So after another round of enthralling rugby league my prediction rate is 26 /36 Week 1 had no predictions remember.
Wigan were perhaps lucky to squeeze a single point win against the black and whites. In a feisty encounter which always threatened to spill over Hull were like a toffee wrapper stuck on your shoe, always there and always annoying. Call me old fashioned but I love these smash, bash games where the biff is as important as the silky skill. On the evidence of this Hull will win more than they lose and Wigan will just go on being Wigan.
Whilst Hull were unlucky in going down to Wigan, their nearest and dearest were doing the business, and in some style. Taking apart a Warrington side displaying all the confidence of a submarine captain in a collander. While the rest of Superleague shakes it's collective head at what's happening Hull KR just got on with the task of condemning Powell's men to another L in the results column. Hull KR could be a genuine outside bet for the play offs. Warrington?, well who knows.
Castleford condemned new boys Toulouse to another defeat and ran out comfortable winners to back up their CC victory at Leeds the week before. Toulouse never threatened to cause another upset although they will take scalps as the season progresses. All in all a regulation win for a Cas side looking to pull away from the basement zone.
Staying in Yorkshire takes us to Huddersfield and a really good win for the Giants, defeating Catalans in a game where many fancied the French outfit (Mmm French Fancies). Hudds are establishing themselves as a solid team who on their day will give any side a game and often match them. Catalans on the other hand will see this as a disappointing result. Teams with Grand Final aspirations should go to The John Smith Stadium and return with 2 points.
Still in Yorkshire we visit Leeds just for a laugh because at the moment that's about all they're good for as another abject performance sees them nilled at home by Saint Helens. This should now be very concerning for Leeds who look absolutely devoid of confidence. Winless at home, no permanent Head Coach in place and only off the bottom by virtue of points difference Leeds look an absolute mess. Saints on the other hand look absolutely determined to romp the league this year and despite not being at full strength were never in trouble.
Still in Yorkshire we finish with Wakefield and a narrow victory over a battling Salford. Wakefield are gathering the kind of momentum that can become difficult to stop and at their horror show of a ground backed by very partisan fans it's a difficult place to go and get a result (think cold wet Tuesday in Stoke under Pulis). Salford meanwhile blow hot and cold and like a box of chocolates you never quite know what you're going to get. I don't think they're relegation material, neither do I think they will trouble the awards committee.
Ok it's the Challenge Cup again this weekend so Superleague returns with rounds 8 and 9 with the Easter Holiday games.
Until then, have fun and take in a game sometime.
Mark
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