XIII Oceans

Bradford v Harlequins RL (+14)
It was even more painful than predicted for the Bulls as Maundy Thursday turned out to be a crucifixion of sorts at the hands of the champions. There’s been a fair bit of talk about the result and how much is down to Leeds’ brilliance and how much down to absent players and poor RL play. Whilst the truth lies somewhere in the middle I don’t think it’s a crazy statement to say that the lack of five starters and the Bulls inability to run, pass, catch and tackle contributed to the result more than the champions. If you’re coming off that I don’t think there would be many other fixtures that the Bulls would prefer than Harlequins at home. Losing to the Dragons after being 18-6 at half time is a very poor result because they would expect to secure a win from that position against a team of similar ability. The lack of weight in the pack proved telling on Friday against Catalans and although the Bulls are missing some big men of their own they have enough to expose that again at Odsal. Harlequins know where the try line is despite not being big yardage makers, which suggests that they are a team that exploits opposition mistakes to the fullest. Given that the Bulls continue to have difficulty in handling the ball there will be opportunities for the visitors but the Bulls can contest this game more easily than the Headingley thrashing. Bulls by 18.

(+12) Castleford v Warrington
A strong showing at local rivals Wakefield has the Tigers going into this game with some confidence following a second half at Belle Vue in which they completed sixteen of eighteen sets. That kind of control is going to be needed against the Wolves who stretched away from the Giants in the final quarter of their round seven match. Warrington struggled to get a grip on their game and turning the ball over will do nothing other than give the home side that confidence that can quickly build up when the locals sense the smell of west coast blood. I can’t imagine that a Wire team that has seen off Hull KR, Huddersfield and Wigoon is likely to give the Tigers enough field position to win the game, especially with the momentum that they have going into this game. If Monaghan is back there should be plenty of daylight between the two. Warrington by 14.

Catalans v Wakefield (+
A terrific opportunity for Catalans to register a third consecutive win as the Wildcats visit with their dismal road form. There was an element of theft in the Dragons successful trip to The Stoop which is adequate compensation for their last defeat, at home to the Bulls. Wakefield’s Danny Brough found it difficult to establish a hold of the game at Hull and the return of his half back partner, Rooney, at home meant he didn’t suffer the same kind of problems versus Castleford. In Wakefield’s last two away trips they’ve not been overwhelmed and have competed at a level higher than expected so this becomes another match that should go one way but could easily go the other. The Dragons are on a roll, returning home, looking to get two points that will put them level in the playoff hunt with Hull the next guests. I just can’t see past Wakefield’s results away from home even though they’ll be looking at this game as one of those away games where they can win. Dragons by 6.

(+10) Huddersfield v Saints
Some difference one performance can make on your perception towards a game like the Giants hosting Saints. Go back to the day prior to Good Friday and I was looking at this game as one of those Giant big name killings but now my thoughts have changed. Saints showed a resilient determination to swamp Wigoon and set themselves on their way to playing the game like they can. Defensively Saints were strong and they will need to repeat that effort on Monday, knowing all too well how powerful the Giants can be at home. At Warrington the home side managed to push the Giants off the pitch which should give fans at the Galpharm something to worry about going into this clash. On the other hand, the Giants know that they had the better of Saints before when they’ve had their first choice front row playing so doubt should not be an issue. What is a concern is the creativity at half back, which was highlighted in the seaon preview. Robinson and Brown were always likely to be the subjects of an examination when the side doesn’t win putting more pressure onto the two against a side that completely shut down man of steel contenders, Barrett and Leuluai, on Friday, thanks to an outstanding effort without the ball. Had Good Friday’s game been closer then my concerns over Saints facing up to the Giants monsters would have me leaning towards a home win and although I think that’s more than possible it’s difficult to predict that form suggests it won’t be the outcome. Saints by 8.

(+ Hull v Leeds
Hull fans seem a bit divided about their team’s performances this season with half blaming injuries and half looking towards Peter Sharp’s lifeless attacking play.  Whatever the case, it’s been the latter that’s been the most obvious to me because some of the younger players that have come through have played well and certainly not let the side, with the exception of Tommy Lee’s kick on the third tackle on Friday.  The loss of the two starting props is clearly preventing Hull from competing against the big guns but it shouldn’t be a barrier against winning all their games, however it’s a big gun in town today.  Leeds gave out such a whooping on Thursday that Bradford’s payroll department have been told they’ll have to come in tonight to prepare P45s if they lose against Harlequins today, whilst Leeds payroll are processing yet more bonus payments.  If Hull had Carvell and Dowes fronting up then there’d be questions marks over this scoreline but I’m not sure that even they could bring two points home with a one out attack that is going to play straight into the hands of the Rhinos defence. Leeds by 10.

Wigoon v Hull KR (+
Humiliation on Friday will act as all the motivation that Wigoon need to return to winning ways.  Simply put they were not in the game, outclassed with the ball and inept without it, something that Brian Noble should have ironed out of the side by now.  Instead the home still have that capability of coughing up the ball, straying offside and just general indiscipline.  That’s a stark contrast to a Hull KR side who played controlled football in typical Craven Park weather and will seek to use that to capitalise on anticipated Wigoon mistakes.  Hull KR shocked the RL world last season when they strolled to a monstrous half-time lead, surviving a second half fight back to win and they’ve no reason to be lacking in confidence today.  They have the game to expose the kind of mistakes that the home side are committing, however Wigoon don’t lose two games in a row often and although the volume of defensive work may have taken its toll on  them, I think that the same can be said for Hull KR.  If the away team do win it’ll be because they’ve been clever and kept it tight but I can’t see Wigoon not turning up again against these guys at home. Wigoon by 10.

Last week’s predictons.

Leeds by 16 (won by 42)
Hull KR by 6 (won by 1)
Saints by 2 (won by 36)
Harlequins by 2 (lost by 2)
Warrington by 8 (won by 16)
Wakefield by 10 (won by

Second round in row with five out of six results correct (is that evidence enough for me to say I have a bit of a clue? lol), making it 27-15 (64%) overall