1.
EXCITING GAMES
Too many Super League games this season have been one
dimensional and, at times, too predictable and to a certain extent boring. You
definitely cannot say that about the three games that Sky televised last
weekend. The controversial Thursday night fixture has a tendency to be an
uninspiring game with the main fixture of the TV weekend planned for the Friday
night. Last Thursday’s fixture was far from that as the Castleford Tigers made
it 3 wins in a row with a 31-24 win at Leeds Rhinos. For the second week
running the Tigers made a storming start to the game and were 18-0 up in the
first quarter, just as they had been the previous week at Hull KR. And, as Hull
KR did, the Rhinos charged back at them and came close to taking the points. It
must be so disconcerting for a coach to see your team make such a storming
start and then see the opposition come back into the game. Tigers coach Darryl
Powell will be heartened though by the fact that his team has responded when
they have been under the hammer and have been strong enough to push on and take
the points in both tough away fixtures to consolidate their top 8 position. On
Friday night came the St. Helens v. Wigan Warriors north west derby and this
game was at another level entirely. It was intense with strong defence from
both sides, quality play and two errors from Wigan full back Matty Bowen that
were crucial in the outcome of the match. Wigan led 10-8 at half time but the
Saints piled the pressure on in the second half and the Warriors crumbled. The
Saints scored 22 points in the second half to win the game 30-14 and take over
the top spot from the Rhinos. Finally, on Saturday evening the Black and Whites
of Hull FC took the largest number of fans so far this season to the South of
France to see their in-form side take on Catalans Dragons. Whilst the standard
and intensity may not have matched the previous two TV games, there was
certainly no shortage of excitement and controversy for the FC fans in the pub
that I was watching it in to shout loudly about. The match hinged on a decision
to disallow a Fenuli Talanoa try after the video referee ruled that Dragons
centre Ben Pomeroy had been obstructed in the build up and I must admit it was
a decision I agreed with, although I kept quiet about with about 50 Hull FC in
close attendance and having had a few beers along the way. FC definitely had
the chances to win the game but weren’t quite as clinical as they needed to be.
2. IN-FORM TIGERS
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| Ben Roberts |
Last night’s game between Castleford Tigers and St. Helens was another
brilliant advert for the game and you have to say that the Tigers are the form
team of the competition at the moment and are playing some superb rugby league.
Darryl Powell has really got his team playing well and battling hard and last
night’s brilliant last kick of the match 25-24 victory over table topping St.
Helens was their 4th win on the trot which started with the Magic
Weekend rout of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and was followed by tough wins at
Hull Kingston Rovers and the Rhinos before beating Saints last night. The
catalyst seems to be Powell’s decision to put enigmatic Samoan international
Ben Roberts at full back. Roberts had not had the best of starts to his career
in Super League and Powell has preferred Liam Finn and Luke Gale as his first
choice half back pairing but Roberts really seems to be settling in to the full
back spot and was outstanding last night and provided the assist for Jake
Webster’s try with a lovely kick through and posed problems for the Saints
defence all night. He is one of those players that can infuriate and thrill
within minutes and he did exactly that last night as he dropped the ball
bringing it out of defence in the last couple of minutes but fortunately James
Roby knocked on at the scrum and gave possession back to the Tigers. Now most
teams would have been happy to take the point but the Tigers took the ball wide
and made a brilliant break to get into the position for Roberts to kick the
winning drop goal. Queue hysteria – and quite rightly so as it had me out of my
seat as well. I tipped the Tigers to struggle to make the 8 this year because
of the number AND quality of player they had lost. The team lost the Man of
Steel Daryl Clark, top class prop Craig Huby, back rower Weller Hauraki and
half back / hooker Jamie Ellis from the successful team of last season and at first
the signings made to replace them did not look too good in comparison. However,
Luke Gale is in the form of his life and deserves an England squad place, Scott
Moore has done a solid job at hooker alongside local lad Adam Milner, whilst
Clark has struggled to find his ‘A’ game at Warrington, and Michael McMeeken
and Junior Moors have been excellent in the pack. The Tigers have a solid squad
– Jake Webster is back playing some of his best rugby since his early days at
Hull KR, Oliver Holmes is another outstanding youngster, whilst Denny Solomona
is bang on form with 8 tries in his last 4 games. The Tigers now have Justin
Carney back after a 9 game absence and they still have Luke Dorn to come back
in and also bear in mind that Frankie Mariano and Scott Wheeldon are long term
injuries as well. Whilt the Tigers did not have the best of starts to the
season there is no doubt that they are now firing on all cylinders and with a
Head Coach of the quality and ingenuity of Daryl Powell, I think the Tigers
would be a good outside bet for a place at Old Trafford.
3. CAMPO RULED OUT
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| Campo - not so happy at the minute!! |
This week came the news that all Hull KR fans have been dreading as it
was confirmed that our inspirational captain Terry Campese has been ruled out
for the rest of the 2015 season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in
his right knee against Castleford Tigers two weeks ago. The former Canberra Raiders
captain has been absolutely superb for Hull KR throughout this season and has played
some superb rugby, there was no better performance from him than in the Easter
derby victory over Hull FC at the KC stadium – he was simply on another level
that night. There was a question mark over Campese’s ability to withstand the
rigours of a full season as he had already had his left knee reconstructed
twice with the Raiders and suffered a serious groin injury as well. I guess
those fears have been founded and it is such a shame as Campo had really
settled into Super League and had already signed a 2 year contract extension at
Rovers. His form has been top class and he was one of the front runners for the
Albert Goldthorpe Medal awarded by Rugby League Express and had been mentioned
as a potential candidate for the Man of Steel Award. However, his biggest
impact has been on the club, especially the supporters who love the man
already. Fortunately, Campo is a great trainer and will keep himself in good
shape and the surgeons are saying that he will come back stronger and we will
have him back leading the team out at the start of the 2016 Super League
season. The fact is though that he will be badly missed by the team as he leads
from the front and is involved in everything that goes on. Rovers beat Widnes
last week with Albert Kelly and Maurice Blair paired together at half back and
it worked well. Rovers have been linked with both Josh Drinkwater and Chris
Sandow to replace Campese but I would give the incumbents a good go at it and
see what they can do for us as we currently have no overseas quota spots
available anyway.
4. SALFORD CIRCUS
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| Paul Gallen - Salford bound?? |
The Salford Circus is now fully open, is free to all on Sunday afternoon for
the visit of Catalans Dragons and the Ringmaster will take centre stage on
Tuesday of next week. It is never dull at the AJ Bell and the Ringmaster, Dr.
Koukash, has called a press conference next Tuesday at which he plans to make
clear how his club is run, tell some home truths and possibly announce some
signings – either players for 2016 or additions to the coaching staff.
Koukash’s main bone of contention is the allegations made by the Salford Star
that players and staff have not been paid at times, that players are looking to
leave and that Koukash is struggling to repay a £1.5m loan to the local
council. They have not painted a pretty picture and the article would lead you
to believe that there are serious problems for Koukash to deal with. It is a
fact that Lama Tasi has signed for St. Helens from next year, that Tony Puletua
is claiming he is owed a large sum of money and that star signing Kevin Locke
has tendered his resignation after recent criticism levelled at him by Koukash.
You can see why the good Doctor is not a happy man. Salford are continuing to
be linked with big name signings for next season – however unlikely. Gold Coast
forward Dave Taylor is far more likely to join the club than Paul Gallen or New
Zealand international Marty Taupau – you would have thought so anyway but you
just never know with Koukash as I am sure he will be chomping at the bit to
utilise the Marquee signing rule that was implemented last week and was his
brainchild. I really like the Doctor and appreciate how much he loves the game
of Rugby League but I think he needs someone with a vast knowledge of rugby
league to come in and run the club for him – maybe he is involved TOO much on a
day to day basis. Apparently he is trying to tempt Tim Sheens to come back across
from Australia on a full time basis, it seems likely Sheens will be relieved of
his coaching duties with the Australian national squad, and this would be a
good appointment as Koukash may listen to such an experienced man and take more
of a back seat. It has also been widely reported that Bobbie Goulding has been
offered some sort of role on the staff as well – Bobbie is very vocal on social
media and has made it well known that he would like to work at Salford and in
particular with youth players – I hope the role, whatever it is, works out for
him as I believe he is genuine in his quest to help young rugby league players.
I also believe that Koukash is an honourable man and that Tuesday’s press
conference will be very interesting indeed.
5.
THAT’S GOTTA HURT!!!
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| Ben Ross' arm operation (sorry!!) |
I have never seen anything on live TV as bad as the injury suffered by
former Queensland representative Ben Ross on The Footy Show in Australia last
week. I am sure everyone who has seen it will have been shocked by what
happened – can you imagine having seen it first hand?? Ross was involved in an
arm wrestling contest with fellow Queenslander Wendell Sailor as part of a
fundraising event for the Rugby League charity ‘Men of League’. These are two
big strong guys but Wendell proved to be the stronger as Ross’ right arm
literally snapped under the pressure imposed by Sailor. You could see his arm
just collapse and it was later discovered that he had suffered multiple
fractures with the worst being a fracture of the humerus. He has had the bone
plated and screwed back into place, including the use of a 9cm steel rod, and
will take between 16-18 weeks to fully recover. Ross said he had never suffered
pain like it yet would still consider doing it all again for charity. Sailor
has clearly stated he never wants to arm wrestle again and he is devastated at
what he has done to Ross. Ross has taken in his stride just like you would
expect of an experienced high level rugby league player. Have another look at
it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeSBWpyIib4
6.
WHOSE ON THE MOVE?
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| Gadwin Springer |
Someone who is staying put is Warrington Wolves star back
rower Ben Currie. The 20 year old has been in outstanding form all year and is
England coach Steve McNamara’s thoughts for the end of season Test Series
against New Zealand. He has signed a deal that takes him to the end of the 2019
season and is great piece of business by Tony Smith as there is no doubt he
will have attracted interest from all over the world.
Another quality youngster who has attracted interest and
accepted an offer is St. Helens back rower Josh Jones. He has signed a 2 year
contract with rugby union club Exeter Chiefs. It may be a good move for him as
he will be under the radar at Exeter unlike other rugby league players who have
made moves to more high profile clubs.
Controversial half back Chris Sandow has been told he can
leave the Parramatta Eels with immediate effect if they receive an offer for
his services. Sandow, who has been in and out of the Eels side this year, is
out of contract at the end of the season and recently appeared to criticise
Head Coach Brad Arthur’s handling of him this year. Sandow would have struggled
to tie down a spot with the Eels next year as they will pair Kieran Foran and
Corey Norman in the halves. With his unpredictability, skill and pace Sandow
would be a huge hit in Super League – with the new Marquee signing rule I am
sure he will not be short of offers.
Another player definitely leaving the Eels is former Hull
FC centre Ben Crooks. Crooks has not had a crack at first grade this year and
is coming home with his likely destination being Castleford Tigers. Hull FC have
stated he will not be returning to them and they have now relinquished his registration
so that he is free to join another club.
Catalans Dragons Aussie winger Michael Oldfield will
return to the NRL next year and is like to be replaced by Warrington Wolves
captain Joel Monaghan. The Dragons have also signed former New Zealand
international centre Krisnan Inu until the end of the season to cover the loss
of Willie Tonga. Inu has signed from French RU club Stade Francais and is being
linked with Hull FC from next year. Another player heading out of the Dragons
is big young prop Gadwin Springer who has signed a 2 ½ year deal with Castleford
Tigers, effective immediately. Watch out for this kid!! He could be joined by
his former team mate Ben Pomeroy who is also being linked with the Tigers.
Danny Kirmond has been linked with Hull KR……again. His
Wildcats team mate Dean Collis has returned to Australia for family reasons(!!)
and out of favour Jarod Sammut has signed a contract with Championship side
Workington Town. This does not hold well with me – Sammut is way too good to be
playing in the Championship – there must be a Super League side that can handle
the unorthodox nature of Sammut’s ability – he is wasting his talent.
Kevin Locke has now been linked to the Canberra Raiders
with the Red Devils apparently happy to pay a big chunk of his wages until the
end of his contract – this has not been a happy relationship!!
The Bulldogs and New South Wales half back Trent
Hodkinson is the latest big name to be linked with Leeds Rhinos.
Former Hull FC prop forward Sam Moa looks likely to leave
Sydney Roosters for Penrith Panthers.
Luke Walsh has signed on for a 3rd season at
St. Helens and Chris Bridge is attracting the interest of Wigan Warriors – the
Warriors have also been busy and have tied Anthony Gelling down on a 4 year
contract.
A bit of extra time thinking:
New Zealand Warriors and Kiwi international Manu Vatuvei
is a beast that knows his way to the try line. He has become the first player
in history to score at least 10 tries in 10 consecutive NRL season.
Warrington prop Anthony England can count himself lucky
to have received just a 4 week ban for spitting on a Giants player at the
weekend. There isn’t anything more disgusting than that.
Something that has gone a little under the radar is the
injury suffered by North Wales Crusaders forward Alex Thompson in their match
against Rochdale Hornets at the weekend. Thompson took the ball in early in the
match and was involved in a legal tackle that took him to ground. Hornets
forward Tony Suffolk has hold of Thompson’s leg and then appears to ‘wrench’
his lower leg leaving Thompson on the floor in agony. Thompson had to be
carried from the field and has suffered a serious injury – he has ruptures his
achilles and has also damaged his medial collateral ligament. All players at
this level are part time and Thompson will be on unpaid sick leave for a number
of weeks. You can see the video here: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/rugby-league/watch-moment-left-rugby-league-9472874
Final word goes to a rugby legend of both codes. Jonathan
Davies was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services
to charity – in particular to cancer charity’s. Davies already holds an MBE for
his services to both codes of rugby. He has been President of Cardiff’s
Velindre Cancer Centre for the last 6 years and has helped them raise over
£10million. Davies lost both his father and wife to cancer so has detailed
first-hand knowledge of the effect it has on people. ‘Jiffy’ was a hugely
gifted fly half in Rugby Union before he turned is hand to Rugby League and
made a massive impact with Widnes, Warrington, Canterbury Bulldogs, Wales and
Great Britain before going back to Rugby Union to end his career Which RL fan
will ever forget his try from full back in the Wembley Test Match of the 194
Ashes Series. Here’s a clip just in case:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSCZ-qQTodQ
You can follow me on Twitter @sharpster69
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