Super League: Round 8 previews
Posted by Sport.co.uk on: 26 March 2010 - 10:12
Author: Wayne Storr
We are already a quarter of the way through Super League XV but still no one team has established themselves as the clear front runner for this years Grand Final. Round eight sees some of those teams with desires of silverware lock horns this week with Wigan v Leeds and Huddersfield V St Helens the pick of the bunch. Sport.co.uk takes a look at this weeks games and gives some helpful insight.
Friday, 26 March 2010
Wigan v Leeds, 20:00
Whilst all the headlines about Wigan this season have pointed towards silverware at the end of the year its been nothing but bad news for the Rhinos. Where Wigan have been scoring for fun Leeds have struggled to just three victories from seven and defeat tonight could leave them outside of the play-off places for the first time in years.
Leeds coach Brian Mclennan could finally have some good news as he names skipper Kevin Sinfield, Danny Buderus and flying winger Ryan Hall in his initial 19-man squad. The Rhinos though cannot just rely on the potential return of these players as enough to see them through to a victory.
The Warriors have been in devastating form this year, dominating possession, scoring at will, and, importantly, defending as though their lives depended on it. They also have the benefit of having a full squad to choose from with absentees from last week, Michael McIlorum and Cameron Phelps, looking set to return to action.
This game could be a disaster for the Rhinos, they have a lot of players out injured and their attack hasn't been clinical enough. They do however have a knack of putting in a big performance when it matters, and it doesn't come much bigger than Wigan away.
Sports.co.uk says Wigan will be looking at this game as one that will make teams take notice that they are the team to beat. You can never write the Rhinos off but this game may have come too early for them. Wigan by 10
Castleford v Crusaders, 20:00
Its the Tigers turn to watch the welsh circus roll into town this week as the Crusaders visit knowing a victory could take them into the top eight.
Since being written off by all and sundry pre-season the Crusaders are making the headlines for all the right reasons so far this year. The signing of union legend Gareth Thomas, who is named in the squad for the second week running, has been a shot in the arm for rugby league in Wales, but more importantly the performances they have been putting in have been strong and they are worthy of their place in the table.
The Tigers could argue they are unlucky to be where they are in the league, having played seven teams who are all strong Super League contenders, but after throwing away yet another lead last week it seems their league position is a fair reflection of how they have performed this year.
Castleford coach Terry Materson could play all three of his on loan signings with forward Chris Tuson set to make his debut. The Crusaders are without winger Gareth Raynor but could recall prop Adam peek.
The Tigers will be geared up for this, its arguably the first time they will go into a game as favorites, so expect them to start all guns blazing. If the Crusaders can weather the early onslaught Castleford's confidence could waver enough for an upset but expect Castleford to have too much class in this one.
Sports.co.uk says Castleford by 18
Warrington v Wakefield, 20:00
The coup that took place this week that saw Danny Brough leave Wakefield will undoubtedly have an effect on the Wildcats in round eight as they go into a game against a Warrington team who sit alongside them in joint second in the league. The goal kicking extraordinaire played a huge role in the victories that saw Wakefield climb the table and it may seem that without him the Wildcats form could begin to slip. But coach John Kear has made some astute signings to accommodate Brough's departure, Paul Cooke was drafted in last week and looks set to be in the team again and new boy Danny Kirmond will line up alongside Michael Korkidas for their official Wildcats debuts.
Warrington are at full strength and can welcome back half back Lee Briers after a four game absence.
Both teams play an attacking brand of rugby and plenty of points will be scored in this one. If Cooke can fit into the team well enough then Wakefield will get a few tries but its all about how well they can defend their line. Warrington will be looking to bounce back after their defeat to St Helens last week and in front of a baying crowd will be looking to rack up a big score.
Sport.co.uk says Warrington by 12
Bradford v Harlequins, 20:00
Tonight’s clash at the Odsal stadium brings together two teams that are desperate for a win. Despite Bradford's stunning victory against table toppers Wigan they have since struggled to two defeats from two. Their form prior to their win over the Warriors wasn't anywhere near its best either with only new signing Matt Orford's trusty boot edging the Bulls past Salford.
Orford missed last weeks defeat against Hull but has recovered from the virus that kept him out and looks set to start a match Bulls coach Steve McNamara needs to win.
The pressure on Quins coach Bran McDermott is no different as he takes his bottom of the table side to Odsal looking for only their second win of the season.
Both teams have the quality to put a run of games together and climb the league but at the moment its just not clicking for either of them. Bradford have the better attacking record and at home they will be expecting another win.
Sport.co.uk says Bradford by 12
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Catalans Dragons v Hull KR, 19:30
With Adam Mogg now departed Catalans go into this game in a precarious situation. They are having a nightmare regarding injuries, a defeat could send them to the bottom of the league and they can't buy a win. Hull KR however, continue to develop their reputation as one of the stronger teams in the league. Despite inconsistent form early on in the season a win against last years champions Leeds last week has put them right back into the race for top spot.
KR, now without former favourite Paul Cooke, following his signing last week for Wakefield sees influential half back Michael Dobson continue his pairing with Scott Murrell. Coach Justin Morgan also rests prop Liam Watts with Matt Cook taking his place in the 19-man squad.
The Catalans attack has been somewhat lacking direction this season, largely due the absence of talisman Thomas Bosc. For the first time this year coach Kevin Walters can name the half back in his squad and it is this good news that Walters will using to spur his men onto victory. The Dragons will be keen to put the unrest caused by Mogg's departure, and their poor start to the season behind them and in front of a partisan crowd this could be the game that gets their season started.
Sports.co.uk says Catalans by 16
Salford v Hull, 17:00
Hull are without three key players for their visit to the Willows. Stand off Richard Horne hasn't recovered from a rib injury that kept him out last week and winger Mark Calderwood and Peter Cusack miss out following injuries against Bradford.
This could lead to a surprise debut for 17-year-old winger Reece Lyne as Hull coach Richard Agar looks to develop a squad strong enough to maintain a serious challenge at the title.
Salford go into the game somewhat frustrated by their league position. They have managed to put in good performances against the bigger clubs but it’s against the teams who are around them in the table where they have failed to impress and the need for a win is getting greater as the rounds go on.
The Reds will put a strong team out, with only Jeremy Smith absent due to suspension, and will do so hoping their luck can change. Against a Hull pack that boasts the likes of Craig Fitzgibbon though the reds will struggle to get on top.
Sport.co.uk says Hull by 20
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Huddersfield v St Helens, 15:00
Round 8 of super league XV ends with arguably the biggest game of the weekend when team of the moment Huddersfield face their sternest test of the season against the most successful club in Super League history. Over the last few years the power has been slowly wrenched away from St Helens to the benefit of the Yorkshire region with Leeds winning the last three Grand Finals, but its close neighbours Huddersfield who this year look most likely to deny St Helens any silverware.
Giants coach Nathan Brown could include new signing Danny Brough in his squad but his team have been in fine form of late and this game may have come too early. St Helens will be without full back Paul Wellens and star signing Sia Soliola who was ruled out for the season this week following a knee injury sustained in training.
The Giants are playing well, and a victory here will complete a double over the top teams from last year. Anyone who writes Saints off however, may be in for a surprise. Their form has not been great this year but they are still up there and brushed Warrington aside last week with consummate ease. They have a magician in half back Kyle Eastmond and a pack who can out-muscle the Giants
Sports.co.uk says Huddersfield could pull of one of the results of the season here but it would be a big ask of them. St Helens by 10