Round Review: Super League Round 25 (Sunday 10th September 2023)

 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 Kershaw's tries in the last 5 minutes showed glimpses of what they were threatening all game, but it wasn't enough to salvage the game and potentially their season.

Ill disciplined Giants

No one can question Jake Connor's skill on the ball, but perhaps his let down is his discipline and this proved again on Friday as the Robins defeated the Giants 26-18. Former Hull FC man Connor and Halsall both saw yellow in an ill disciplined display from the Giants. Halsall would later score for his team, along with McGillvary and NRL-bound Will Pryce but it wasn't enough. A great captains contribution from Kenny-Dowall who again got in on the scoring, along with Abdull, Linnett and Senior. Huddersfield won't be too displeased by the margin of this loss against the high flying Hull KR but you feel that the score could have been closer if it wasn't for the ill discipline of Ian Watson's men. Huddersfield remain 9th while Hull KR sit comfortably in a play off place with just two rounds to go.

Halfback-less Hull mauled by the Tigers

Jason Qareqare made a vital contribution to Castleford's survival hopes on Friday, scoring a double in his sides 29-12 victory over Hull. Qareqare, who scored his first career try against the Black and Whites, opened the scoring after 3 minutes. A Swift try on the 11th minute gave Hull hope, but it wasn't to be as Castleford took complete control of the game. Tries came from Eden, Foster, Turner and another Qareqare try for Castleford with a late consolation from the prolific Adam Swift for Hull. Leeds loanee Austin made his mark with a drop goal in the last quarter of the game. Davy Litten's sin bin on the 58th minute also proved to be a decisive moment in the game, further adding to the Tigers control of the game. Hull lacked any sort of organisation and composure without any recognised halfbacks in the team, leading to players such as Savelio and Scott putting up kicks on the last tackle. This aided Castleford to a well deserved and crucial win. This win moves the Tigers four points clear of chasing Wakefield and with a much superior point difference over Trinity. Although this doesn't mathematically confirm safety, it is highly likely Castleford can now look forward to a place in Super League 2024.

Leigh lose 100% record

The major talking point from this game is the potential forward passes in the lead up to Saints' first try from this man, Tommy Makinson. Ultimately, Saints went on to claim a tight 22-12 victory over the Leopards featuring a double from Tommy Makinson and ultimately the first try did not have a great bearing on the game. Gildart also scored in the first half, leaving the scores at 6-6 going into the interval. There were second half tries from Lomax, Makinson, Batchelor and Mulhern as Saints claimed a home victory. Leigh were looking to claim a 100% record against the World Champions, which would be unspeakable for a newly promoted team but a second five star performance in two weeks from Tommy Makinson ends those hopes. Leigh remain in the playoff places whereas Saints' hope for the League Leaders Shield is very much alive.

World Class Wardle

The Sky cameras took us to Headingley on Saturday Afternoon where records were broken. Wigan put the Rhinos to the sword, winning 50-0, which is also Leeds' heaviest home Super League defeat, eclipsing the 48-0 loss to Saints in 2020. Joe Wardle was the star man, scoring a hat trick for the Warriors. Field scored a single try, in what was a quiet game for him and his attacking partner French, however, their influence on the team was still very clear to see. Marshall, Pearce-Paul, Farrell and Miski all got over the whitewash in an emphatic win for Wigan. Mago also claimed a try, the third of his career. Leeds' playoff hopes are now as good as over due to this defeat, whereas Wigan remain joint top of the table but ahead on points difference, as they nil a team for the second time in three rounds.

Golden Point Drama

Absolute drama is the only way to describe Channel 4's Sunday showing between Salford and Warrington. It was a game that lacked quality and as a result of that chances were on a guilt edge. Errors from Burgess and Sio led to Warrington's first two tries, while Salford scored through Hellewell and Croft, leaving the score 12-12 after 50 minutes. The game became incredibly scrappy from this point, but a late Williams try came out of nowhere to give Warrington an 8 point lead thanks to an earlier penalty. Croft hit back and then Sneyd kicked a penalty to level the scores. A Matt Duffy knock on gave Salford a perfect opportunity at the end, but a brain explosion from Salford led to a penalty to Warrington and Golden Point. Sneyd hit the post with a drop goal attempt, but then just two minutes later, Burgess broke the line setting up Sam Stone for a Golden Point winning try. Pure pandemonium and an absolute thriller. Salford and Warrington are now level on points in 5th and 6th. With Salford heading to the team above them, Hull KR, next week, the playoffs really are all to play for.

Super League Round 26 looks set to be just as exciting, with no game more vital than Hull KR v Salford on Saturday evening in front of the Sky cameras. Wakefield's relegation could be confirmed away at Leigh on Friday night if they lose, or Castleford beat League Leaders Shield hopefuls Wigan, that game kicking off at the same time on Friday night.. Hull play Huddersfield in a potentially exciting game on Saturday afternoon, while Catalans host Leeds on Sky as they look to continue their hopes for the League Leaders Shield, the same going for Saints who play Warrington on Sky on Friday night.