steel.  He may still yet take it and I won’t bemoan him if he does.  Wigan by 6.

Catalans Dragons (10th) v Hull (11th)
Just take at look at those final Catalans fixtures.  Bulls (A), Wakefield (H) and Saints (A).  22 points for them now, level with Harlequins RL and Warrington.  Could they climb over those and maybe even catch a team further up the table?  If they can topple Bradford at The Great Pit Of Carkoon I think they will.  Should be two points here with one of the poorest Humberside teams to have graced Super League.  Catalans by 6.

Harlequins RL (9th) v Salford (13th)
Frustrating, frustrating, frustrating.  Frustration RL they should change their name to.  This is simply a must win for Brian McDermott.  His team’s schedule sees four games against teams in the bottom half with the final two at home to Castleford and away to Warrington.  Harlequins RL are a team with their destiny in their own hands right now.  Win all four of these and it will be play-offs time.  Cue big time frustration.  What’s the point in getting all excited about Harlequins RL when they disappoint nearly every single time.  If Harlequins RL appeared on Mock The Week they’d be Russell Howard.  Occasionally he’ll come out with a good one, usually once per series.  Harlequins RL by 8.

Huddersfield (3rd) v Bradford (12th)
Bradford just won’t die this year.  Of course I said this the other week when I said they will now play their hearts out so Stevie can proclaim his team to be heading in the right direction and ready to make up lost ground next year.  With Huddersfield there has to be a chance of Wembleyitis for this.  Are they going to go out full tilt with Saints next week and the Challenge Cup Final the week after?  Okay Saints might not be too much of an ask but who wants to risk an injury right now?  If Saints beat Hull KR the Giants can afford to lose this one and still be three points clear in third.  You know what?  I was obviously thinking a home win here and now I might have talked myself into believing an eager Bulls team can spring a surprise.  Stop!  Look I’m generally an optimist.  I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and look for the more positive aspects of someone’s personality.  Here I’m telling you that I believe Huddersfield have brought to the table a first rate defence that reminded me very much of the Saints-Hull teams of Super League XI.  I’d take that.  Huddersfield by 2.

Wakefield (6th) v Celtic Crusaders (14th)
The season is over for our Welsh brothers and my continual minimalist approach to writing about their games has to end at some point so I can talk about how successful their first season in the big league has been.  A Wakefield win will keep them vying for fifth but more importantly it will ease the pressure on the remaining tricky games.  Wakefield by 18.

******GAME OF THE ROUND******

Hull KR (4th) v St Helens (1st)
Given the results between the two sides over recent years I’m surprised this wasn’t singled out as one of the SKY’s weekend choices.  When Rovers turned over Saints earlier this year I was already looking at the return match as one of the season’s prime slabs.  Rovers have fourth more or less sewn up and with the possible distraction of the Cup Final for the Giants they may still push the chase for third down to the final weekend.  Three points with four games left to play means it is all on for Rovers.  Saints reeling is an awkward proposition particularly the way the side has played this year.  Despite hovering slightly above average with their form for most of the season Saints have shown some great resilience away from home.  It will be interesting to see if Justiniho tries to use the same defensive tactics as Huddersfield did and if they do will that be the end for Saints this year?  Rovers by 4.

Huddersfield by 2 (won by 24)
Wakefield by 4 (won by 6)
Catalans by 10 (won by 34)
Leeds by 6 (won by 2)
Bradford by 6 (lost by 8 )
Castleford by 4 (lost by 18 )
Wigan by 1 (lost by 4)

Continuing the average streak 85-65.

Super League XIV – Round Twenty-Three Previews

July 30, 2009 at 8:58 pm | In Rugby League, Sport, Super League | 1 Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

If you’re reading this on Thursday I’d just like to point you in the direction of We Are Klang’s new series on BBC3 at 10.30pm tonight.  I don’t know how they’ll translate to something as orthodox as this format.  If it’s anything like their live routine it can’t be missed.

Back to this week’s games and what a week.  Wigan steam on.  Brilliant win against Leeds.  The difference in their defence over the past month has been incredible.  Can they keep it going with Saints this week and the semi-final next?  What about Castleford sneaking back into the top half mix?  Still looks difficult for them.  As for Huddersfield, well I’m pleased to see a new kid on the block.  Can’t imagine Bradford fans are too chuffed as their own season splintered into pieces some time ago.  Over in Hull it was a terrific derby which was well deserved for those of us who have had to watch Hull more than once this year.

Due to being busy I haven’t been able to put an opening paragraph in and when I finally get free I have nothing to talk about.  Maybe I should talk about what I learned today.   Today I learned that our of last year’s England RL World Cup Squad five players proved to be damaging to the squad’s hopes, not because of their play on the field but their attitude off it.  Which five players were the negative influences which meant they were doomed to defeat before they even took the field?  Interesting isn’t it.

Hull (11th) v Huddersfield (3rd)
Not bad last week Hull.  A lot better than we thought they would play.  Wasn’t enough though was it.  In fact Hull still look like a side which hasn’t moved on in years.  Okay they threw the ball about a bit but what about that defence?  It’s as average as ever.  Top two chasing Huddersfield pose a different threat this week.  Third highest points scorers and lowest points conceded?  How has that happened?  Huddersfield are in the throes of ripping up the script, possibly starting next week and I hope they don’t leave their eye on that game for too long.  You can manage both.  Huddersfield by 2.

Salford (13th) v Wakefield (7th)
We thought it might be the case last week for Wakefield that too many huge games had them reeling and so it happened as the rejuvenated Tigers went ahead by two points.  It has to be an away win this week doesn’t it?  Salford collapsed in the second half at Warrington and McRae’s comments this week, to me, are not in proportion to his side’s efforts this year.  I don’t know what kind of criticism he’s come under this season.  His league position increase the chances of it being hard talk.  So when I say his comments I mean I’m not sure what criticism is that valid for a newly promoted team.  Makes you wonder if the team’s response will be a fiery  one.  If they do this can be a home win.  Have to go with Wakefield though.  It’s not so much Salford’s form more Wakefield’s and their need to keep up with their rivals.  Wakefield by 4.

Catalans (10th) v Celtic (14th)
Salford (A), Hull (H), Bulls (A) and Wakefield (H) before their season finale in St Helens.  Eight points is possible from those games so Catalans aren’t quite out of it yet.  Hopefully they can get plenty of locals in this one because it’s not going to be the boom weekend the hoteliers were hoping for.  Should be a comfortable win and a nice trip to France for our new Welsh brethren.  Catalans by 10.

Leeds (2nd) v Warrington (8th)
This should have been a crescendo.  Wire building up speed and Leeds trotting along, gearing up for the KO stuff.  It should have been.  We’re not really facing such a bang now.  Warrington went off the boil before regathering themselves ahead of next week’s semi-final.  Tony Smith has to be thinking Wigan will be backing up after too many tough games whereas his own side gets to test its intensity levels in preparation.  Do you expect Warrington to go at it like trench warfare?  Me?  I figure Smith will ask his side to hang in there and see if the Leeds that turns up means serious business or is still not locking together so well.  Aside from Peacock there isn’t too much good yardage work in the forwards.  It’s all a bit nip and tuck stuff at times.  If Leeds don’t up their game Smith’s men are sure to be hanging around to snaffle some scraps and a match more interesting than it should be sets up Warrington for next week.  At home Leeds can regroup after this round because they have no Challenge Cup aspirations this year.  They were knocked out.  KO’d.  Bullied out of a silverware hunt.  Time for them to set themselves for this year’s charge.  Just get through this one and top is a cert.  Leeds by 6.

Bradford (12th) v Harlequins (9th)
Hey spivs.  Looks like the bottom of the play-offs is your best bet now.  Warrington’s trip to Leeds should mean the visitors will still be in touch for the post-season action no matter what this result is.  I wouldn’t bother blaming my predictions for losses Harlequins RL fans.  It lets your team off the hook.  Your boys weren’t at the races last week.  It was one-way traffic until Saints tucked into bed and snoozed through to the hooter.  No let off this week.  If you think the Bulls are going to be going through the motions think again.  Bulls to come out fired up playing as if they can avenge everyone when it’s obviously too late.  Idiots.  Bradford by 6.

Castleford (6th) v Hull KR (4th)
Rovers almost gave it away last week.  What has happened to them?  Peaked way too early?  It has to be more than that.  They were coasting along at a competitive rate of knots and then WHAM! This is now a very tough trip.  Castleford have to be brimming with confidence thanks to their form improvement.  After our showstopper this has to be second choice of the round’s games.  A Tigers win brings Rover back into the pack and possibly out of third if Huddersfield kick on at Hull.  My logic says that Rovers are the more complete and consistent side.  Castleford’s wave of exhilaration has me wrapped in it and I’m going for Matterson to come up trumps.  Will it be enough for the play-offs?  It’s going to be very close I think.  Tigers by 4.

******GAME OF THE ROUND******

St Helens (1st) v Wigan (5th)
It has been a while since the neutrals have been able to look forward to a Saints-Wigan game.  I imagine most will be keen to watch this one.  Saints may have slipped back into gear at Harlequins RL but so have Wigan.  Noble has got a roll going.  It’s the kind of roll that he’s generated before and we know what happened at the end of that.  These are two huge games for Brian Noble and this club.  With their current form fans have every right to believe they can win both.  Why can’t they?  Their form is impressive and with Saints and Warrington experiencing indifferent form momentum is in their favour.  Test number one is right here.  I don’t believe Wigan have enough to take the Super League title.  If other sides hit a bit of form I suspect Wigan’s lack of punch may show through fatigue.  Consecutive wins could allow them some rest which Noble couldn’t sacrifice Bradford’s form for during that legendary run.  Both sides are missing key players and perhaps next week is more important too.  It doesn’t feel like it.  Wigan by 1.

Last week’s predictions;

Bulls by 6 (won by 22)
Harlequins RL by 2 (lost by 20)
Rovers by 12 (won by 6)
Huddersfield by 10 (won by 24)
Wakefield by 4 (lost by 8 )
Warrington by 6 (won by 42)
Leeds by 6 (lost by 18 )

Average.  81-62.

Next Page »

Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.