Five things: A Giant collapse, Bulls aren’t doomed yet and Friday’s thriller
One – A Giant collapse
A morale-boosting win for Warrington after they racked up 19 points in the last 10 minutes at Huddersfield, but not much for either side to smile about.
They’re both still a long way off where they’d like to be.
After three attempts Huddersfield have yet to win at home this season – how much pressure will there be for the visit of St Helens next week? – and Warrington’s attack still looks reasonably blunt.
Tony Smith said: “We’ll be a half decent if we get a good kicking game. We didn’t have many kicks that were up to standard, but we’re not lacking in spirit or courage.”
Highlight for the Wolves was the performance of Matty Russell – “he gave us a real spark,” was Smith’s verdict.
Giants boss Paul Anderson revealed Huddersfield managed to complete just six sets in the second half.
Their highlight? Probably full time.
Two – The kids are all right…
No question about game of the season so far after Friday’s thriller at Langtree Park.
Saints’ kids produced the club’s best win at their new gaff and assistant coach Keiron Cunningham basked in the moment.
“We knew last year’s pain was going to be worthwhile,” he said. “The foundations of the club are very secure.”
In a match that threw up some remarkable stats – Jamie Peacock’s 247 metres and James Roby’s 57 tackles among them – it was the brilliance of Lance Hohaia, Jonny Lomax and Tom Makinson that eventually settled it.
Cunningham added: “You make your own luck in rugby league, don’t you?”
Three – … but the old guys can still hack it
What’s that saying about old dogs and new tricks?
Paul Wellens marked his record-equaling 413th Super League appearance with two incredible moments of strength, blasting Zak Hardaker into next week in the first half before bursting past two tacklers late on to set up Makinson’s first try.
Cunningham said: “Wello’s just a true warrior. He’s played full-back for a thousand years, and then comes back and plays wherever you want him to play and competes at the highest level.
“He’s probably one of our best middle defenders, and he’s never done it in his life. We’ve just chucked him in there, but he’s brilliant. He’s a leader and a role model for these kids.”
A mention too for Danny McGuire’s 250th career try; he still remains one of the most watchable players in Super League.
Four – Double trouble
The crisis meeting worked, or so it would seem from Hull’s 30-8 win over Salford.
Lee Radford said: “We fell short last week, but as far as responses go I couldn’t ask for more. Our try-line defence was nothing short of phenomenal.”
But our hunch is the Devils will be better when the two sides meet again in Thursday’s Challenge Cup tie.
Dr Devil wants his day at Wembley, and Brian Noble will know there’s far more chance of that than a trip to Old Trafford this year.
Five – Bradford aren’t doomed yet
Wakefield’s 44-6 defeat at Hull KR, who were themselves in danger of being dragged into the relegation dogfight, will give plenty of hope to everyone at Odsal, especially after the Bulls ran Widnes close in what sounds like a cracker.
London are doomed – that much is now beyond doubt after their latest walloping, this time against classy Cas – but our hunch is that the other team for the chop won’t be decided until very, very late in the season.
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Follow Neil Barraclough on Twitter @neilbarraclough
