The Good
Many will be getting fed up hearing about St Helens this season, but Justin Holbrook’s side just keep on winning. They made it nine victories from 10 rounds on Friday with a 26-12 dismantling of Hull FC. Saints have the most destructive attack and the stingiest defence, and even without Ben Barba they had too much in the tank for the Black and Whites.
Nine miles down the road and Warrington are quietly going about their business. The knives were out for Steve Price a month ago but now his team has etched five wins in a row. They are up to third in the table now and building serious momentum. For Salford though it is four losses in succession, a worrying slide that needs addressing.
Leeds have stayed with the top four after holding on to a two-point victory over Wakefield in a thriller. Wakey threw everything and the kitchen sink at their neighbours, but the Rhinos made it unbeaten in their past four with Sunday’s win. As the only team to have toppled St Helens in 2018, they are tracking nicely in April. The hero of Sunday was Kallum Watkins, who finished with a cool 16 points at Belle Vue.
The Bad
What can be said about Catalans that hasn’t already been said? To lead 21-0 over Wigan in the second half at home and then capitulate 32-23 is unforgivable. Steve McNamara should have his marching orders. To then blame the referees, after a 13-7 penalty count against them, is pathetic. First fix up the Dragons’ notorious discipline and get your own house in order, then you can take on the officials. Once again Catalans are beating themselves.
The Ugly
KCOM Craven Park on Saturday resembled a hospital ward as players were dropping like flies. Widnes finished with only 13 fit players after Danny Craven, Wellington Albert, Gil Dudson and Keanan Brand all had to be taken off. Denis Betts must have broken every mirror and ran over every black cat on the long drive across the Pennines. The worst injury was to19-year-old centre Brand who badly broke his leg a mere seven minutes into his Super League debut. Heart-breaking stuff for the young lad.
Hull KR had their share of bumps and bruises, the worst going to Andrew Heffernan. The centre suffered his third concussion this season and will need to sit out a long period of time. Heffernan received some head knocks last year too, so lets hope this latest setback doesn’t affect a very promising career and he gets back on the field. But with brain damage every precaution needs to be taken before Heffernan is right to go.
