XIII Oceans

Bradford v Saints
This week’s headliner is one of the professional era’s most lovable rivalries. Fans that begrudge each other’s success developed a strong dislike for each other before Leeds came onto the scene and suddenly respect and admiration for the other teams’ competitive spirit became empathy of the day. Is battle set to recommence thanks to the influx of some promising youngsters on both sides? Of the two teams more is known and expected of Saints, wheresas spectators understand that this season is Steve McNamara’s first where his hands will truly be on the controls of the Bulls and it’s this that is probably the most intriguing aspect of this game. Saints have enough players in their side to claim victory here and I think it’s a test of McNamara’s coaching ability on whether they do or not. We all know that Saints can win this so it’s not an overly anticipated win for the Bulls, however missing two front rowers of the quality of Cayless and Maurie favours the home side. As fans, we’ve all been in that situation where you know the opposition is good but they’re either missing players or out of form lifting your hopes and although you don’t expect an easy game you’d be disappointed if your side didn’t complete its objective. This is one of those games for the Bulls. Last week they were superb at times, blasting through shoddy defence with Sam Burgess looking like the real deal. This week it’s a top side in town, there’s some pressure on, expectation of victory is not without justification and that ghost of last year’s playoffs is still sending shivers up McNamara’s spine. Lose here and I think the Bulls fans will be surprised and it’s quite possible we’ll learn of the first rumblings of discontent. Bulls by 6.

Hull v Wigoon
Herein lies a tale of two clubs. Two clubs that a few years ago had exchanged fortunes and league positions in the competition, heralding a new era of rugby league on Humberside. Hull were the new Saints, flying high on the euphoria of two final appearances before the arse fell out of that last year as Hull KR stole their thunder, their derbies, their players and their crowd disturbance convictions. Wigoon were slowly sliding into sleeping giant territory on a hotbed of RL talent and pigeon English. Now they face up, one side unbeaten the other undercooked. Hull’s injury problems have been well highlighted by fans oblivious to other teams’ plights and they face a side that hasn’t exhibited the same kind of vulnerability at the KC as other sexier sides have. Lacking signifiant weight in the front row means that the visiting side pose a lesser threat and Hull should be able to confront the opposition forwards on at least an even basis. The two wins so far for Trent Barrett plc might flatter their league position as both Harleqins and Castleford were tipped for the bottom two or three places by many so there’s still a feeling of uncertainess for some regarding just how capable this side is. Against a side containing Barrett you need to offer something yourself at half and Berrigan can do that, however the lack of a serious alternative option and Hull’s propensity to stuff the ball up their jumper means that the away team can lay down the first piece of wood for Peter Sharp’s coffin. Wigoon by 6.

Leeds v Catalans Dragons
Catalans can give us some of the most astonishing heroics in Super League at home and fleeting glimpses into their potential when in England. What they can’t give us is a miracle from Lourdes against a one-eye-on-the-WCC participants. Leeds by 18.

Harlequins RL v Wakefield
Wakefield at home, a game that every team fancy themslevs for taking the two points, consequently meaning that Harlequins RL are set to lose this. Both of these teams remind me of a lower placed Warrington side, beating the high flyers one week, slipping up against nobodies the week after and when you start to consider things like that you realise where teams have to improve if they want to break free of that inconsistency stranglehold that grips non-playoff teams. There’s no great reasoning behind predicting this game, just work it out for yourself. Harlequins won on the road at the KC last week, Wakefield leaked some bingo numbers at home so normal logic suggests that it’s a home win. Wakefield by 8.

Huddersfield v Castleford
A chance to get some points on the board for the Giants. Less than impressive scorelines against the West Yorkshire heavyweights hide the true ability of the home side, who will be looking to register their first points of the season against Cas, a game they would have singled out as an expected two points. It is a overused cliche about a side needing to concentrate for eighty minutes against the better sides and last week’s game at Odsal was a great example with the Giants more or less out of contention before they found their gears. Playing against Castleford there’s less likelihood of the Tigers being able to maintain a tough defensive line for the full game so you will get chances to claw back some of the points you concede if you start poorly. This doesn’t mean that the Giants only have to turn up with the result dropping into their laps and their fans know that after previous disappointing starts to the season. On song, the Giants pack should be able to completely control the game which is perhaps more of indicator of the mystery and prejudice that we have towards Cas, coming up as they did out of the NL. With relegation finally dropped from the agenda Matterson can develop his team with a more long-term plan, instead of feeling that this is one of those away games where two points is achieveable with a great performance (at some places you can play very well and still come away with nothing) and what a blessing and relief that must be. The Tigers want it but the Giants need it more. Giants by 6.

Hull KR v Warrington
This could well turn out to be the game of the round for me. Okay there’s no flavour of the months in there like Burgess or RL heroes like Roby to give the press the headlines they want but there are two teams here that have a recent history between them, playoff aspirations and players that can deliver progress for their fans this year. I’m really torn on this one. My head says that playing at home, coupled with Rovers’ previous showings against Warrington and so far this seson make this a relatively easy call. I’m not so sure though. Whilst I made light of Warrington being reliant upon one move this season earlier in the week, it is one hell of a move and one that can quickly rack up some points. Against Saints Wire played a very good first half and could easily have had a bigger lead before Matt Gidley showed his class. I’m thinking that although Rovers are looking like playoff material you have doubts about consistency because that’s the same for any club that’s not been in the top half of the table on a regular basis. If Warrington can use the ball to the left hand side of the threequarters as they do to their right they can be exceptionally dangerous at this stage of the season before teams wise up and neutralise their rapid passing. All that said Hull KR, I believe, are here to stay in this playoff hunt, injuries permitting, and this in many ways is a bigger test than last week’s trip to France because it’s the kind of opponent that teams lacking consistency cough up against. Should be a good game. Hull KR by 6.

Last week’s predictions:
Saints by 6 (won by 8 )
Leeds by 10 (won by 3
Wigoon by 16 (won by 12)
Bulls by 10 (won by 26)
Dragons by 4 (lost by 4)
Hull by 8 (lost by 18!)

That makes it 7 correct and 5 wrong so far. Hmmm lol.