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.