The Rugby League Blogger

 Another busy week of Super League action has been and gone. Leigh failed to have a 100% record over current World Champions and does the upset at the Mend-A-Hose all but confirm this years relegation? Leeds hosted Wigan in a historic clash of Rugby League Greats and the Channel 4 cameras covered the huge game between the Red Devils and the Wolves. Too little too late As has been the case far too often for Wakefield this year, it was another case of too little too late as they lost to the Dragons 18-10. Like in the loss to Saints, Wakefield were in this game. However, they failed to capitalise on a number of occasions and when playing against a team as cut throat as Catalans, you just can't afford to do that. Tom Johnstone opened the scoring against his former side and Keighran doubled the Dragons lead 5 minutes later. The next 50 minutes was scoreless and Trinity hung on despite Eseh's sin binning for a high tackle, but Davies try was the nail in the coffin. Tanginoa and Kersh

 Round 24 was a round that had so much bearing on the league table, top to bottom. Castleford and Wakefield both faced difficult matches at the bottom end of the table, while Hull played Leeds in an important play off race Yorkshire Derby and Hull KR had the chance to pull away from the playoff pack. There were a few shock results, unpaid electric bills and big injuries in this round- it's your Super League Round Review. Taming the Dragons A captains contribution to remember again for Kenny-Dowall on Friday Night. He was one of four try scorers for Rovers, joined by Linnett, Walker and Mikey Lewis on the scoresheet. On a week where it was confirmed Jack Walker wouldn't be staying at the Robins next season, his contribution was also vital. 10 points with the boot from loanee Brad Schneider confirmed the victory for Hull KR.  Tries from Navarette, Garcia and Yaha proved to be not enough for Catalans. They fall to their second defeat in as many rounds and fall second in the table.

 I know, I know, a blog from me is rarer than winning the lottery. However, like winning the lottery, it's something worth waiting for... I hope. Today, I'm going to talk about Super League so far. We are already approaching the historic Easter period this season and the first 7 rounds have gone very quickly. It's been a close, exciting season so far with upsets and lots of unpredictable things have gone on. Equally, lots of interesting talking points have come out of it such as... Saints' downfall beginning? It had to happen at some point, and potentially now is that time. The start of Paul Wellens' tenure has been about as smooth as sandpaper. A Saints side that we've seen be so formidable and strong for the past 4 years is seemingly struggling to find their rhythm. Losses to Leeds and Leigh sum that up. They've also gone close to Hull and Huddersfield. Them becoming World Champions feels lifetimes ago. We must take into account that the start of Kristian

 The World Cup is no over and what a World Cup it was. It may seem ages away, but all focus has now returned to domestic rugby league. With the start of Super League '23 69 days away, it's time for the first blog of the new season. All teams have now released their new home shirts for 2023 and there are some brilliant ones. I ranked them all from worst to best, and it was actually quite difficult in some places. Without further ado, lets get into it.  12. Castleford Tigers This shirt is really unpleasant in my opinion. I really don't get what the aim here was. It's very mismatch. I'm not a fan of how the block colours goes from orange to black so suddenly. The first black line at the top looks out of place. I do, however, like the arms. I think the black with orange rims works really well. I also do quite like the sponsor too but even that looks a bit out of place on the background. There is far too much going on here and not much of it works, hence the last place.

 It's here finally! The World Cup got underway this afternoon at Newcastle with England hosting Samoa. It was an electric atmosphere with a brilliant "tournament welcome" as it's being referred, featuring a great pre-show from the Kaiser Chiefs. England also went into the game at St. James' Park as underdogs, for one of the first times in their illustrious history. However, Samoa are definitely a country on the rise! Team news For England, Young starts on the wing over the experienced Ryan Hall. Young Player of the Year Jack Welsby starts in the halves alongside the experienced George Williams. NRL talent Farnworth, Burgess, Whitehead and Radley come on to the bench. St. Helens duo Morgan Knowles and Matty Lees feature on the bench. Starting Lineup 1. Sam Tomkins, 2. Tommy Makinson, 3. Kallum Watkins, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 14. Dom Young, 6. Jack Welsby, 7. George Williams, 8. Tom Burgess, 9. Micky McIlorum, 18. Chris Hill, 11. Elliott Whitehead, 20. Mike McMeeken,

  Finally! It feels like we have been waiting years but the World Cup is finally upon us. It's a tournament that is sure to bring lots of thrills over the next month. After a year's delay, 16 teams will finally flock to the UK to take part in this historic competition. England may be hosts but they are far from favourites, and will face tough competition in Samoa to just finish top of their group! For the first time in a while, the usual 3 of England, Australia and New Zealand look like they have other competition for the title, with both Samoa and Tonga looking strong and flying the flag for the Pacific Islands. Without further ado, let's get into my predictions for Gameweek 1! England v Samoa (St. James' Park, Saturday 15th October, 2.30pm, Group A) What a huge game to start off the tournament! It's a changed up and refreshed England side for this World Cup with head coach Shaun Wane picking a good mix of inexperience and experience. England regulars Ryan Hall and