Episode 1 Super League Show


Episode 1

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Transcript


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Hello.

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20 years ago the Spice Girls had their first number one single,

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football was coming home and rugby league became a summer sport.

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Super League comes of age this year with its 21st season and,

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if the last 12 months are anything to go by,

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it could be quite some party.

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Ryan Hall wins it for Leeds!

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They have only gone and done it again.

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They win it on the hooter!

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By the skin of their teeth, hang on to their Super League lives!

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That has set the Cherry and Whites alight.

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Leeds came to Hull and Leeds win the treble!

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And we are joined tonight by Kurt Gidley of Warrington

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and the Batley and Wales coach John Kear.

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Welcome to Super League, Kurt.

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What have you made of it so far?

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It's been great.

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It's been a really tough off-season.

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The trainer John Clarke, a great strength and conditioner,

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has pushed us really hard through the off-season,

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the players have responded great and I have been really

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enjoying my time over here.

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As a neutral, John, what are you particularly looking

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forward to in 2016?

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I am just looking forward to conundrums being answered.

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Such as, can Leeds handle it without Kevin Sinfield,

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Jamie Peacock, Kylie Leuluai?

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The Wigan youngsters being another 12 months older as well.

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More experience.

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Sam Tomkins returns.

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You can go through every club and there is a little question mark.

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So I'm just looking forward to all those questions being answered.

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You will have to be a patient man.

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Four months after completing the treble, Leeds were the first

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team back on the field on Thursday.

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Their opponents on the opening night were Kurt Gidley and the new-look

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Warrington Wolves.

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Shouting instructions here.

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Skipping off to that left-hand side.

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Leeds trying to create a little bit of an opportunity.

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Burrow stands and waits again.

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Again he goes left.

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McGuire pumps it out.

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To Sutcliffe!

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He has lost it.

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Lost it.

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In the act of scoring the try.

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The offload was terrific, as you would expect,

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but he could not keep hold.

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There is a problem here with Danny McGuire, just holding

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on to the knee, and he is clearly in a little bit of pain

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at the moment.

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Dwyer from dummy half.

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Sandow puts the foot down and Chris Sandow scampers over.

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It has taken some time.

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37 minutes before the game's first try.

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But Chris Sandow shows his electrifying pace here.

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Jordan Lilley taking his chances tonight in the absence of Danny

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McGuire.

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This is a big effort from Cuthbertson, who is held

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up just short.

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Sutcliffe wants it played quickly.

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Burrow, on again.

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And a big effort from Brad Singleton.

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Powering over, the Cumbrian.

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James Child is not quite sure.

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They are celebrating in the background.

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But hold that thought because they are having another look.

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Try given on the field.

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No evidence that he has not scored it so the try confirmed

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on the big screen.

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Brad Singleton, the scorer.

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Anxious moments at the start of the season for Danny McGuire.

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We are told he is not coming back on for the rest of this game.

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Cuthbertson.

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Ablett.

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Looking for a way through, not finding it.

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Lilley, down this blindside.

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Joel Moon.

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A sway and a swerve back in.

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He has left them with that glorious footwork.

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The off-load is superb, Lilley passes on and Ryan Hall rolls

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over the top of Tom Lineham.

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And Leeds have the lead.

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Lilley and Moon instrumental in this.

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Moon's footwork again, baffling and dazzling those

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Warrington defenders.

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They were chasing shadows.

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The off-load spectacular and the finish pretty good.

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Sandow.

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Over the top it goes and a chance for some pace to be shown by Matty

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Russell.

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Back now for Rhys Evans.

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It is good from Warrington but they are held up temporarily.

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Hughes from dummy half.

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It is an intelligent kick from Sandow.

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The width out wide and Kevin Penny with his pace was not

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going to miss from there.

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Really good Warrington try if it is given.

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Checking the onside.

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Sandow takes a step forward, just to make absolutely sure.

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You can see the white line.

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That's onside, that's a good finish.

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And Warrington are given the try.

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Kevin Penny.

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A big kick for Kurt Gidley.

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10-10 as it stands.

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If he puts this over, it might just be a winning lead

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for Warrington this late in the game.

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And over it goes.

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They edge ahead with ten minutes or so to go.

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Lilley.

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Sixth tackle coming up.

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That is a little chip and a chase.

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That is good by Lilley.

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Pushed off the ball by Ben Currie.

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He is claiming he was not obstructing.

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He clearly runs across Lilley's line.

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The ghost of Kevin Sinfield might be haunting Headingley at the moment.

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Zak Hardaker with a chance to get them all square.

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He's pulled it horribly wide.

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And Leeds miss an opportunity to claim a point.

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It is Warrington who will get the spoils.

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That is a real flapper.

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A real flapper.

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Kurt, how important for you guys to have got that win under your belt

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and in the manner you did it?

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Everyone wants to win their first comp game, that is for sure.

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We knew going to be a big test, they had a huge 2015 season,

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Leeds, so it was a great test for us to go up there.

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Them at home, a pretty hostile crowd, which is exciting for me

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to play in.

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Something new.

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I have never played in Leeds before.

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We had a great night.

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We done it a pretty tough way.

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We made plenty of tackles, worked really hard in defence

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but I think that the best way to win.

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When you work so hard defensively, and we made so many tackles,

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I think we made a lot more than them at half-time.

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You made 40 odd yourself.

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But we didn't complete great in the second half but to win

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the game under those circumstances was great.

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And the winning try, the Kevin Penny try,

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is that a feel of how the squad might involve attacking-wise

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as you go through the season?

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Chris scored a try himself and was heavily involved

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in the second try.

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A great kick and great vision.

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We want Chris playing off the top of his head.

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We want him playing confident.

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A whole pre-season under his belt with the team, he feels comfortable,

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he feels confident and that is what we want out of him.

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It is the kind of kicking we are used to seeing

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with Lee Briers in a Warrington shirt but also the unsung heroes,

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particularly Ben Currie worked his socks off

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in attack and defence.

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Ben Currie has been a highlight for me personally, coming

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to a new team.

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An outstanding attitude to training, tall and rangy, he should have been

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playing backrow on Thursday night.

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He got pushed to the centres because Ryan Atkins had to pull out

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with an elbow injury.

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He adjusted to that move fine.

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He has a great attitude, he is exceptionally fast for a guy

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that size and we see that there chasing Rob Burrow.

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He saved us the game.

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Those are big points in the game that Currie was involved in.

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A tremendous break, chased down Burrow.

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There we see him putting Kallum Watkins into touch but also,

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instrumentally, he provided the pass for Kevin Penny as well,

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on the end of Chris Sandow's kick.

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He had a great night and it is very exciting and England have got a lot

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of good back rowers playing Super League at the minute.

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What about Leeds?

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It is life after Peacock, Sinfield, we knew that,

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but to lose McGuire as well is a hefty blow.

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That is a massive blow for them.

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I think Danny McGuire was looking forward to takeing the general's

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role and stepping into Kevin Sinfield's boots and obviously

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that opportunity has been taken away for the next six weeks or so.

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Jordan Lilley though?

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I thought he really showed up very well.

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Although they played him at dummy half, I thought he showed

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up really well.

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And I know from his junior days he is an accomplished

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half-back as well.

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He will pose a problem or two to Brian McDermott

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with his selections in the coming weeks.

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The Hull FC owner Adam Pearson says this year's squad is the most

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expensive they have ever assembled at the KC Stadium.

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High expections for the new year.

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It all kicked off for the Black and Whites

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against Salford on Friday.

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Matt Newsome saw this one.

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Talanoa for Hull.

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Into contact.

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Houghton waits.

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He loves a broken line, Houghton, and he's scampered into space.

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He's got Pryce in support and he finds Leon Pryce

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and he will scoot to the line.

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A sparkling start for the Black and Whites.

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Lui.

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Kopczak.

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Across to this left-hand side.

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Salford on a roll here.

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Sa'u gives the ball away and there is Josh Griffin

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and Salford on the board.

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Pressure from Hull.

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Sneyd looks to go it alone.

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Scrappy stuff.

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Here is Houghton.

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Measures the kick.

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Fonua is on the far side!

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Fonua touches the ball down.

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Pryce.

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Good hands from Taylor and there is Jordan Thompson.

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It is all one-way traffic.

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Out of the back to Shaul.

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Down this left-hand side.

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Tuimavave has found Talanoa.

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That is another try for Hull.

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Houghton has been so influential.

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Sneyd away to Pryce, who gets it away to Pritchard.

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Tuimavave will go alone!

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And Hull are ripping Salford apart down this left-hand side.

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Can they pick up where they left off in that first half?

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Pryce close to the line, gets it away to Jack Logan.

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The momentum continues.

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Pritchard.

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What hands he's got.

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He flicks it away.

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And Jack Logan is in.

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Salford have no answer.

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Sneyd tries to go it alone.

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Picked up by Gareth O'Brien, who dummies the first man.

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The ball comes loose.

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Hull have snaffled it back and here is Jamie Shaul.

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Goes one way, then the other.

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And he has put a little kick through.

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Jamie Shaul!

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And Hull hit the 40 point mark.

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Tomkins.

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Dobson.

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Salford finally playing some football.

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Murdoch-Masile with a huge fend and here is Junior Sa'u and Salford

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restore a little bit of pride.

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Why have they left it so late to play here?

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Great pass from Dobson.

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Niall Evans in at the corner.

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Here is Dobson.

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A big switch to Murdoch-Masila and once again he's

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scampering into space.

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Sa'u on the shoulder and Salford will end this game with a flourish.

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Largely impressive from Hull but Salford show their fighting spirit.

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John, you know more than most the expectation at Hull FC.

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Do you think this squad can deliver this season?

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I do, yes.

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I think it has been assembled with success in mind and immediate

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success in mind.

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It is not looking two or three years down the line.

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They are looking at the here and now.

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The Black and White fans are very demanding.

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They pay their money so they expect the goods on the field.

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Adam Pearson has presented them with that and it is

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a really exciting time.

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Again it is down to Leon Pryce and Marc Sneyd.

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They have got to perform well at half-back in order

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to get your Frank Pritchards and company running wide out.

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What can we expect from Frank Pritchard?

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He is the headline signing for them.

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He is a handful.

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I have played against him for a fair chunk of my career.

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He is certainly a handful.

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When he has got his head on and he is keen to play,

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he is one of the most damaging players in the game.

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It is just where to tackle him.

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He can hold the ball in one hand, he has got offloads,

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so going low on him is not going to work.

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He can off-load pretty easily.

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I tried to go high on him a few times and that does not work either.

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It is about getting numbers around Frank at the same time and trying

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to wrap the ball up.

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Which is great because that draws players away so he could

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be really damaging.

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He can play away from the line then as well.

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He has got pre-line play as well.

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Yes, he will certainly be a headline grabber.

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No doubt about that.

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What about Salford?

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What do you expect from them this season?

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I expected gradual improvement.

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Tim Sheens has had a full off-season with Ian Watson,

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working with Salford and although some of the headline

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grabbers are not there any more, I think you will see a more solid

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unit as the weeks progress.

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Hull FC off to a flyer but what of their neighbours

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Hull KR?

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They had the worst of the weather on Sunday when their opponents were

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Castleford.

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It is Castleford Tigers over on that far side.

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Solomona still going!

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My word!

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Solomona - it's the first time we have mentioned him

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and Hull Kingston Rovers will want to keep him quiet

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for the rest of the game.

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25 minutes played and despite the bitterly cold conditions

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in Hull, on the field things really start to heat up.

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As tempers flared, Jewitt, on his 150th appearance

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for the club, got in a tussle off the ball.

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Richard Silverwood stepped in.

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Both players were sent to the sin-bin to make the most

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of the chilly afternoon and cool off.

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Just two minutes later, Castleford's struggles

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were compounded when a strong tackle on Michael Shenton left the Tigers

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captain in real discomfort.

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A nasty knee injury saw Shenton ushered off and could be a costly

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loss over the coming weeks.

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Boudebza gets the ball and Donaldson scores for Hull Kingston Rovers

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to the side of the post.

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The match was all square going into the second half

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and the wet and wild weather continued to play its part

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in the match.

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A kick upfield from Gale slipped through the hands of Cockayne

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and left the Tigers in prime position to pounce.

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Gale has the ball on the ten metre line.

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Webster comes in, he will cut a swathe through and Webster

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will score against his old side!

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Can Rovers conjure something up?

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We shall see.

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On the ball.

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Cockayne gets it to Mantellato and he goes in the corner.

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Rovers do fight back.

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Here is Milner.

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Milner passes it to Gale.

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A crossfield kick to Solomona and, well, he pops it up for Webster

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and that was just very poor defending.

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Mulhern is in at dummy half.

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He plays the pass to Blair.

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Blair to Cockayne.

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Out to Mantellato!

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Mantellato in the corner!

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Josh Mantellato is in.

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With seconds remaining, Mantellato was left with a tricky

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conversion from the same position he missed earlier to tie the game.

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It is away.

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Mantellato likes it and it is over.

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It is through and, on the death, after the hooter, Mantellato kicks

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the two points that means Hull Kingston Rovers draw this game.

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Really proud of the resilience of the boys, the toughness,

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and from one to 17, the effort was first class.

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We have not lost the game but it feels like it a little bit,

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but I am really pleased for Chris.

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He deserves the opportunity to crack on and keep doing his job

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without a fair bit of stick on his back.

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Kurt, you have got Hull KR next.

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They will go there really buoyed by that.

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That will feel like a win.

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For sure.

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A tricky one that one.

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I played with Josh in Newcastle and we always knew he was a great

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goalkicker so it probably does feel like a loss for Castleford.

0:18:260:18:28

Another big, tough game for us.

0:18:280:18:30

Our first home game so certainly one we want to win for our fans.

0:18:300:18:37

They have been battered a bit in pre-season,

0:18:370:18:39

in the pre-warm up games, Hull KR.

0:18:390:18:41

That is a really big statement.

0:18:410:18:43

It is a big statement and it is one they needed.

0:18:430:18:45

It was a great riposte from the playing squad as a whole.

0:18:450:18:49

They lost heavily to Hull FC and that didn't sit well

0:18:490:18:51

with the Red and White fans.

0:18:510:18:53

That is a great way to come back.

0:18:530:18:59

Daryl Powell absolutely devastated there because they were never behind

0:18:590:19:01

the whole game, but Hull Kingston Rovers would not go away

0:19:010:19:04

and they found a way to draw and good on them.

0:19:040:19:06

They lost Michael Shenton as well, it looked like a nasty injury.

0:19:060:19:09

How big a blow to lose your captain?

0:19:090:19:12

It is a big blow.

0:19:120:19:14

He was exeptional last year and since returning to Castleford

0:19:140:19:17

he has shown international class form.

0:19:170:19:19

It is a big blow but they have got youngsters to come in.

0:19:190:19:22

They may well get an opportunity now and they may well unearth

0:19:220:19:25

a new star.

0:19:250:19:31

Don't forget, you can follow rugby league with us right

0:19:310:19:33

throughout the week.

0:19:330:19:36

Alongside the comprehensive coverage on your BBC local radio station,

0:19:360:19:40

there is commentary of Salford against St Helens

0:19:400:19:42

on Five Live Sports Extra on Thursday.

0:19:420:19:46

The Super League Show will have highlights of all the Round 2

0:19:460:19:49

fixtures next Monday night at 11:45pm on BBC One.

0:19:490:19:53

Or join us on Tuesday lunchtime on BBC Two and we will have coverage

0:19:530:19:57

of the World Club Series, including Leeds against North Queensland

0:19:570:19:59

on BBC One after Match of the Day on Sunday February the 21st.

0:19:590:20:05

2015 was an up and down year for the Leeds Rhinos fullback Zak

0:20:050:20:08

Hardaker.

0:20:080:20:10

He was dropped from the team at the start of the year whilst

0:20:100:20:13

the subject of a police investigation but ended up a treble

0:20:130:20:15

winner and the Super League Man of Steel.

0:20:150:20:18

How much of a chance have you had to reflect on what you and the team

0:20:330:20:37

achieved last year?

0:20:370:20:38

I have not really thought of it much, to be fair.

0:20:380:20:41

I got to spend time with my family over Christmas and New Year

0:20:410:20:44

which was brilliant and before you know it you are straight back

0:20:440:20:47

in, a new year, and everyone is talking about what we are going

0:20:470:20:50

to do this year.

0:20:500:20:51

I've had a little bit of time to reflect but not as much people

0:20:510:20:54

would have thought.

0:20:540:20:55

From your personal point of view, a tough year at the beginning.

0:20:550:20:58

What changed for you over the course of the year?

0:20:580:21:01

Sacrifices.

0:21:010:21:02

That was the main issue.

0:21:020:21:04

Wanting to be a professional rugby player but wanting to go out

0:21:040:21:07

with my friends at the same time.

0:21:070:21:10

It is one of those things where you try and juggle it

0:21:100:21:12

and it is a difficult thing to do but after what happened last year,

0:21:120:21:16

I sat down with my friends and had a serious talk and said,

0:21:160:21:19

I can't do half the stuff I have been doing because it is going down

0:21:190:21:22

the wrong path for me.

0:21:220:21:24

It is a bad thing to say but I did not want a 9am-5pm job

0:21:240:21:27

and I did not want to work with you.

0:21:270:21:29

My friends, I don't want to work with you in a factory.

0:21:290:21:32

It was one of those things and they were fully behind me

0:21:320:21:35

and committed to it.

0:21:350:21:36

All my family really helped me.

0:21:360:21:37

I have definitely grown up in every aspect.

0:21:370:21:40

It is great having a medal and a ring and stuff like that

0:21:400:21:44

and the award of the treble but, on a personal level,

0:21:440:21:46

for what I have achieved myself and where I am now compared to last

0:21:460:21:50

year is terrific and I am pretty happy about that.

0:21:500:21:52

At the height of it all, in the disciplinary process,

0:21:520:21:55

did you think this could be it, I might lose my career?

0:21:550:21:59

Definitely, there was a point where in tears at home,

0:21:590:22:02

thinking what could be.

0:22:020:22:03

Thankfully, I have come out the other side a lot better

0:22:030:22:06

than when I went in.

0:22:060:22:10

I think now, 24 years old, I do know what is good for me

0:22:100:22:13

and bad for me and it has probably taken me a few years of doing that,

0:22:130:22:17

but the only way is up now.

0:22:170:22:22

For a couple of seasons there has been a debate about who is the best

0:22:310:22:35

fullback, you or Sam Tomkins.

0:22:350:22:36

When he comes back from injury, you can be compared against each

0:22:360:22:39

other, is that something you are looking forward to?

0:22:390:22:41

I can't wait.

0:22:410:22:42

I love the rivalry.

0:22:420:22:43

I love the challenges.

0:22:430:22:45

We spur each other on.

0:22:450:22:55

If he plays ten out of ten games I have to play 11 or 12.

0:22:570:23:01

I got Man of Steel last year and was over the moon and could not

0:23:010:23:04

believe it, but this year, I will do better than last year.

0:23:040:23:07

That's my goal.

0:23:070:23:08

That is what I set out to do.

0:23:080:23:10

I'm not sure what the team will do because I can't speak for the others

0:23:100:23:14

but on a personal level I will go out to do better than last year,

0:23:140:23:17

so that is my personal goal and if Sam does better so be it,

0:23:170:23:21

but I will make sure I give my best.

0:23:210:23:23

2015 turned out to be an incredible year for Zak Hardaker,

0:23:230:23:25

what have you made of him?

0:23:250:23:29

I am starting to learn, all the Super League players,

0:23:290:23:32

how they work and work well in their teams.

0:23:320:23:36

He reminded me of Josh Dugan back in Australia, the tall

0:23:360:23:39

rangy back-rower.

0:23:390:23:40

A handful to tackle.

0:23:400:23:43

Their back three were really strong the other night and will be

0:23:430:23:46

the whole year.

0:23:460:23:49

The tall ranginess, good on his feet, he is really talented.

0:23:490:23:54

Can you see him developing into a leader, particularly

0:23:540:23:59

now with McGuire, he can take on a leadership role?

0:23:590:24:02

He will need to do, it is a different group dynamic

0:24:020:24:04

at Leeds and people such as Zak have to step up to the plate.

0:24:040:24:08

I am certain he will.

0:24:080:24:09

It has been an interesting journey, he started at Featherstone

0:24:090:24:12

in the Championship, spotted by Leeds and brought

0:24:120:24:15

into the Leeds culture, which is very disciplined,

0:24:150:24:25

from Gary Hetherington at the top all the way

0:24:250:24:28

through to the junior players.

0:24:280:24:29

I think he knows it has to be a lifestyle choice.

0:24:290:24:32

If he wants to be a full-time, elite professional athlete you have

0:24:320:24:34

to make lifestyle choices that allow you to do that.

0:24:340:24:37

We heard him talking about the rivalry between him

0:24:370:24:39

and Sam Tomkins.

0:24:390:24:40

He can't wait.

0:24:400:24:41

The decision for who will play at fullback for England,

0:24:410:24:44

will now be Wayne Bennett's, as the new England coach.

0:24:440:24:46

What did you as an Aussie make of him being appointed

0:24:460:24:48

England coach?

0:24:480:24:49

It is a good move.

0:24:490:24:50

In Australia we have plenty of coaches from different countries.

0:24:500:24:53

It is about getting the best coach available at the time

0:24:530:24:56

and who is going to get the best out of the players.

0:24:560:24:58

Wayne will get the best out of the English players.

0:24:580:25:01

They will probably be in awe of Wayne.

0:25:010:25:03

He carries an aura about him and seems to say the right things

0:25:030:25:06

at the right time in the least amount of words.

0:25:060:25:09

It sticks in your mind and motivates you.

0:25:090:25:17

What was it like for you at Newcastle when he came into coach?

0:25:170:25:20

Was there an aura about him, what was so different about?

0:25:200:25:22

Yes.

0:25:220:25:23

There is certainly an aura about him.

0:25:230:25:25

I don't think Wayne wants to portray that but some guys are nervous

0:25:250:25:28

around him, shy, whatever it might be.

0:25:280:25:30

He wants everyone to be comfortable.

0:25:300:25:31

He wants everyone to do their best.

0:25:310:25:35

He showed that during 2008, when he was assistant coach

0:25:350:25:42

for the Kiwi team who went on to win the World Cup.

0:25:420:25:48

They had a great coach in Stephen Kearney that year.

0:25:480:25:50

I am sure Wayne had a huge influence on a lot of the Kiwi guys

0:25:500:25:54

in the team.

0:25:540:25:55

How do you see it working?

0:25:550:25:57

He has a full-time job down under.

0:25:570:25:58

He would not know all the English players.

0:25:580:26:00

How would you like to see it set up?

0:26:000:26:02

I think they will use some of the elite English coaches to work

0:26:020:26:06

alongside Wayne and be his eyes and ears of the Super League.

0:26:060:26:08

I am certain a Daryl Powell, Brian McDermott, Shaun Wane,

0:26:080:26:11

Paul Anderson, they will be considered to work alongside him

0:26:110:26:13

because he is the best coach of his era.

0:26:130:26:15

There is no doubt about that.

0:26:150:26:17

You don't last as long and win what he has won without being gifted

0:26:170:26:20

and when he says something, you listen, so he is

0:26:200:26:22

halfway there straightaway.

0:26:220:26:23

It is a great opportunity to develop the successor to Wayne Bennett

0:26:230:26:26

after 2017 and a great opportunity for Wayne Bennett to put

0:26:260:26:29

the finishing touches to what Steve McNamara started

0:26:290:26:35

and bring home either the Four Nations or World Cup

0:26:350:26:37

in the next two years.

0:26:370:26:38

Or both, that would be nice, wouldn't it?

0:26:380:26:40

It would.

0:26:400:26:41

Sam Tomkins was amongst the somewhat drenched crowd at Wigan

0:26:410:26:44

on Friday night.

0:26:440:26:45

They were up against the Catalan Dragons,

0:26:450:26:46

when the French team were celebrating their 10th

0:26:460:26:49

birthday.

0:26:490:26:52

COMMENTATOR: Gets the ball away.

0:26:570:26:58

Terrific hands.

0:26:580:26:59

What a try.

0:26:590:27:04

It is an explosive start to the life of the Catalan Dragons.

0:27:040:27:09

Oh, my word!

0:27:180:27:19

Unbelievable.

0:27:190:27:25

A bigger slog tonight in the mud at Wigan than it was at the first

0:27:380:27:42

meeting between these two in Perpignan.

0:27:420:27:43

A high kick by Smith.

0:27:430:27:47

Who only gets fingertips to it.

0:27:470:27:52

It bounced off the shoulder and gone to ground.

0:27:520:27:54

Michael McIlorum has picked up and scores.

0:27:540:28:00

15 minutes played.

0:28:000:28:02

The referee is asking the question.

0:28:040:28:13

Seems to have lost it clean.

0:28:130:28:15

Never quite regathers.

0:28:150:28:19

McIlorum is sharp enough to see the loose ball.

0:28:190:28:21

A clean pick-up by him.

0:28:210:28:24

This is surely going to be confirmation of the opening score.

0:28:240:28:29

Michael McIlorum's first of the season and Wigan

0:28:290:28:31

up and running.

0:28:310:28:35

McIlorum.

0:28:350:28:40

Usual physical presence right down the middle.

0:28:400:28:42

McIlorum from dummy half again.

0:28:420:28:44

Squeezing it back.

0:28:440:28:46

Williams with the step.

0:28:460:28:53

Looks as though Stewart was trying to take him down.

0:28:530:28:55

Back to McIlorum.

0:28:550:28:56

He is claiming a second.

0:28:560:29:00

Referee is asking another question.

0:29:000:29:03

If it is a double movement I am going to come back and give

0:29:030:29:07

Wigan a penalty.

0:29:070:29:15

Attempted trip is what they are looking for.

0:29:150:29:17

Stewart.

0:29:170:29:18

If it is a try, they will not bother going back to that,

0:29:180:29:21

but it is a question about the double movement.

0:29:210:29:23

It appears McIlorum kept his arm off the floor.

0:29:230:29:25

He has.

0:29:250:29:28

Second try for McIlorum in the space of three minutes.

0:29:280:29:33

The rain still absolutely hammering down, the pitch

0:29:420:29:44

is a quagmire.

0:29:440:29:47

A slog in heavy weather.

0:29:470:29:48

A grubber kick.

0:29:480:29:49

Just about gets it away.

0:29:490:29:54

Hang on a minute, because the Catalan players are asking

0:29:540:29:56

for a review of this.

0:29:560:30:04

The referee says no try, but Justin Horo is claiming it.

0:30:040:30:06

And with good reason.

0:30:060:30:07

Justin Horo has a hand on that.

0:30:070:30:12

Tierney has failed to clear and early in the second half Catalan

0:30:120:30:15

have a try back.

0:30:150:30:17

Wigan fans lifting the noise.

0:30:170:30:20

Sensing an opportunity for their side.

0:30:200:30:24

Bateman driving it in.

0:30:240:30:30

Waiting at dummy half but it is a penalty.

0:30:300:30:32

Mounis hanging on too long.

0:30:320:30:38

A real wrestle going on here.

0:30:390:30:41

A wrestle that went on a couple of seconds longer than it

0:30:410:30:44

should have done.

0:30:440:30:45

Matty Smith puts the kick between the sticks and Wigan

0:30:450:30:48

extend their lead, 12-6.

0:30:480:30:52

Powell, sharply away, Wigan probing left.

0:30:540:30:58

Farrell, Sarginson, the ball has gone to ground.

0:30:580:31:02

And somehow finding a way through.

0:31:020:31:06

That took some scoring.

0:31:060:31:08

There is a conversation going on here.

0:31:080:31:14

Saying it was definitely a knock-on.

0:31:140:31:15

The referee wants to see video confirmation.

0:31:150:31:25

Did it come out backwards or was that forwards?

0:31:250:31:27

That is what they are judging on.

0:31:270:31:29

No problems with the finish.

0:31:290:31:30

It is about how it started.

0:31:300:31:34

Shaun Wane is rueful but Wigan still in command.

0:31:340:31:39

Quite interesting hearing them say they have trained in 20 degrees.

0:31:430:31:46

They had to water their pitch back home.

0:31:460:31:48

I suppose the errors we saw in the first half were not

0:31:480:31:51

a surprise from Catalan.

0:31:510:31:53

Yes, from a coaching point of view, this time of the year

0:31:530:31:56

you want to complete and kick and kick chase.

0:31:560:31:58

It seems like a simple game.

0:31:580:32:02

Training, the conditions make a difference.

0:32:020:32:08

Training on this side, I guess compared to Catalans.

0:32:080:32:13

You get used to those conditions, training outdoors

0:32:130:32:15

and during the week.

0:32:150:32:16

It must've been like playing on ice rink at times.

0:32:160:32:18

It doesn't look great.

0:32:180:32:19

It is about completing sets.

0:32:190:32:21

A simple game plan.

0:32:210:32:31

If the other team is giving the ball away and you are completing...

0:32:310:32:34

I think...

0:32:340:32:35

We speak about Catalans.

0:32:350:32:36

We have always said Catalans, should they learn to win in England,

0:32:360:32:39

consistently, they will be a threat to anybody.

0:32:390:32:41

They know how to win in the south of France.

0:32:410:32:43

That is one of the challenges they have to face.

0:32:430:32:46

We can look at the weather report and it should not have been a major

0:32:460:32:49

shock it was going to hammer down.

0:32:490:32:51

It has hammered it down since November in England.

0:32:510:32:53

You have to practise for that and make sure you can

0:32:530:32:56

adapt your game plan, your tactics for that.

0:32:560:32:58

That is the challenge they've got, they've got to come up

0:32:580:33:00

with something that allows them to win in England and win in the mud

0:33:000:33:04

in England and in the good weather in England.

0:33:040:33:06

Fair to say Wigan managed to do just that.

0:33:060:33:08

St Helens and Huddersfield fell at the semi-final stage last year,

0:33:080:33:10

both made it to within 80 minutes of the Grand Final.

0:33:100:33:13

They were in opposition at Langtree Park on Friday,

0:33:130:33:17

what did you make of this one, John?

0:33:170:33:19

I thought it was a pretty good game.

0:33:190:33:21

It is a few miles down the road to Wigan.

0:33:210:33:24

We saw what conditions were like there.

0:33:240:33:25

The field looks as if it stood up to it better.

0:33:250:33:28

Interesting as well how many tries were scored within ten metres

0:33:280:33:31

of the opposition line.

0:33:310:33:34

They were playing, as Kurt suggested, field position rugby,

0:33:340:33:36

completion rugby, but that was a pretty nice try for Alan Murphy.

0:33:360:33:39

Look once again.

0:33:390:33:41

They played the ball within the ten metres.

0:33:410:33:43

It is dabbed along the ground.

0:33:430:33:47

Numerous kick tries and numerous short-range tries.

0:33:470:33:50

Again as demonstrated by Mark Percival.

0:33:500:33:52

Paul Anderson talked about Luke Walsh's kicking.

0:33:520:33:54

You know him well.

0:33:540:33:55

He can really control the game.

0:33:550:33:57

He is wonderfully skilled, Luke Walsh.

0:33:570:33:59

A great passing and kicking game.

0:33:590:34:01

You cannot give him that much time.

0:34:010:34:06

There have been so many tries in games at the weekend scored

0:34:060:34:09

within ten metres of the try-line, or off kicks.

0:34:090:34:11

If I was a coach I would be drilling some hard defence on your own line.

0:34:110:34:15

Huddersfield struggling injury wise.

0:34:150:34:16

Wardle did not start the game.

0:34:160:34:17

Grix went.

0:34:170:34:18

Danny Brough went.

0:34:180:34:22

They will need their youngsters.

0:34:220:34:27

It isn't the biggest squad Paul Anderson has had.

0:34:270:34:30

People like Jake Connors will have to put their hand up

0:34:300:34:33

and come through.

0:34:330:34:34

I am sure they will be looking around, scouring clubs to see

0:34:340:34:37

who is not getting in.

0:34:370:34:38

Perhaps looking in the Championship to replace people like Grix,

0:34:380:34:40

because it is a here and now situation.

0:34:400:34:44

It is a long season but you do not want to get left behind

0:34:440:34:47

at the start of it.

0:34:470:34:50

We've often been accused of asking silly questions on this programme,

0:34:500:34:52

and this year we're going to do just that.

0:34:520:34:56

This is Last Tackle, when you'll find out everything

0:34:560:34:58

you need to know about the stars of Super League,

0:34:580:35:00

but were afraid to ask.

0:35:000:35:05

First in the hot-seat are the Warrington Wolves.

0:35:050:35:08

I would have to say I met Anthony Joshua when I was out

0:35:090:35:12

on holiday in Ibiza.

0:35:120:35:13

I would probably say Anthony Joshua the boxer.

0:35:130:35:15

That's a tough question.

0:35:150:35:16

Rio Ferdinand.

0:35:160:35:19

He came to the changing rooms after a good win one weekend.

0:35:190:35:21

Maybe Andrew Johns.

0:35:210:35:25

Steven Gerrard, once.

0:35:250:35:31

Maybe not met him, but walked past him.

0:35:310:35:33

He is one of my idols.

0:35:330:35:34

Probably Arnold Schwarzenegger.

0:35:340:35:36

I was on Santa Monica Strip and he was on a bike and I saw him.

0:35:360:35:40

So I jumped on my bike, spun around.

0:35:400:35:42

Started changing him down the strip.

0:35:420:35:43

"Put that down!"

0:35:430:35:48

Probably thought what an idiot!

0:35:480:35:49

But that is the most famous person I have met.

0:35:490:35:52

Probably definitely Jordan Cox.

0:35:530:35:54

Coxie.

0:35:540:35:55

Jordan Cox.

0:35:550:35:56

His breath stinks!

0:35:560:35:58

Jordan Cox because he is big and he stinks!

0:35:580:36:01

No, he's got a lot to say and a lot of stories.

0:36:010:36:04

He never shuts up.

0:36:040:36:05

Rhys Evans.

0:36:050:36:06

I wouldn't even bat an eyelid.

0:36:060:36:09

One of my favourite actors, Will Ferrell.

0:36:090:36:11

I'm not saying I'm funny.

0:36:110:36:13

I like to see him act.

0:36:130:36:15

What's his name from Braveheart?

0:36:150:36:18

I've been told a few times I look like Channing Tatum.

0:36:180:36:21

I would choose him to play me.

0:36:210:36:22

There is a couple.

0:36:220:36:25

My twin is Channing Tatum.

0:36:250:36:26

I look like a lot.

0:36:260:36:28

Russell Crowe.

0:36:280:36:29

Bruce Willis.

0:36:290:36:30

Leonardo DiCaprio.

0:36:300:36:32

That classy good-looking look.

0:36:320:36:33

Forrest Gump.

0:36:330:36:35

Not Forrest Gump.

0:36:350:36:36

Tom Hanks, who plays Forest Gump.

0:36:360:36:40

Tom Hanks.

0:36:400:36:44

You'll have to cut the Forest Gump bit out.

0:36:440:36:47

There are a few lads.

0:36:470:36:48

Ben Evans rates himself.

0:36:480:36:49

Rhys Evans rates himself.

0:36:490:36:51

He needs a reality check.

0:36:510:36:52

I think.

0:36:520:36:53

Jordan Cox again.

0:36:530:36:54

Jordan Cox.

0:36:540:36:55

Jordan Cox again.

0:36:550:36:57

LAUGHTER.

0:36:570:36:59

George King rates himself.

0:36:590:37:00

God knows why.

0:37:000:37:02

Jordan Cox or George King.

0:37:020:37:05

The true good-looking lads like myself.

0:37:050:37:06

Simsie.

0:37:060:37:10

Who else, we all don't rate ourselves because we know the score.

0:37:100:37:13

Probably Geno thinks he's pretty good.

0:37:130:37:15

He's got the hair.

0:37:150:37:17

Geno.

0:37:170:37:21

He is very good-looking, especially when his hair is down.

0:37:210:37:29

He looks really nice when his hair is down!

0:37:290:37:31

Chuckling along.

0:37:310:37:33

Have you learnt a few things about your team-mates?

0:37:330:37:34

I've learned a few more since those questions were asked.

0:37:340:37:37

Jordan Cox is the product of a fair few jokes.

0:37:370:37:39

He obviously brings it on himself as well.

0:37:390:37:41

He does.

0:37:410:37:42

And don't forget to let us know the questions you'd like us

0:37:420:37:45

to ask your team, just get in touch using the hashtag last tackle.

0:37:450:37:49

Now the last time Wakefield were at Belle Vue it was for the million

0:37:490:37:52

pound game in October.

0:37:520:37:53

The Wildcats won that match to save their Super League lives,

0:37:530:37:55

and their 2016 campaign began at home to Widnes.

0:37:550:37:59

Will either of these teams break into the top eight,

0:37:590:38:02

John?

0:38:020:38:04

That is the big target for both these teams because they certainly

0:38:040:38:08

want to avoid that late and possibly the involvement

0:38:080:38:10

in the million pound game.

0:38:100:38:12

When he throws this dummy.

0:38:120:38:12

Close to the line.

0:38:120:38:14

A great start for Wakefield.

0:38:140:38:23

You can never ever write off Widnes and while they have Keven Brown

0:38:230:38:26

with that lovely short ball playing for them,

0:38:260:38:28

they open up defences and that was what they were

0:38:280:38:30

doing against Wakefield.

0:38:300:38:31

They ended up as if they had Wakefield at arm's length.

0:38:310:38:34

Again that lovely ball.

0:38:340:38:36

They can play good football, can Widnes.

0:38:360:38:38

They will constantly do that.

0:38:380:38:44

Again, we see perhaps not the best decision from the young wing man,

0:38:440:38:49

Johnson, who fields the ball.

0:38:490:38:52

There is no crime to link, but it is the execution of the link

0:38:520:38:55

to Jones Bishop.

0:38:550:38:56

Puts him under too much pressure.

0:38:560:38:57

That broke the hearts of the Wildcats fans.

0:38:570:39:01

Brian Smith was saying if we cut the errors we will get something.

0:39:010:39:04

Is it the early weeks, the kind of thing coaches say?

0:39:040:39:07

It's probably the frustrating part as a coach.

0:39:070:39:11

You train in the off-season and try to drill into the players,

0:39:110:39:14

keep the errors down, play the percentage game.

0:39:140:39:17

Unfortunately these players get too excited sometimes.

0:39:170:39:19

We go away from the game plan.

0:39:190:39:28

Teams that complete well, get to their kicks, kick chase.

0:39:280:39:31

Defend well.

0:39:310:39:32

It is a circle of pressure.

0:39:320:39:36

And they built that, they really did.

0:39:360:39:39

Nice to see Lloyd White crashing over, a Welshman.

0:39:390:39:42

Looking good for the Welsh national team for the World Cup qualifiers.

0:39:420:39:46

Widnes confident they can make it?

0:39:460:39:47

Very much so.

0:39:470:39:50

They have been written off by pundits and I know it has

0:39:500:39:53

irritated one or two of the Widnes boys and they will make sure

0:39:530:39:57

they play to their maximum to avoid that middle eight and qualify

0:39:570:40:00

in the top eight.

0:40:000:40:04

Finally let's celebrate the start of Super League's 21st season

0:40:040:40:06

with a dip into the BBC archives.

0:40:060:40:11

This is from the opening night in 2004, when the Volcano

0:40:110:40:14

erupted in Bradford.

0:40:140:40:16

He is a beast.

0:40:200:40:23

Players say that.

0:40:230:40:28

He is going great for us and the thing I like most he's

0:40:280:40:31

a fantastic bloke and a great character as well.

0:40:310:40:34

Is it fair to say there might be doubts?

0:40:340:40:36

I think the first year questions were asked.

0:40:360:40:38

A new player to a new club, different country and lifestyle,

0:40:380:40:40

a couple of injuries he could not shake.

0:40:400:40:42

I am sure questions were asked.

0:40:420:40:45

I suppose, what are the tactics, just give it to him?

0:40:450:40:48

If you go up against him you get beat.

0:40:480:40:50

He is strong, with great strength.

0:40:500:40:52

His catching is outstanding.

0:40:520:40:57

He is quick over 20 and can maintain his speeds.

0:40:570:41:01

COMMENTATOR: All the way.

0:41:010:41:03

Brutal finish.

0:41:030:41:08

He is a great catcher of the ball, we always knew that.

0:41:080:41:11

He works himself hard in practice.

0:41:110:41:13

The result of his hard efforts.

0:41:130:41:17

Simply unstoppable.

0:41:170:41:20

Kurt, you were coming out in a cold sweat.

0:41:250:41:27

Tell us about your encounter with Lesley Vainikolo.

0:41:270:41:29

I still have nightmares about Lesley.

0:41:290:41:31

I played him in a second, first grade game, I think

0:41:310:41:33

Huddersfield, the 2002 World Club Challenge.

0:41:330:41:40

When Newcastle won in 2001.

0:41:400:41:42

I was 19 years old, probably 80 kilos, ran out on the field.

0:41:420:41:45

Freezing cold, raining, windy, looked up and it was Lesley.

0:41:450:41:48

Not a great night.

0:41:480:41:49

He was a steam roller.

0:41:490:41:52

Physically he was big, intimidating.

0:41:520:41:54

I think it is the hair as well.

0:41:540:41:56

Makes him look bigger.

0:41:560:42:01

Looks like a cranky dude as well sometimes.

0:42:010:42:03

Not one to remember that one.

0:42:030:42:07

John, they started in the Championship.

0:42:070:42:09

We can't go without mentioning Batley's win over Leigh,

0:42:090:42:11

quite some result.

0:42:110:42:13

I am guessing you enjoyed upsetting the pundits.

0:42:130:42:15

We enjoyed it thoroughly.

0:42:150:42:19

We targeted that game through preseason, saying it

0:42:190:42:21

would give us a benchmark to what we can achieve

0:42:210:42:24

and where we can set our sights, should we be competitive and play

0:42:240:42:27

well against them.

0:42:270:42:28

The players did more than that, they were exceptional.

0:42:280:42:31

They found a way to win, even when Leigh had 15 sets

0:42:310:42:36

to our five, we hung in there and came up with the goods

0:42:360:42:39

at the end.

0:42:390:42:40

We are happy at the minute.

0:42:400:42:41

You have been grinning since you came in.

0:42:410:42:43

Can you see a team from the Championship making it

0:42:430:42:47

through the qualifiers into Super League?

0:42:470:42:50

It would justify the system and some say the system needs justifying.

0:42:500:42:53

It may well happen this year.

0:42:530:42:54

Leigh had a lot of new faces.

0:42:540:42:58

They have to bed in as well and I am certain they will improve

0:42:580:43:01

as the season goes along.

0:43:010:43:02

So you would bet on Leigh?

0:43:020:43:05

Halifax were exceptional and Sheffield made it

0:43:050:43:07

to the middle eight.

0:43:070:43:08

Maybe Batley can upset a few people.

0:43:080:43:10

Perhaps we can get in there.

0:43:100:43:12

That's it for this week, my thanks to Kurt and John

0:43:120:43:15

for joining us.

0:43:150:43:16

Week one is done and dusted, but there's plenty more rugby league

0:43:160:43:19

to come on the BBC in 2016.

0:43:190:43:21

Goodbye.

0:43:210:43:24

Mahrez heads it up in the air,

0:44:020:44:04

I think he was being nudged there by Moreno.

0:44:040:44:06

Mahrez kept control of the ball, looking for Vardy,

0:44:060:44:09

Lovren gets a cross... Sakho is looking... Shot!

0:44:090:44:11

What a goal! Sensational volley from Vardy!

0:44:110:44:15

Unbelievable!

0:44:150:44:18

Fancy shaking off the winter blues?

0:44:220:44:24

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