XIII Oceans

Super League XVI – Round 27

We are nearly there and we have our preliminary play off game on Saturday at Hull KR.  What a way to end a season which, having started fairly unpredictably, has settled down into a battle between third and sixth for the right to try and break the grip of Wigan and Warrington.  Last week’s monstrous destruction of Wigan showed us all that this competition isn’t over yet.  We are in the calm before the storm.

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

Hull KR v Castleford
I’m sad to say Castleford fans that it looks like we’re heading for a damp squib.  Rovers have managed to lift their performances just in time to sneak into the play offs and they might even take sixth.  Take sixth and travel to Leeds?  I’d take that if I was a Rovers fan.  It would be a brilliant end to a written off season.  Conversely, to not make the play offs after their best season in years, would be awful for Castleford.  Of the two Rovers could go to fifth or sixth and win because of the momentum they would have.  If Castleford win I can see it being another one of those hauling-a-hod-up-a-hill type efforts which depletes their constitution even further.  Perhaps Rangi can pull one more rabbit out of the hat.  Rovers.

Hull v Warrington
It will come as no surprise for you to learn that Warrington have made the most offloads in this year’s competition.  Did you know Hull were number two?  Have we been too harsh on Agar?  I don’t think so.  Hull have, at best, stagnated for two years and a change in direction is overdue if you believe it was the wrong appointment in the first place.  You should see some progression during that time and we haven’t.  For a moment this year it looked like there was some progression, however Hull haven’t been able to capitalise on whatever form they have generated and they now face a Wire team which should be bursting with the right mental ingredients.  That burst will be enough because Hull don’t have enough which may not be a bad thing for the home fans because although they may prefer a trip down the M62 next week they might have a better chance in France.  Warrington.

Wakefield v Bradford
Two forgettable campaigns.  Wakefield might have more to remember after the points deductions and their continued stay in Super League but with John Kear’s imminent departure there is perhaps even more concern going into next year.  Who will replace him?  Can you replace him?  Are Wakefield going to go for an unproven superstar or look towards a steady professional with the knowledge and skill to let them tread water for another three years?  I’m sure there’ll be no shortage of applications from the lower leagues although nobody has really shown enough to suggest they’d be better than a Noble or Justinho.  As for Bradford, well take it as a necessary year of foundation.  The fans have come back and with that faith the team can grow again into a potential play off team.  Wakefield.

Wigan v Crusaders
It looked like a few beers had been sunk by Wigan after their cup win and as a gesture of goodwill it’s £3 to get in and see the Crusaders final ever game.  Unfortunately there’s also an outside chance of a minor premiership being awarded so you might want to stay at home.  Wigan.

Harlequins RL v St Helens
I know what you’re thinking, it’s like a British rugby league death row.  Wakefield, Crusaders and now Harlequins RL.  Finally this sentence will come to an end and that’s a relief for us expansionists.  With some new overseas stars coming in Super League XVII has already exceeded this year’s superlative attempt at Halifax’s record losing streak and you know what?  Saints were pretty mediocre against an energetic Salford so if Harlequins RL can keep themselves in the game for at least the first forty minutes they might nip it.  Saints.

Huddersfield v Leeds
Here’s an interesting one.  Huddersfield are safe in fourth and Leeds will probably have to win to keep ahead of Catalans.  Does anybody think Huddersfield will slack off?  I don’t know and I’m wondering why I see Saints accommodating for the play offs yet don’t envision Huddersfield have the same mind set.  What is it that’s the difference?  Is it Huddersfield’s greater need to establish rhythm and form?  Since their back-to-back wins over Warrington and Leeds it’s been an ongoing struggle to harness consistency.  Like most teams over the years who’ve sat just below first and second, your team tends to find its home games are relatively comfortable ones where you don’t play well unless it’s against a big name.  This is usually combined with disjointed surprise defeats on the road.  I’m sure Leeds fans can recognise this pattern.  If Huddersfield want to get those BPMs going for Old Trafford it can start here.  Huddersfield.

Salford v Catalans Dragons
Thanks to a poorer points record Catalans head into this match needing to win to have a chance of snatching fifth and Salford will continue to try and build on the past months’ exertions.  There was a sense of improvement from Salford against Saints although I don’t think you can assess much yet until the squad has had an off season together.  Catalans should come out a bit stronger and more driven than Saints and that should be enough to pip the home team who I expect will made a real game of this.  Catalans.

Super League XVI – Round 26

Firstly, my apologies for the late appearance of this week’s blog.  It’s been a strange couple of weeks where I found myself getting relatively excited about the cup final before it began and then even enjoyed the game as well.  I’ve got that same level of excitement now as we head towards our climax.  Leeds did exactly what we all know they can do in the cup final which is offload the ball and give Wigan problems.  In the hands of team with a bit more energy and power I don’t think Wigan would have gotten away with the amount of ball they put down at silly times last week.  Certainly we saw the way to beat Wigan and that is to promote the ball via second phase possession.  Wait though because that’s hardly news.  Every team struggles against opponents who are able to keep the ball alive but it is noticeable against Wigan because teams tend not to beat them by trying to out stick-it-up-the-jumper them.  Their defence is too set to be exposed by big runs up the middle, hence the need to ask questions of that defence by doing something other than just shifting the ball side-to-side.   Great effort by both teams in the end.  It wasn’t a classic, however it was full of drama controversy and thrills which only an idiot would complain about.

Onto the final two rounds and this week has a play off feel to it.  We will definitely have at least one critical game next weekend after we go through a couple of real meat feasts first.

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

Castleford v Hull
I know there’s a bigger game than this but that one is for jostling.  Saturday night’s SKY spectacular is one.  It is not do or die for either but a win will secure a play off spot.  What makes this game more important is that both face a tough final game with Hull welcoming Warrington.  If Warrington beat Wigan, Hull will be facing a team going full tilt for top.  Even if Warrington lose they should still be pushing for a result in the hope of Crusaders pulling off the shock of the season at Wigan.  Castleford travel to the third team looking for a lower rung play off spot, Rovers.  Castleford’s points difference is too poor for them to hold onto their current position from both Hull teams.  Effectively this becomes a bigger game for Castleford because I can see a loss here losing to a loss at Rovers.  These past three weeks have given Castleford time to regroup which is something they needed to do.  They looked tired around the semi-final but responded with that thrilling win at Wakefield.  Over the course of the season Castleford have looked better and more competitive against the big teams than Hull have even if Hull have had some great results against higher placed teams.  I mean I am looking at performance and Castleford’s creativity inspires me more than Hull’s power.  Castleford.

Leeds v Wakefield
More than admirable last week from Leeds.  It wasn’t quite enough and nobody likes to lose a match on the back of one or two unfavourable decisions.  Still if you benefit from those decisions in games it’s only right that occasionally you feel the full brutality of it too.  There isn’t much on the plate for either of these two this week and Wakefield will probably be looking for where there is some mental fall out in the Leeds ranks to exploit.  The beaten finalists need a win here to keep ahead of Castleford and Hull (one of those teams will likely go ahead of Leeds if Wakefield win) especially with a trip to the Giants next week.  It’s trickier than it looks.  Leeds undoubtedly have the quality to see this one out and I’ll go for either one of those 30 minute blow outs or a scrappy two points in front of a semi-disinterested crowd.  Leeds.

St Helens v Salford
Saints need a point to more or less secure third and Salford are  in it for the good times looking ahead to next season.  When the new coach came in we talked about how they’ll be looking to string together a good run of results to build up confidence for next season and it sounds like there’s been improvements already.  No surprise I guess with everybody wanting to prove their worth with the new guy.  Saints will have welcomed the cup final break and although it should be more spiky than the normal Salford visits to Saints it has to be a home win.  Saints.

Catalans Dragons v Hull KR
By the time my GOTR kicks off these two will already be underway.  By beating Saints, Rovers have helped themselves to a great position sitting on the shoulder of Cas and Hull as we move into the home straight.  Theoretically Rovers may well be able to lose here and still be no worse off because Hull are only a point ahead and Castleford have that stinking negative points difference.  If Rovers do lose and there is a draw at The Jungle they will go out (Hull’s positive points difference is too much to overcome) and although that scenario is the least likely Justinho cannot look to results elsewhere to decide his team’s fate.  Unfortunately I can’t see Rovers coming away with the two points.  Catalans are relatively settled with an eye on the play offs and Rovers only just managed to put away a weakened Saints team last time out.  Don’t get me wrong that was still a great effort just not enough for me to say Rovers are playing to the level they’re capable of.  Catalans.

Warrington v Wigan
Despite not getting my GOTR choice this is still one of those colossal contests and it’s on Sunday instead of Friday night so I can watch it live.  We know the importance of this game to each team especially Warrington who will want this a touch more than Wigan because of the bare trophy cabinet (yes they’ve finally built one, admittedly it’s the junior version but it’s a start).  During the season I’ve had recourse to single our Warrington and Leeds’ having the offloading game that causes Wigan problems and it will be needed on Sunday because Wigan are not about to give up now that Wembley is out of the way.  Both team and players will want to make it a double.  Victory for either team is likely to keep them clear of Saints and whilst both teams would be confident going into battle against them neither will want to run the risk.  Can Warrington get the same result running down Joel Tomkins centre channel as they did last time?  Will there defence be consistent enough to stop the Wigan breakaways?  Is there enough tempo in Warrington’s game to stifle Wigan’s explosive starts?  This is a bigger game than its context.  For me, Warrington need the win to prove to the rest of the competition that they are the favourites now.  It is not enough for Warrington to finish second even if I can see they making the Grand Final.  For me they need to show us they’re back to where they where earlier in the season and that they haven’t slipped on one of those ladder rungs.  It’s going to be tough, hopefully physical and with plenty of biff.  I believe Wigan have the defensive quality to keep Warrington out and just enough attacking magic, namely Sam Tomkins, to rattle up the points when Wire’s concentration dips, however purely because it’s at home I’m going for Wire.  Warrington.

Bradford v Crusaders
Less meaningless than a dead rubber.

Huddersfield v Harlequins RL
At last!  Victory for our London siblings.  I’m hoping that will mean a slightly more competitive match for the spectators on Sunday.  Of course, we all know because it was a win via Wembleyitis and there will be no such padding in this one.  Huddersfield now want to get a couple of good games under their belt before the play offs and may want to ensure fourth spot.  Martyn Sadler raised the point about teams who finish third and fourth having to go to the top two, sometimes suffering the week after by going two and out in the play offs (think Warrington did it last year).  I’m pretty sure Huddersfield will not want to go to either of the top two so perhaps they won’t be throwing themselves around for every minute.  It’ll still be hard to lose this game even if you’re playing poorly as I can’t see Harlequins RL turning it on again.  Huddersfield.

Super League XVI – Round 25

Three rounds left to go and there’s still some muscling in to be had for play off spaces.  Wigan and Warrington battle for top, Saints look to have a strong grip on third and Leeds not only might have secured sixth but are pushing for fourth.  Bradford and Salford are still playing sudden death footie although it would take a miracle for either of them to claim eighth, which looks like a straight fight between the two Hull teams and Castleford.

Onto this week and the fixtures are fading out a bit which, if it was planned, makes the competition less interesting but the play offs more interesting as familiarity is avoided by many.

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

Catalans Dragons v Warrington
This is the game of the round even if Catalans climb has dissipated after losing at Hull.  Unless Saints fold dramatically third is out of range which means fourth is available if Catalans can keep up their home form.  Facing a Warrington side who are hunting for first this should produce one of those unseen epics unless Catalans aren’t too worried about finishing fifth.  Should Catalans be worried about not making the top four?  They would have a home tie in the first round before starting to make one of those difficult trips to a top four team.  You’d still have to beat a top four team at least once if you finish third or fourth so I can see how they could be overrun by a fired up Warrington side.  Tony Smith would like his side to build up momentum and a win here should give them enough oomph to make that final round battle against Wigan mean something.  Warrington.

Wigan v Bradford
It is knockout footie for Bradford and if you really are going to go on a late streak for the play offs why not throw in a tough game like this one?  No point in deceiving us all by rolling over a couple of bums, let’s see what you’re like against the champions when they’ve got one eye on next week.  Will that one eye play its part?  It looked like it might last week until Wigan hit a rhythm and danced the night away.  No matter how professional Wigan are, they can glimpse the final and it will be present in players’ minds.  Wigan though will probably be out of sight by the time the final quarter kicks in thereby avoiding any disruption.

Salford v Huddersfield
Like Wakefield’s new ground, progress with Salford might take a bit longer than most.  It was Wigan they were drowned by but I anticipated at least an attempt to keep them under fifty points.  For the penultimate home contest it’s the third placed chasing Giants who should have more than enough to cross the line this week after struggling last week.  There were a few discussions on the forums about the inability of Huddersfield to create anything at Saints and I think that’s a bit unfair, mainly because where the team is lacking is with some real metre making up front.  I’m not talking about graft and just doing hit ups, I mean penetration.  A player or two who will carry defenders with him for extra yards and help put the defence on the back front.  Against Saints it was a bit too often that I saw Brough and Brown trying to make things happen against a set defence which hadn’t been jolted out of its pattern by bullocking runs.  Can’t see there being too many problems with that this week.  Huddersfield.

Harlequins RL v Leeds
Difficult draw for Leeds fans.  Two trips to London in a week?  Big plus though is this one is against Harlequins RL who have been Harlequinized pretty regularly this year.  A win and a draw since that round five win at Saints with Huddersfield (A) after the cup final and Saints (H) for the closing of the regular season.  It has been a year to forget for all who harbour any sort of goodwill towards our southern lambs.  I am hoping for some more signings and just maybe, one of them will be a decent prop forward who can stay free from injury all next year.  For this game there is probably a greater chance of Leeds’ minds drifting than there is Wigan’s, however that is counterbalanced by the fact this is Harlequins RL.  Leeds.

Wakefield v Castleford
Over the past couple of years this match has found its way into the GOTR slot.  Now it’s relegated to being a complaint about the poor quality of games lined up for this week’s viewing public.  Wakefield have nothing to play for and Castleford need to protect their spot or risk losing it with both Hull teams within a game’s range (both Hull teams have far superior points difference).  I don’t really know how to go with this.  Wakefield might have been destroyed on a regular basis over the past seven rounds, losing all of those games since that shock win over Huddersfield but I’m almost thinking they might rise to the occasion.  Castleford, I was having a discussion about with a friend who said they’ve gone off the boil.  Now he is right, in that Castleford haven’t been able to maintain that early season form but not many teams could have, however they have continued to knock off the teams they were expected to beat and I have faith that they will not completely tune out of proceedings.  With both Hull teams to play in their final two games, a win is esssential or else a season that promised so much could be ruined by a late surge from either bank of the Humber.    Castleford.

Crusaders v Hull
In the era where the word absolutely is often used incorrectly I want to say last week’s result for Hull was an absolute stonker.  Not only did the home fans witness a great win they also saw their team avoid being leapfrogged by Rovers.  How set are Hull for finishing higher?  Hull should win here and with Rovers having a tough game v Saints they can shift the pressure onto Castleford by following this match with a win next week at The Jungle.  Hull.

Hull KR v St Helens
A wowzer of a second half I thought at Bradford and now a real test.  Saints helped themselves to a strong footing for third by stifling the Giants and increased the gap to three points.  With six more points available a win here would make Saints a very short odds favourite for that spot (the two remaining games are Salford (H) and a trip to London).  I am going to go a bit wild here though.  Rovers need every single point if they are to experience the race for Old Trafford first hand and there were signs in last week’s game that the team have caught sight of that fact as well.  Crazy shout after Saints have looked more than capable of handling steady football when they’ve faced it but something in me is also willing those final two Castleford games to mean something to all involved.  Rovers on the back of a hunch.

Super League XVI – Round 24

Two great semi-finals last weekend with the two deserving teams progressing to the final.  Two contrasting games with a terrific pace on Saturday matched by dogged determination to not lose on Sunday.  You can never say with a Wigan-Leeds game what the outcome is going to be.  However I think it would be a bold move to tap into that Leeds offloading game as a potential problem for Wigan because, as we have so often seen, great teams are rarely upset in the big showdowns.  Still I’d love to know what the odds on Sam Tomkins for Lance Todd are given Sinfield is supposed to be the early favourite at 12/1.

Also this week saw the retirement of Sean Long, one of the competition’s more provocative characters.  Long cemented himself in league history by sealing an unprecedented three Lance Todd awards and will go down as a club legend for Saints.  He formed the backbone of a Saints half back combination that has remained exclusively all-British since the inception of Super League.  An unpredictable player in his youth who could create panic with his off the cuff runs, Long traded that explosiveness for a more controlling game during the Ian Millward years and despite possessing neither a great kicking game (at its best it was above competent) nor creative passing game he was a player who often delivered for his team when it mattered.  Has there been a better big game player in Super League?  I don’t think there has yet, and I know who my money is on for being the next one.

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

St Helens v Huddersfield
Third against fourth with fifth just a win from catching or overtaking the defeated.  After this match Saints travel to Rovers, host Salford and then head down to London.  Huddersfield go to Salford, welcome Harlequins RL and then go over to Leeds to what is likely to be a critical jockeying for position game in the final round.  Similarly, Catalans run-in features a home game with Warrington next week and two perfectly winnable games.  Excluding this week’s games, If we say Saints are going to get a full house (no guarantees in the trip to Rovers though) that will give them 37pts.  The Giants should have at least 34pts but I’ll go for 36pts as I can see Leeds having post Cup Final blues/bliss and Catalans (I can’t give them two points v Wire at the moment) will have 33pts.  All that means the battle for third could really hang on this game.  Whoever wins will certainly put themselves in control and if Saints win it gives them a touch of space and this game is as tight and unpredictable as key games can be.  Brough’s return should ensure Huddersfield don’t evaporate in the final weeks and his presence will be vital on Friday.  For me the momentum is there for Huddersfield and what I mean by that is the semi-final loss must be out of Saints’ system both mentally and physically.  Any remnants from last Saturday has to be sniffed out by the Giants and exploited.  Huddersfield need to not only start well they need to start well defensively and plant a physical marker in the match to tell Saints this isn’t a Giants side stuttering for form.  If Huddersfield can bring that hard defence to the game they can tap into any mental deflation from last week in the Saints ranks.  It does need to be as strong a start as that because Saints played well last week and would have beaten any other Super League team with that kind of intensity.  Should Saints find that level of performance again they will be very hard to stop.  Making the big hits and making those niggle carrying Saints players feel those hits is a game changer here.  It needs to be hard, physical and clean to win.  This should be a belter with the appropriate level of bell ringers and bodies strewn across the battlefield.  Saints.

Crusaders v Harlequins RL
So the Crusaders are giving their all now?  Well it’s not good enough I’m afraid and it’s about ten rounds too late.

Hull v Catalans Dragons
It’s going to be close for Hull in these final weeks.  Catalans are in town which presents a possible loss with at least one of the teams chasing their spot likely to make up two of the three points required to draw level if that happens.  Potentially great news this week for Hull was dampened by a club statement deny it and I wonder how that will play out on Friday.  Catalans have the defence and strength to soak up Hull’s forwards and I think they have too much in the armoury to lie down here even if I can’t fully write the home team off in this one.  If Hull can win here they will have 23 points and will probably only require a win from their final three games to secure that final play off spot.  Lose and it puts a bit of pressure on those matches, particularly the game at Castleford because I don’t think Hull would want to be going to Warrington in the final round needing a win.  Does that mean we’ll be seeing a big effort from the home team?  I would think so and when you consider that it makes this the other match to be at this weekend.  Catalans.

Leeds v Castleford
Just pure heartbreak for Matterson and the fans.  His team had it there for the taking on Sunday.  It was a great effort and the heavy legs were too much to carry against a Leeds team which looked, bigger, fitter and faster.  Those heavy legs are perhaps an excuse for not really taking the game to Leeds because that’s where Cas lost it I feel.  That second half felt like the Tigers were looking merely to play out the clock which is always a big gamble in this game.  Credit to Leeds, who kept the ball alive throughout and that contributed to the physical exertions their rivals had to undertake.    In fact, Leeds offloaded the ball more times in this match than all three other semi-finalists combined I think and that’s a reflection on their coaching ethos over the past couple of years.  McDermott must take some of the claim for not shutting that down this year even if it’s more a remanant of the Smith/McClennan days (certainly the latter relies on it a lot as a feature with his Kiwi teams and also with his dad’s teams).  Last week took a lot out of Castleford and although there’s a chance of the points if they lift themselves I think there has to be some kind of sag this week which is fine because there’s still breathing space for a week or two below them.  Leeds.

Warrington v Wakefield
The fallout from the licensing decisions continues to motor on as I expect will Warrington and their quest for that top spot which is likely to be decided over the following two rounds.  There can be no complacency on Sunday with two epic contests coming up for Smith’s men a trip to Catalans before the game v Wigan, a week after the Challenge Cup Final.  Warrington are now in must-win mode if they want to get that spot (providing Wigan don’t slip up, which is unlikely with games v Salford and Bradford).  Warrington.

Wigan v Salford
A smash and grab result or a blockbuster show of resistance.  It doesn’t matter which way you look at it, Wigan were as superb as any other champion team that has gone before them.  It was not a dominant display but it was one where the opposition came out and controlled the ball.  In times like that we’ve seen the great teams soak things up then struck like a snake.  Not only was it ruthless it was typical of a side with that champion magic out besting superior power.  There should be no trouble this week against Salford even if a new regime might be out to catch them off guard.  The prize of a first Super League double should concentrate the minds.  Wigan.

Bradford v Hull KR
Two seasons here both would prefer to forget.  The Bulls have never materialised this year and Rovers have looked very much like a team which knows its coach is going and has found the off switch a bit too easily in games where absence of effort can be exposed.  All that talk of recent weeks about the Bulls playing knock out football has never been evident than this week where a win will pull them to within a point of eighth if Hull also lose.  Assuming Bradford can win here and in their final two games (home to Crusaders and at Wakefield) they will reach 25 points which will force Rovers into having to win at least two from their final three (and there’s Saints and Catalans up after this).  Let’s suppose Bradford have a sniff of action and Rovers are distracted by the end of an era and let’s go with a Bulls late run putting some pressure on both Hull teams.  Bradford.

Super League XVI – Round 23

Here is how the RFL cannot win.  If there had been a good set of games this weekend we would, quite rightly, have moaned because of the semi-finals next week, saying that such premier contests shouldn’t be influenced by possible Wemblyitis.  It’s happened for most years that I can remember, except for this year where we’ve been lucky.  We should praise them for getting it right this time whether intentional or not.  Sadly, the timing of the cup games will disrupt our premier domestic competition with a week off next week and another on the August bank holiday.  If you’re team is going to the cup final, good luck with trying to get everything sorted in your less than two week time period.

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

Salford v Leeds
Here’s a great chance for new coach Parish to get his first points in the competition and it also presents probably the easiest of his remaining games.  Leeds must have an eye on the semi-final which is exactly what Salford need.  Without the semi-final I still think the home team would have a chance in this game because we all know Leeds have been up and down with plenty of down.  McDermott still goes to The Willows with a strong side and under the old regime I don’t think there would be too many problems.  This time out I expect tighter defence and tonnes of enthusiasm from the home side.  It’s enthusiasm they will need because Salford are playing knockout football and although a loss here would not rule them out unless Hull beat Wigan they’ll have too big a hill to run up.  Salford.

Hull v Wigan
As beautiful as it was to see Brian McDermott put a happy face on it was not such for Hull fans who saw their team blow a winning lead.  Blow a lead it was too.  Hull found Leeds to have a relatively soft centre which allowed easy metre making in that first half.  When more was required following Leeds’ opening second half blitz they had nothing and if Wigan defend like they have been doing then I don’t even see a chance for a winning lead to develop.  At times last week Wigan were explosive, scoring tries out of nothing which is the hallmark of a silverware bound team.  However, this Wigan team is beatable.  With a huge semi-final coming up the home support must be hoping it’s another case of thoughts somewhere else because even a solid Wigan performance should be able to hold and slow down the ploughing Hull props.  Wigan.

Catalans v Harlequins RL
Since the introduction of the magic weekends this has turned into a nice little ding-dong.  Unfortunately for those spivs traveling down to France I don’t see much other than a blood splattered battlefield for them.  Catalans.

Huddersfield v Hull KR
It’s going down to the wire for both of these teams.  Brough’s absence was felt by the Giants, who have fallen dramatically out of the race for the top two and now face a tussle with Saints to get third.  With a trip to Saints after the challenge cup semi-final, Huddersfield are not reliant upon results going their way so even if Kevin Brown’s play making may be missed they have enough in them to surge ahead of Saints at the finish line.  The question is can they get some consistency back?  Before the Wakefield game Huddersfield were almost cruising into the play offs and now they face a Rovers team which has won four Super League games in a row.  Having seen Rovers last week I was right in highlighting last time out that these wins were against the bottom because Rovers were very poor at Saints.  Defensively the team sat back and allowed Saints to not only get over the advantage line but bust through tackles.  It was awful and they looked like a team which has given up.  I hope they don’t because there’s a real neck and neck sprint between them and Hull for that last play off spot which could go down to the final weekend.  Huddersfield.

Warrington v Bradford
Tony Smith’s Warrington can now go full tilt at the Grand Final.  Barring disaster that run should start from either first or second as I can’t picture Saints or Huddersfield overcoming a significant five point gap.  Some of you may it’s just as well because Warrington looked off the pace on Saturday but we shouldn’t take anything away from Wigan who looked like champions at times.  Briers and Morley’s absence left a big hole of leadership in those opening twenty minutes, however Warrington still showed their quality by making a game of it when really they should have been buried.  Smith’s team has resilience in the same way that teams who reach the Grand Final do.  Suggestions of a collapse from here on in are wide of the mark unless more players end up on the treatment table.  Bradford meanwhile are fighting for that eighth spot and there’s six very achievable points after this to look at.  Will it be enough?  If the Bulls can win on Sunday or at Wigan it could be.  Sadly Bulls fans I can’t get past a Warrington bounce back and three points to make up over five games is a lot harder than it sounds.  Warrington.

Castleford v St Helens
Leon Pryce’s return from injury has given Saints a bit of a spring in their step with the ball recently.  When youngsters come in and do a good job sometimes it’s easy to forget the quality a player like Pryce can bring to a side.  He should feature on Sunday in what would have been a game of the round had it not been for next week’s matches.  Both teams will be resting a couple of players and whilst that might neuter the quality I still expect this to be a close game.  Castleford have shown they can still give a team a game when missing regulars and they mustn’t switch off after the semi because they can still finish higher than Leeds.  Is this Castleford’s first semi since the Steele Retchless one?  A couple of weeks ago I would have plumped for the Tigers to win at home.  Now I get this feeling that they may be more susceptible to those cup final dreams than a Saints team which has faced this problem every season for the past eleven years.  Saints.

******THE BEN FOLDS FIVE FIXTURE OF THE ROUND******

Wakefield v Crusaders
Wherever I start on this game I end up discussing what’s happened this week.  The messageboards have been full of debate about this and it is a question which requires more detailed argument that I can offer in this blog.  I was more than disappointed when I heard Crusaders were moving away from south Wales because I saw a future for the team there.  Up to Wrexham and I wasn’t sure.  What is more disappointing now, more than the failure of the franchise, is what’s been happening behind the scenes financially.  It is not the same as Harlequins RL, who I will defend their franchise to the end, but it is still a setback to the challenge of growing our sport in Wales.  As for Wakefield I am delighted they got the nod.  There are issues that need addressing with the club but of all the teams which have gone through the promotion and relegation scenarios, Wakefield have been perhaps the most sensational and I always found it hard to ignore the way they have punched above their weight, except when playing host to Leeds.  Wakefield.

Super League XVI – Round 22

Two Friday night keystone contests kick us off and then it looks like a round of fairly straightforward fixtures after that.

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

St Helens v Catalans
An unfortunate one for SKY and the viewers who will miss out on what is a four pointer in the battle for fourth, possibly even third now.  It can’t be helped.  Nobody really saw this Catalans team being this high in the competition.  In France, Saints came away with the two points after running out to an early lead and surviving a second half fight back.  Friday night’s game should be similarly intense.  Just in case you’ve been in hibernation and haven’t heard Saints have been having an injury crisis whilst Catalans are also missing a few with Scott Dureau a possible absentee.  With him this is a real nail biter and Catalans may even start slight favourites.  Without him and Catalans have to force their more effective game plan onto Saints relatively unimaginative one.  Defensively neither has been dominant and Paul Wellens’ advancing years has been exposed far too often for a team with serious silverware aspirations.  Can the Saints crowd lift its heroes in the first match between the two over here where there’s a real tension in picking a winner?  I think they will, just.  Saints.

Leeds v Hull
Hot stuff for you Friday night viewers.  Denied of a possible feast at Widnes you can still settle down for what could be a pretty meaty serving.  Three consecutive defeats have seen Leeds slip from losing ground on Saints to being the team to catch for those in that last play off spot chase.  Neither team has excelled this season and although haven’t nose dived like they could have both him and McDermott are not the men to lead their clubs forward.  Hardly a revelation but their upbringing within a confined and technically inferior British coaching set up it’s something for Castleford fans to ponder with names like Noble and Hay being mentioned.  What makes this game great though is that unpredictability.  A regular Leeds win can now be an upset and that’s exactly what we want in our game even if it’s accidental and more down to mediocrity than increased performance.  Leeds.

Wigan v Wakefield
The season has finally caught up with Wakefield and a trip to the champions is likely to see them leak another half century.  Wigan.

Harlequins RL v Warrington
As expected, Warrington exploded out of the blocks last week and should be able to put away Harlequins RL.  It looked like Wigan’s three games in the space of a week came into play at The Stoop last week and Harlequins RL don’t have that added benefit for this week’s hosting of a Grand Final contender.  Warrington.

Crusaders v Castleford
They just keep doing it don’t they?  Castleford not only have stood out this year they have maintained their run against the odds and they should have enough in them to make their final trip to Hull KR relevant to the play off positions.  Can they win though without Chase?  Other teams with a stronger strength in depth have struggled without their key half backs and Castleford probably lose more then the others.  I think that makes an edgy win into a flip (I leave tossing to other activities) a coin moment.  Still Castleford have kept up their end of the bargain and deserve some faith for this.  Castleford.

Bradford v Huddersfield
I said last week the Bulls needed to win and there is now a five point gap which must be too much for them to pull back.  Huddersfield might offer a way into picking up a surprise two points as they suffer from a form of vertigo brought on by Brough not being there.  He is in with a shout of an early return and even without him Huddersfield have to have enough left in their Mark 1 pack to help their backs go over the try line.  Huddersfield.

Hull KR v Salford
Three tidy wins in a row against the bottom three have allowed Rovers to overtake Salford and put themselves in the hunt for that last play off spot, perhaps even higher.  It will be a huge achievement if they get higher because there’s still Huddersfield (A), Saints (H) and Catalans (A) to come.  That run of games has been perfect for Justinho and will have given his team much needed confidence at a time when they were looking out of it.  Who knows what a good run of form could do for them over for the rest of the season.  Salford have held firm onto the end of the play off positions until last week when Hull’s victory put some distance between eighth and ninth.  Coach Parish has arrived and I wonder what might have happened had he been able to join the club a month ago because their final five games are Leeds, Wigan, Huddersfield, Saints and Catalans.  The hardest home stretch in the league means added importance for the visitors.  Had this been at Salford and Rovers had been in the inconsistent form of a month or so the new coach factor would have seen them home.  Not so this time.  Rovers should be too confident and fluid for whatever upside the coaching arrival has.  Hull KR.

Super League XVI – Round 21

What a blinding perfomance in the Origin game this week and after having our ear drums educated by The King, Sterlo and the like it’s back down to Year One for our earnest Barrie and Terry combo.  Like Beyonce headlining after Pulp.  “The skill didn’t match the ambition”.  You couldn’t script it.

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

Warrington v Huddersfield
Great to have a Friday night epic I can watch on SKY and just how epic is this?  Are we talking DW Griffith or will it be more Pearl Harbour?  There’s no Brough, no Briers, no Lunt and no Morley.  Do they cancel each other out?  I think so.  Morley is harder to replace with his runs and defence being a key, if gradually decreasing, influence on Warrington.  Don’t get me wrong, Lunt does some good work around the ruck but Robinson can take up some of the slack on his own whereas the rest of the Wire pack need to share some extra.  That said, Warrington are very tough around the ruck area and like to close down that option for teams.  Robinson might find a lot of defenders in his face on Friday.  Still when you do encounter a strong defence like the Giants you need some penetration across the advantage line and if Browny’s boys can avoid getting blown off the pitch in the opening exchanges they can battle for this one.  Despite their high league positions both teams found it hard to hit a groove last week which suggests the injuries have disrupted them.  If I was a Huddersfield fan I’d be hoping for more of the same this week because in keeping it tight the Giants defence could find the home team’s offloading game gifts them something.  This will be especially true with tomorrow’s anticipated showers.  This might be epic but more of a flawed epic with the home town hero prevailing.  Warrington.

Hull v Salford
Salford made hard work of Harlequins RL and Hull found a level of ordinariness to match Saints’ own in the last round so I am not expecting too much from this one, which is a bit of a shame considering both teams are on the front row of the grid for the final play off spot (both may have higher aspirations too).  It is Hull’s spot to lose and they have too much in the pack for Salford.  Hull.

Crusaders v Hull KR
Finally, Rovers saw what their team can do.  Wakefield were blitzed and I expect to see Rovers cream a Crusaders team which will be missing some of their superstars.  There is a strong chance the turmoil can prove motivational for those who turn out and that’s Iestyn’s skills put to the test.  There are a few too many players who contribute missing which is perfect for Rovers who are on a manhunt for their local rivals.  Hull KR.

Harlequins RL v Wigan
Fortunately for Harlequins RL there’s going to be no match report for the game in this week’s News Of The World.  Wigan.

Castleford v Bradford
Great effort from both teams this past week against play off bound opponents.  Bradford should really have come away with the two points and Castleford made a game of it on Wednesday against the champions.  Look down Castleford’s remaining fixtures and I fancy there’s more than a couple of wins still in them.  The games against Saints and Leeds were difficult ones but now, well I can see them winning one of those if they keep it up.  Meanwhile the Bulls have it a big tougher with Huddersfield and Warrington in the next two weeks with a trip to Wigan still to come.  The way the Bulls have been playing I do not have confidence in their ability to take those points.  That means the Bulls have a possible eight points up for grabs (this game and Rovers away the two tricky ones) with a gap of three points, currently, to overcome.  Lose here and that’s six points left which will be too much.  It’s knockout football again for the remainder of the season for Potter and it requires a blistering start on Sunday to make Castleford feel the midweek exertions.  Close call and I am going for the home team.  They’ve been more consistent and I fancy they still have just enough adrenalin in them to stop the upset.  Stop the upset?  Bradford beating Castleford is now an upset.  Castleford.

Wakefield v St Helens
Battered last week, Wakefield won’t be too happy about welcoming Saints who were still reeling last week from the Wigan and Warrington games.  Yes there’s still quality in the Saints line up and they should come out on top here, however we can’t ignore that this Saints team doesn’t carry a air of impregnability as past ones have.  Perhaps Kear can raise his team again although every time I pick his team to stun Saints they usually flop.  Saints.

Catalans Dragons v Leeds
They did it again.  Even when written off by the league, Leeds produced a performance against Wigan.  They will need to do the same on Sunday against the resilient French who have the look of a team which might surprise a team above them in the play offs.  I have a feeling the race for fourth will go down to the final weekend for Catalans.  Neither them nor Saints have too many obstacles in the final couple of months which places a bit more emphasis on this game because I have Catalans down as relatively clear favourites.  If Leeds can recall last week’s efforts we should be in for a cracker and in many ways this is probably my game of the round.  Catalans have not lost at home since round seven when Salford won.  Hull, Bradford, Huddersfield, Wigan, Crusaders and Castleford have all been and gone although only Castleford were humbled.  That’s an indication to me of a game plan which is more likely to hover around consistently solid with flashes of skill.  Consistency though has been erased from the Rhinos vocabulary.  Catalans.

Super League XVI – Round 20

We are into the final third of the regular season and the post season line up is looking relatively settled with the top five looking good with seven points between them and ninth.  The battles for field position in the play offs starts now.  Having seen the matches for this week I don’t see much change within the top eight although there’s scope for some of the competition stragglers to climb back into the battle for seventh and eighth.

You can see the results from the power rankings poll by clicking here.

Bradford v Catalan Dragons
Brilliant result for the Bulls.  Having lost twice to Leeds Bulls fans must have been in a state of absolute euphoria when Patrick Ah Van booted them to a win.  Now the work really starts.  Fourth points off seventh with a key match against Castelford coming up before facing Huddersfield (H) and Warrington (A).  There’s a good chance of the Bulls winning three from their last four and both Hull and Castleford should still be catchable.  Meanwhile, Catalans are gunning for Saints and that one will go down to the final couple of weeks.  Saints (A) and Warrington (H) represent the two most challenging of the remaining opponents.  This has to be on their objective list as a must win.  Can the Bulls build on last week?  Keeping Leeds quiet isn’t what it used to be but on their own turf when you’re dithering around anyway should be recognised.  Expect a close one.  Catalans.

Castleford v Warrington
Having played Huddersfield, Wigan and Catalans in three of their past four games Castleford fans should be and probably are happy with three points from eight.  Unfortunately it is Warrington time now and even though Wire look a bit more vulnerable than Wigan they should have far too much for the Tigers.  These are two tough home games for Matterson.  Take a point and I’d be delighted.  Warrington.

Salford v Harlequins
A real chance for Salford to claim a needed win at home.  Harlequins RL I have now officially tired of writing about and until they do break this awful losing steak I don’t really see what the point is.  Please Coach Powell give our success starved cousins something to cheer.  I have to go back nearly twenty five years to recall that kind of emotional experience, as a supporter (it was beyond embarrassing) and I would never wish that on anyone.  We all jave hope and it’s good to watch it manifest itself in an area of your life over which you have little control.  Salford.

St Helens v Hull
Three in a row for Hull and the play offs are looking good right now.  Irrespective of Wakefield’s problems, putting fifty on them at St Tropez is a rarity and should set Hull up with plenty of confidence for this.  Saints are too strong on paper for Hull but there has to be some mental fragility after their gutsy exertions at Warrington.  There is a reason why Saints have not been able to hang in there at the top and whilst injuries have played their part I just do not see a Saints team which can defend with the same intensity as the teams above them.  An early Hull score will put some pressure on the home team and probably force a scrambled second half show of determination from Saints.  Saints.

Wigan v Leeds
Perhaps having one eye on the midweek game against Castleford will spare Leeds another humbling at one of the big guns.  That’s what we’re thinking so there is a chance Leeds will find Wigan’s concentration isn’t at their recently high levels.  However, Wigan were awesome against Huddersfield and as Phil Clarke has pointed out, hitting form at a key part of the season.  If Leeds can discover their ruck work of the past couple of years they can push Wigan here.  What Warrington have shown is you can test Wigan’s defence if you have a second phase game and Leeds have that.  Will Brian McDermott be able to control the game and then open it up or will the game be out of reach either through errors or just by a simple mismatch?  Can’t see it.  Wigan.

Huddersfield v Crusaders
A crushing, if not entirely honest defeat at Wigan means the Giants have to win here with a trip to Warrington following this.  Losing at Wakefield was a big two points lost because a loss next week could see a four point gap open  between the Giants and second which is not insurmountable but, given Warrington and Wigan’s remaining games, I don’t see where Huddersfield are going to make up those four points.  I fancy there’ll be a slightly edgy but comfortable win.  Huddersfield.

Hull K R v Wakefield
No matter who the opposition is, to go to somebody’s back yard and keep them out is a great result and hopefully has relieved some of the pressure on Justinho.  Can that win inspire Rovers?  It should be enough for this game and as for after this?  Well three of their final seven games are against Huddersfield, Saints and Catalans.  Of those, the visit of Saints could prove a bonus two points which might offset the fact they have four road games to come.  Make me a convincing argument this week and I’ll give Hull KR a slim chance a making eighth.  As for Wakefield, let’s hope these final few games are not a slow death march to relegation.  Hang on in there fellas.  Rovers.

Super League XVI – Round 19

How about that Damian Blanch score?  Definite contender for try of the season and reminiscent of last year’s NRL special which was predictably even better.  Also if you can vote in the latest power rankings, as to who is ripping up the turf and looking good for the GF, that would be great.  Last time out it was Huddersfield 25%, Warrington 24%, Wigan 20%, Saints 19%, Castleford 8%, Leeds 3% and Catalans 1%.

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

Wigan v Huddersfield
Boy oh boy are the schedule planners spoiling us this month with this one from Thunder Road.  After Wigan jogged past Saints without having to shift up to a proper working gear, Huddersfield threw out what was a pretty dominating performance  against the Dragons.  It was great to see the Giants work out a win particularly as there is still some residual doubt about their ability to really close out a game they have been in control of.  In winning Huddersfield showed they should continue to pick up the points at home.  Catalans were overwhelmed in the opening exchanges and somebody dictating play could have helped the Giants to kill the game.  Instead the Dragons exploded and made a match of it which is something Wigan couldn’t say of Saints.  Wigan dominated Saints in a different manner, using their control of the ruck to neutralise the Saints pack again.  As Leeds had done in four consecutive Grand Finals Wigan constantly challenged the Saints forwards to get off the floor quickly.  Saints failed.  If Wigan can repeat that control of the ruck I don’t see Huddersfield getting enough points to compensate for how many Wigan will score.  Expect the bombs to McGilvaray and wait for the occasional explosion.  Wigan.

Crusaders v Salford
A try apiece last week for these two doesn’t promise much in the way of thrills and yet I would tune in to watch this.  Sadly Salford let the Tigers get away with the spoils last week so there isn’t too much scope for slipping up and with the two Hull sides and Harlequins RL games coming up this becomes a bigger for them.  After these next four games the final five are against current top six sides.  I can’t see the Reds making the top eight if they lose this one but even with that motivation Crusaders I am going for the Crusaders to right last week’s wrong.  Crusaders.

Leeds v Bradford
Frozen out of TV coverage.  Should mean we get a good crowd creating a real gladiatorial atmosphere which is appropriate given the Bulls will be throwing themselves to the Loin(er)s.  After a good draw with Saints, Hull proved too strong and Leeds should be stronger.  It was a tough win in Wrexham and it did not send any messages to anybody.  There needs to be a stronger message going out Brian.  Here’s your chance to prove yourself.  A win by more than 20 is average, 30 is good and 40 very good.  Top 50 and keep the Bulls to two tries or less and then a few of us might think you’re stepping out over the line.   Leeds.

Warrington v St Helens
Bumped from its normal game of the round position by the more significant Saturday night game.  Having beaten Saints with relative ease in Widnes Smith’s team start as clear favourites for this on the basis of form, tactical and application consistency.  In that win Warrington blew Saints off the park and last week Wigan completely controlled them.  Of course, this is Saints and Warrington and you need to allow for Saints magic but I think they’re still practicing their act.  Warrington.

Harlequins RL v Hull KR
This could be the one.  This could be that one game that they need to stop this horrible season in its tracks.  Applicable to both teams this is two points up for grabs.  Away from New Craven Park Rovers have yet to win on opposition turf so I figure Harlequins RL will help them out by throwing themselves onto the altar as a sacrifice to Rovers confidence.  Hull KR.

Catalans Dragons v Castleford
If you want to see the two most exciting half backs currently running around Super League get on that flight right now.  Chase and Dureau ghosting through defences on their way to the try line?  Yes please (assuming both are playing).  Both players have been sensational in different ways although I don’t think even Dureau can measure up to Chase’s contribution this year and Castleford will need their star man because Catalans will wear you down.  One point separates the teams and with Leeds also level with Catalans both teams will want to keep in touch before the gap becomes unassailable.  Can Castleford sustain their ascent in front of this determined team?  You know what I am still not sure.  Territory and possession I give to Catalans which should give their backs a bit more to work with.  Still I would not write Cas out of this one.  Catalans.

Wakefield v Hull
Imagine if Wakefield had won last week.  It would probably have raised this to a good supporting act to this week’s headline acts.  As it stands I expect a stronger showing from Wakefield as is normally the case after they flop.  When given such a wonderful opportunity you must not let yourself down.  Hull.

Super League XVI – Round 18

How about that Exiles game?  Wasn’t it great to see the idea realise its potential?  Forget potential as I’ll go one step further and say it surpassed the best hopes I had thanks to the out of this world attitude on show from the Exiles.  I was not alone in questioning whether the Exiles would have that commitment and alluded to the importance of Brian McClennan’s inclusion.  Did the guy do a great job or what.  I would love to know how it managed to get that sort of response from his players and similarly why they all bought into it.  It was a first rate audition for the GB job when it next becomes available i.e. he’s our man.

The Exiles can be rightly proud of their efforts because not only did they scramble together to beat a representative side they also started to give a boost to the international game.  Everywhere you hear people want a competitive side from here and by competing in that manner they’ve given credibility to the contest.  Could it work as a three series game?  I think that might be a stretch at this stage when you consider what could happen in a dead rubber where England have won two (that might be another stretch I know).  Also would it have the same kind of intensity without McClennan at the helm?  I guess on that any coach who is putting himself in the shop window is likely to treat it as seriously.  There are a lot of concerns to go with the positives but it was a brave step and a good forward one.  Perhaps they could chuck some money at it with a winner-takes-all pot for the players because I am sure that could be marketed and a big sponsor found too.  Hmmm, this idea has legs.

One point that raised a lot of comment was the booing of Tomkins during the game and this isn’t the first time this sort of thing has happened.  Martyn Sadler made good reference to it asking what the RFL can do to prevent it happening.  I’d push that a bit further and ask what are we, as a RL community of supporters, going to do about it?  I don’t know about you but on the terraces the support has changed.  There will always be heated rivalries in the game but it feels a lot more progressive these days than it was twenty years ago.  It’s like we’ve grown as a sport and the appreciation of skill is far greater, more open and less begrudging than it has been for many a year.  Our small tribal groupings remain but now more of us see the trees and the wood.  We should be proud of that and not allow ourselves to lose it.

St Helens v Wigan
Sorry this is a bit inevitable.  Huddersfield v Catalans nearly got my vote and would have were it not for the Good Friday epic.  We appear to be in the throes of a very healthy rivalry between the two and it’s great to watch.  The last minute decision to play James Roby, at Bradford, was a risk that paid off for Saints.  Roby’s absence from Saints line-up this year would be akin to the times when Cunningham,  Sculthorpe and Long were at their best and absent.  We’re not taking anything away from the remainder of the team but when a player is giving you so much he elevates himself.  When those icons are not present their teams are significantly more vulnerable than when other players are.  At the moment we’re waiting to see if Danny Brough has achieved that same status at Huddersfield.  Still, back to the contest.  On Good Friday, Wigan went into the game lacking rhythm and it was something they had to dig deep for to win.  For most of the match it was the same stumble I thought they’d erased from their performances in last year’s run-in.  When Wigan were on fire they looked unplayable and despite Saints flair I still prefer Wigan’s defence being strong enough to hold out and back their moments of inspiration.  Wigan.

Crusaders v Leeds
A full 80 minute performance was requested and Leeds duly delivered.  I understand what Brian McDermott was saying.  His team had put several good first forties in this year only to wilt in the second half.  To me it’s been a bit different than that.  Leeds are not the Leeds I’ve seen collecting trophies over the past seven years or so.  His Leeds have, when they have stuck to his dour game plan, contained opponents without testing them.   This was very much in evidence against Saints when Leeds were in control without really leading the game from the front.  Leeds have looked best when they have played with flair yet it hasn’t been there to complement the hard graft to which McDermott refers.  I want hard graft as a minimum not just a platform to launch attacks from.  Still I could be wrong and Brian should find his side in the same position this week.  Leeds.

Salford v Castleford
Wowzers!  Two head turning results last week boys.  Forget about whether the Exiles game played its part because it will have.  If you consider the impact Origin games have on the Queensland teams in the NRL it’s logical to assume there was some residual effect for those backing up (bad weather can be a big leveller too).  Let us not take too much away from either team though, particularly Salford who not only beat Warrington but did it at the HJ.  Rangi Chase poses the greatest threat to Salford’s chances and a big slice of humble pie for me who identified him as a surplus to requirements NRL backup.  Last year I said it was a good run of form and now?  Wow!  He’s dazzled pretty much every time I’ve seen him.  He could easily be the difference between the two here.  It’s another great match up and I’m going for Salford to back it up and press serious claims for that eighth spot.  Salford.

Harlequins RL v Wakefield
The fixture planner keeps of throwing up Harlequins RL games where writing becomes all work and no play.  Rarely is there an even contest in the offing and I am sadly going to be giving Wakefield a disservice if I suggest this one is.  Harlequins RL only hope lies in Wakefield being unprofessional which is rarely mentioned.  No, it’s JK all the way to grab hold of the play off stragglers even with that four point deduction.  Wakefield.

Huddersfield v Catalans Dragons
This feels like the Potter days all over again.  Remember how exciting it was watching that Catalans Dragons run through the play offs?  It was one of the great play off moments alongisde Raper’s Castleford and the Korkidas inspired Wakefield.  How we long for another run.  If not this year there’s something going on and I hope T-Rob plans to make France his home because I can’t see where another French speaking Australian is going to come from.  Not one who can coach anyway.  Giants fans have no such worries.  Brown is staying for a bit longer and his team is developing game after game.  What could have been a nightmare loss at Wakefield was saved by the simultaneous dropped points for those around them.  Instead of sharing top spot with another two teams it’s still just them and the competition favourites. This is another mini epic.  Getting the chance to see this on Saturday night is a true thrill.  Before the game you’re not disinterested.  Huddersfield struggled to back up and we don’t know yet how much Brough’s absence contributed.  I think Catalans and Dureau might just do this.  Huddersfield are clearly the better team and are hard to beat.  Can Catalans score enough points?  I think 20 points will do it.  Too close to call.

Bradford v Hull
Hard cheese for the Bulls last week as what would have been two good points against Saints turned into a respectable one.  Before the game I think most would have taken that and Saints fans certainly did at the end.  How this one is going to work out I don’t know.  Hull have been a lot more enterprising than Bradford and that’s a real disappointment for me.  Potter’s Dragons might have pounded the ball down the middle but there was also a quality to their handling which has disappeared here.  I suppose it stands to reason given the state Bradford were in when he arrived.  If Potter can get the win currently it’s going to have to be on the back of Hull errors.  Agar’s team has entered my mind once or twice this year, usually after running a big gun close so I’ve surprised myself by going for Hull so easily.  Bradford haven’t beaten anybody higher than Castleford and have won five out of six against the teams in 9th and below.  At Hull this was a close one and I expect the same here.  Difficult to choose between Hull’s additional fire power or the Bulls tenacity at home.  Let’s give the home fans a break.  They’ve come out this year again and they deserve some reward.  Happy birthday VBFG!  Bradford.

Hull KR v Warrington
It was sinking time  in The Ship Canal derby and Warrington it was who suffered the post-Exiles fate although it was a game they will know they could and should have won.  Hull KR, on the other hand, found Leeds were not quite as dismal.  At home Rovers have been quite resilient, beating Hull and Leeds whilst Catalans, Huddersfield and Wigan have been the three victors at New Craven Park.  That’s where I’d pitch Rovers this season i.e. confident enough to back at home when not up against a well coached team.  Warrington happen to be well drilled and that’s the difference to the last couple of years.  The Rovers team from either of those campaigns you could be sure would test any visitor.  It’s not a clear away win but it looks like the clearest of the week after Wakefield.  Warrington.

One final word today and it’s about the Northern Rail Cup semi-final which was a true thriller.  Well played all.