1:41:52 > 1:41:59.
1:42:29 > 1:42:32Hello. It seems like only yesterday that Kevin Sinfield lifted
1:42:32 > 1:42:35the Super League trophy aloft for the fifth time.
1:42:35 > 1:42:37Here we go again. The 2012 season is already upon us
1:42:37 > 1:42:41and over the next 45 minutes, we'll have a comprehensive review
1:42:41 > 1:42:43of the action from round one
1:42:43 > 1:42:46and a few more things besides. Here's what's coming up tonight...
1:42:50 > 1:42:53We are in Widnes, to see if the Vikings can make a winning return
1:42:53 > 1:42:54to Super League.
1:42:57 > 1:43:00Meet the Leeds Rhinos' man of many talents.
1:43:04 > 1:43:06And three rugby league players, a giant egg and spoon
1:43:06 > 1:43:08and an obstacle course.
1:43:08 > 1:43:10Castleford Tigers go egg chasing.
1:43:14 > 1:43:17We have three icons of rugby league in the studio tonight.
1:43:17 > 1:43:20Not just the magnificent Super League trophy,
1:43:20 > 1:43:24but also Widnes coach Dennis Betts and Castleford boss, Ian Millward.
1:43:24 > 1:43:28The Super League has new sponsors and new teams and new coaches,
1:43:28 > 1:43:31a couple of new grounds and a whole host of new players.
1:43:31 > 1:43:35But here is a familiar old face to guide you through the runners and riders for 2012.
1:43:42 > 1:43:43Previously in Super League...
1:43:43 > 1:43:47# It's gonna get, it's gonna get It's gonna get louder
1:43:47 > 1:43:50# We're gonna get, we're gonna get We're gonna get stronger. #
1:43:50 > 1:43:54Leeds came from absolutely nowhere to claim the trophy,
1:43:54 > 1:43:58but can McDermott's men make it six Super League titles?
1:43:58 > 1:44:02You've got to get that emphasis that you can't live on being champions.
1:44:02 > 1:44:03We'll be branded that all year,
1:44:03 > 1:44:09but as far as we're concerned, as soon as we start, we're not champions and have to get it back.
1:44:09 > 1:44:11St Helens are forever the bridesmaid,
1:44:11 > 1:44:15but can a World Cup winner push them to the title in their brand-new home?
1:44:15 > 1:44:19Hohaia with the dummy! He's through and he's over!
1:44:19 > 1:44:21'We're playing in this competition to lift
1:44:21 > 1:44:26that trophy at the end of the year. Last four or five years,
1:44:26 > 1:44:29I guess this team hasn't been as successful as they wanted to be.
1:44:29 > 1:44:33Myself and a couple of new boys and the rest of the guys here,
1:44:33 > 1:44:36hopefully we can turn that around.
1:44:36 > 1:44:38The Hull clubs are under new management, as are Wigan.
1:44:38 > 1:44:41The Wildcats and the Tigers have new bosses, as well.
1:44:41 > 1:44:42# It's gonna get louder
1:44:42 > 1:44:46# We're gonna get, we're gonna get We're gonna get stronger. #
1:44:46 > 1:44:47'I've been here for a while'
1:44:47 > 1:44:50and had Terry Matterson for the whole time.
1:44:50 > 1:44:52He did a lot of good stuff with us
1:44:52 > 1:44:55after the relegation season to get us back to where we were,
1:44:55 > 1:45:01but a change is always good. It's freshened a lot of the blokes that have been here for a while up.
1:45:01 > 1:45:04Just bringing in new ideas and new styles of play.
1:45:04 > 1:45:08It's made it exciting and I'm just looking forward to putting it into practice now.
1:45:08 > 1:45:13Bradford and Salford - they've been there, done that, but both must improve to make the top eight.
1:45:13 > 1:45:16It's been a long pre-season. It's been tough and the players
1:45:16 > 1:45:19have enjoyed it, but haven't enjoyed it, because it's been so hard.
1:45:19 > 1:45:24I think they just want to play now. Everyone's excited to get this season underway.
1:45:24 > 1:45:29Will Trent Waterhouse be the missing link for Tony Smith at Warrington?
1:45:29 > 1:45:33Oh, he's scored! It bounced up so easy for him!
1:45:34 > 1:45:37Trent Waterhouse is in there!
1:45:37 > 1:45:42Widnes finally have a licence to thrill and it's back to the future
1:45:42 > 1:45:43for the Broncos of London.
1:45:43 > 1:45:47We're going to have a go at making the top eight and having a look
1:45:47 > 1:45:49across the competition, that's not out of our realm.
1:45:49 > 1:45:52Nathan Brown has one last ride in the land of the Giants.
1:45:52 > 1:45:55And is there a fancy for the French in Perpignan?
1:45:55 > 1:45:59You don't go into a competition thinking you can't win it, otherwise there's no point in playing.
1:45:59 > 1:46:01We obviously think
1:46:01 > 1:46:05we're more than capable of winning trophies.
1:46:05 > 1:46:08They're obviously the major goals, but there's a long way to go
1:46:08 > 1:46:11to get there, so we build our own individual goals
1:46:11 > 1:46:16and stepping stone goals, I suppose. If we can tick them off as we go,
1:46:16 > 1:46:20then there's no reason why we can't be up there in October.
1:46:20 > 1:46:23It's 2012, let the greatest games begin.
1:46:23 > 1:46:25# Gotta move faster
1:46:25 > 1:46:28# You can't tame this energy inside. #
1:46:32 > 1:46:34Ian, a horrible opening question for you.
1:46:34 > 1:46:37Is there one player you are particularly looking forward to seeing this season?
1:46:37 > 1:46:38I suppose every coach
1:46:38 > 1:46:42is always pinning his hopes on a youngster coming through.
1:46:42 > 1:46:45In the world of rugby league, we are short on outside back centres,
1:46:45 > 1:46:49in both countries, so Kallum Watkins is probably the excitement machine.
1:46:49 > 1:46:52He looks bigger, he looks stronger. Reminds a bit of Leon Pryce,
1:46:52 > 1:46:57but he's going to be a special centre and he's one that coaches will be trying to stop.
1:46:57 > 1:47:01Both of you have been away from Super League for a little while. Has it changed a lot?
1:47:01 > 1:47:04The game's pretty much the same, bit it's nice to be back involved.
1:47:04 > 1:47:08I'm really looking forward to it, the excitement of the competition.
1:47:08 > 1:47:11- The first weekend was very exciting. - It was, indeed.
1:47:11 > 1:47:17The pre-season excitement reached fever pitch as Widnes prepared to end their long exile from the elite.
1:47:17 > 1:47:20The Friday night lights were shining on the Vikings -
1:47:20 > 1:47:24and a return for one of the most famous clubs in the game.
1:47:28 > 1:47:33The superstars of rugby league ensured that Widnes were always top of the bill in the '70s and '80s.
1:47:33 > 1:47:37He's cutting inside! Oh, he's got it!
1:47:37 > 1:47:39Yes! A try from nothing!
1:47:39 > 1:47:43Offiah, there he is popping up inside and there he is going!
1:47:43 > 1:47:45He's going to score! Oh, yes!
1:47:49 > 1:47:52- # The boys are back in town - Boys are back in town. #
1:47:52 > 1:47:54Oh! Sheer class!
1:47:54 > 1:47:59# The boys are back in town The boys are back in town. #
1:47:59 > 1:48:02A high up and under.
1:48:02 > 1:48:04Oh, it's hit the post! What drama!
1:48:05 > 1:48:07And he's in!
1:48:07 > 1:48:11Oh, a nice dummy by Ashby! Will anybody catch him?!
1:48:11 > 1:48:15Oh, there's nobody on this side who will catch him!
1:48:15 > 1:48:17What a magnificent try, scored from nothing!
1:48:20 > 1:48:25This is a dangerous fella! There could be trouble here for Wakefield!
1:48:25 > 1:48:29They're trying to get close to him. but he's over for a try!
1:48:29 > 1:48:34- There it goes in the air! - Widnes fans there, roaring.
1:48:38 > 1:48:41A return to Super League for one of the game's pedigree clubs
1:48:41 > 1:48:44and on this historic day there are plenty of new names hoping to find
1:48:44 > 1:48:47a place in the affections of Widnes fans, who have long memories
1:48:47 > 1:48:49of glory days past.
1:48:49 > 1:48:52It's a new beginning for Wakefield, as well.
1:48:52 > 1:48:55They survived the Super League axe last year and have a new coach
1:48:55 > 1:48:58at the helm and 18 new signings in the off season.
1:48:58 > 1:49:02In the starting 13 tonight, 12 are new recruits.
1:49:02 > 1:49:05So, Jon Clarke has the honour of leading Widnes
1:49:05 > 1:49:09back into the Super League, onto this artificial surface.
1:49:09 > 1:49:13There will be plenty of talking points surrounding the 4G pitch
1:49:13 > 1:49:14this year, as well.
1:49:14 > 1:49:17But what a night for their chairman, Steve O'Connor.
1:49:17 > 1:49:21So much patience to lead them back to the big time.
1:49:21 > 1:49:24Chance to apply a little bit of pressure here, as well.
1:49:24 > 1:49:26There is always that honour
1:49:26 > 1:49:29of scoring that first try back in Super League.
1:49:29 > 1:49:32Rhys Hanbury, stretching the Wakefield defence.
1:49:34 > 1:49:38They look pretty well organised at the moment, as Cross tries
1:49:38 > 1:49:41to plunge a little one further. Here's Danny Craven
1:49:41 > 1:49:45with a little grubber kick. It's not dealt with!
1:49:45 > 1:49:49Richie Mathers didn't put it out. Danny Craven has scored
1:49:49 > 1:49:52Widnes' first try back in Super League!
1:49:52 > 1:49:55Lovely weighted kick...
1:49:55 > 1:49:57and real determination to get there.
1:49:59 > 1:50:00Here's Aiton...
1:50:04 > 1:50:07Opportunities available here, but good first attempt at the tackle.
1:50:07 > 1:50:11But a good pick-up by Collis, as well.
1:50:11 > 1:50:14Willie Isa looked to have him stopped at the first.
1:50:19 > 1:50:21Widnes hanging on at the moment.
1:50:23 > 1:50:27Here's Aiton... Smith...
1:50:27 > 1:50:29They're joining up from deep.
1:50:29 > 1:50:31And Lauitiiti!
1:50:31 > 1:50:32Ali Lauitiiti!
1:50:32 > 1:50:37Into the line with thunderous effect.
1:50:39 > 1:50:41And Wakefield have their first try.
1:50:44 > 1:50:46Smith with the early ball, Aiton linking up
1:50:46 > 1:50:48and Ali Lauitiiti going through some soft defending.
1:50:54 > 1:50:56That looked a little high-ish.
1:51:00 > 1:51:05Lloyd White, the former Crusaders man at dummy half.
1:51:05 > 1:51:08Widnes again searching back through the middle here.
1:51:08 > 1:51:11Good offload, as well. They have got a bit of room for Ah Van
1:51:11 > 1:51:12on the wing!
1:51:12 > 1:51:17An invitation that was never going to be dismissed.
1:51:19 > 1:51:22Wakefield's defence drawn to the middle.
1:51:22 > 1:51:25The offload in amongst it causing the width out wide
1:51:25 > 1:51:27and Ah Van with the try.
1:51:34 > 1:51:37A determined drive. Another claim for high,
1:51:37 > 1:51:41but the referee is quite willing to allow play to continue.
1:51:41 > 1:51:44The kick has taken a deflection here!
1:51:44 > 1:51:46Has he got the touch down?
1:51:46 > 1:51:50Andy Raleigh will tell you he has.
1:51:52 > 1:51:53Was there a knock on there?
1:51:53 > 1:51:56Maybe a slight bobble.
1:51:56 > 1:51:59And a grounding, absolutely certain.
1:51:59 > 1:52:01This might be given, you know.
1:52:02 > 1:52:07The video referee gives Wakefield, and Andy Raleigh, their try.
1:52:12 > 1:52:16Kyle Amor to his feet. Here's Wood.
1:52:16 > 1:52:20Kick's charged down by Cahill and collected as well!
1:52:20 > 1:52:22It's not a knock on, it is a charge down.
1:52:22 > 1:52:25And Hep Cahill, not the quickest,
1:52:25 > 1:52:26but he doesn't have to be!
1:52:29 > 1:52:33It's a thunderous noise around the Stobart Stadium now!
1:52:33 > 1:52:37And Hep Cahill has drawn them to their feet!
1:52:39 > 1:52:42Charged down, so play on.
1:52:42 > 1:52:46With the defence going one way, Cahill was going the other!
1:52:46 > 1:52:50And despite the pursuit, was always going to score the try.
1:52:58 > 1:53:00Four tackles gone.
1:53:01 > 1:53:04Johnson to his feet. Still a couple of tackles to come here.
1:53:04 > 1:53:08Smith with a lovely delayed pass. And here comes Mathers!
1:53:10 > 1:53:13It's still took some scoring from Ritchie Mathers!
1:53:16 > 1:53:19But the pass from Smith and the dummy runs here,
1:53:19 > 1:53:21opening up this Widnes defence,
1:53:21 > 1:53:24and Richie Mathers is over.
1:53:26 > 1:53:27Here's Kyle Wood.
1:53:27 > 1:53:31Wakefield threatening to get a stranglehold on this game now.
1:53:34 > 1:53:35You can see how close they are.
1:53:35 > 1:53:38Smith with the step and again.
1:53:38 > 1:53:42And the strength to hold off a last-ditch tackle.
1:53:44 > 1:53:46They might have found a new hero.
1:53:48 > 1:53:50Terrific footwork by Tim Smith.
1:53:51 > 1:53:52And a very good try.
1:53:56 > 1:54:00He will be greatly enthused no doubt with what he has seen so far.
1:54:02 > 1:54:05Cross is in trouble here and it's ten minutes!
1:54:08 > 1:54:13He grabbed around the face and his reaction might just have
1:54:13 > 1:54:16helped provoke the yellow card being produced here.
1:54:20 > 1:54:22Here's Kyle Wood.
1:54:24 > 1:54:27It's like they're just setting themselves up again here.
1:54:29 > 1:54:32A bit of bad discipline in the second half from Widnes.
1:54:32 > 1:54:34Wakefield have taken full advantage
1:54:34 > 1:54:37and are going to score again through Peter Fox!
1:54:39 > 1:54:45One time and England prospect, now a Wakefield player with a finish
1:54:45 > 1:54:49that makes sure his side have complete ascendancy here.
1:54:53 > 1:54:54Wood.
1:54:55 > 1:54:57Smith again.
1:54:57 > 1:55:00And heading towards the right flank once more.
1:55:05 > 1:55:07Still two tackles to come. Wood.
1:55:07 > 1:55:10He felt he had the beating of that defence
1:55:10 > 1:55:12and has done very well. Kept it alive.
1:55:12 > 1:55:15Quick hands, terrific hands and here's Fox to finish!
1:55:15 > 1:55:18It's a brace for Peter Fox.
1:55:18 > 1:55:23A win surely for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats?!
1:55:23 > 1:55:27The party poopers at the Stobart.
1:55:27 > 1:55:31But they have done it with some style in this second half.
1:55:32 > 1:55:35And two very welcome tries for Peter Fox at the end.
1:55:39 > 1:55:42Dennis, obviously such a big night, but a disappointing result?
1:55:42 > 1:55:44The players were disappointed,
1:55:44 > 1:55:46they put in such effort to pre-season.
1:55:46 > 1:55:50To get us into a situation where we can try to be competitive in the league.
1:55:50 > 1:55:53But it was a massive night.
1:55:53 > 1:55:56There was nearly 9,000 people and the majority of them
1:55:56 > 1:55:57from Widnes.
1:55:57 > 1:55:59It was a great night for the town.
1:55:59 > 1:56:02the crowd looked fantastic, the stadium was outstanding.
1:56:02 > 1:56:05Just to be back in with the big boys,
1:56:05 > 1:56:06was a good night for the club.
1:56:06 > 1:56:09How tough has it been to get your squad together?
1:56:09 > 1:56:13Though you knew in March you didn't get money to get players?
1:56:13 > 1:56:17Yeah, it was quite a false situation, we thought we had a head start
1:56:17 > 1:56:19but you can't talk to players until September.
1:56:19 > 1:56:22And if you've got a player at the club who's
1:56:22 > 1:56:25coming out of contract, you're talking to him initially.
1:56:25 > 1:56:27So we couldn't talk to players until September
1:56:27 > 1:56:30and then we didn't get any funding until December.
1:56:30 > 1:56:35So, it only gave us the ability to plan and write things down, but to action those
1:56:35 > 1:56:39exactly the same as other clubs when they action their plans.
1:56:39 > 1:56:43Let's have a look at it, you were pummelled in the penalty camp,
1:56:43 > 1:56:44particularly in the second half.
1:56:44 > 1:56:47how frustrating for you as a coach is that?
1:56:47 > 1:56:49As you can see, it was very frustrating at times.
1:56:49 > 1:56:51We got fatigued and we lost the battle
1:56:51 > 1:56:55and as we started to lose that, we started to get frustrated.
1:56:55 > 1:56:58That frustration came out with some real poor tackling technique
1:56:58 > 1:57:00and we just got a bit lazy.
1:57:00 > 1:57:04Rightly so, a lot of the penalties I have seen, some of them
1:57:04 > 1:57:07were tough calls, but nothing I can really argue about.
1:57:07 > 1:57:09And we should point out,
1:57:09 > 1:57:11quite a few of your guys are stepping up?
1:57:11 > 1:57:13They haven't played in Super League?
1:57:13 > 1:57:16We had five debutants on the night from Super League.
1:57:16 > 1:57:19We've got eight blokes in our squad that have been
1:57:19 > 1:57:22full-time professionals for only 12 weeks.
1:57:22 > 1:57:24So we are at a different situation.
1:57:24 > 1:57:26Wakefield have recruited massively
1:57:26 > 1:57:29and they've done a fantastic job in that recruitment.
1:57:29 > 1:57:32But we've got a completely different picture.
1:57:32 > 1:57:35We've brought in 16 players and two of them aren't in the country.
1:57:35 > 1:57:39So we are just building something that's going to take some time
1:57:39 > 1:57:41to gel and pull people together.
1:57:41 > 1:57:44Wakefield did fantastically well on the night.
1:57:44 > 1:57:46How key is Tim Smith going to be?
1:57:46 > 1:57:50He's got class, Rookie of the Year Down Under in 2005.
1:57:50 > 1:57:52How important could he be to Wakefield?
1:57:52 > 1:57:55We're looking for consistency in Tim.
1:57:55 > 1:57:57We talk about he won NRL Rookie of the Year
1:57:57 > 1:57:59in 2005 in Australia.
1:57:59 > 1:58:02It's been his inconsistency.
1:58:02 > 1:58:05He can get what we call "loose" in some of his decision-making.
1:58:05 > 1:58:08His kicking game I thought in the first half didn't apply any pressure.
1:58:08 > 1:58:11He put his team on the back foot a little bit.
1:58:11 > 1:58:14He's got some great skills, vision
1:58:14 > 1:58:18and sometimes he wants to show the whole package in 80 minutes.
1:58:18 > 1:58:21Instead of being a little bit more selective in what he does.
1:58:21 > 1:58:24I was talking to Richard Hafar after the game
1:58:24 > 1:58:26and he was disappointed in his first half.
1:58:26 > 1:58:28And that's a pretty good judgement.
1:58:28 > 1:58:31As they needed him to build some pressure
1:58:31 > 1:58:33and in the second half he got that.
1:58:33 > 1:58:35He's talented, but for them to be successful they need him
1:58:35 > 1:58:37to be consistent.
1:58:37 > 1:58:39Got to talk about your pitch, the iPitch.
1:58:39 > 1:58:42Some of Wakefield's players have been tweeting pictures
1:58:42 > 1:58:45of their knees and elbows, they weren't overly pleased.
1:58:45 > 1:58:49I'd like to look at some tweets from the Castleford, Salford game
1:58:49 > 1:58:51and also the Leeds - Hull KR game as well.
1:58:51 > 1:58:54It was minus four or five degrees.
1:58:54 > 1:58:55It was a pretty icy night.
1:58:55 > 1:58:56How different is it though?
1:58:56 > 1:59:00I think it's a fantastic surface. It's revolutionary.
1:59:00 > 1:59:03People don't like change - it's different under the foot.
1:59:03 > 1:59:06But, as a business venture, it's fantastic.
1:59:06 > 1:59:09It gives is somewhere to train, we've got games on we wouldn't have on.
1:59:09 > 1:59:12At minus six you might not have had that on.
1:59:12 > 1:59:15It's fantastic and we've got to give it time
1:59:15 > 1:59:18to bed in but talking about knees and scrapes,
1:59:18 > 1:59:22this is a game that's played at high intensity with a lot of collision.
1:59:22 > 1:59:25With grounds a little bit firm, you're going to get some scrapes.
1:59:25 > 1:59:27In the other game,
1:59:27 > 1:59:30defending champions, Leeds, kicked off their season
1:59:30 > 1:59:33on Friday night against Hull KR and a winning start for the Rhinos.
1:59:33 > 1:59:35But it wasn't easy, was it?
1:59:35 > 1:59:38The important thing for Leeds with a World Club Challenge game
1:59:38 > 1:59:41coming against the Australian champions, Manley, soon,
1:59:41 > 1:59:45they've looked sharp in their friendly games, and they looked sharp here.
1:59:45 > 1:59:47In fact, they look very tuned in early
1:59:47 > 1:59:51and you've got to be like that with the World Club coming up.
1:59:51 > 1:59:53I liked when they were behind, they had composure.
1:59:53 > 1:59:56And they get that through Singfield and McGuire.
1:59:56 > 2:00:01When Burrow comes off the bench, they are a handful.
2:00:01 > 2:00:04Hull KR, two tries either side of half-time put them ahead.
2:00:04 > 2:00:06Do they look different with a new coach?
2:00:06 > 2:00:08They'll be new but they're missing Blake Green,
2:00:08 > 2:00:11their stand off and that's had an effect on them.
2:00:11 > 2:00:15And also their captain, so a lot of pressure on Michael Dobson, their halfback.
2:00:15 > 2:00:18This is your man coming up - Kallum Watkins?
2:00:18 > 2:00:23Yes, look at the size of him and they've done some great work.
2:00:23 > 2:00:26They've been keen to get him on a five-year contract.
2:00:26 > 2:00:29You watch on this next run,
2:00:29 > 2:00:32he is very composed in everything he does, with plenty of ability.
2:00:32 > 2:00:35I'm just working out how we're going to stop him!
2:00:35 > 2:00:38If you look here, both teams had a very good kicking game
2:00:38 > 2:00:40and applied pressure through this.
2:00:40 > 2:00:42They've done very well, Hull KR
2:00:42 > 2:00:45in their first game to take the champions right to the wire.
2:00:45 > 2:00:49But a little bit of class, edge and composure.
2:00:49 > 2:00:50A hat-trick try, that one?
2:00:50 > 2:00:55And with the World Club Cup game coming up,
2:00:55 > 2:00:57you've got to be up to the mark.
2:00:57 > 2:01:00It's a special event in a couple of years time,
2:01:00 > 2:01:03but it's the same pattern, McGuire, Singfield.
2:01:03 > 2:01:06They are going to be tough to beat this year.
2:01:06 > 2:01:08They should be, as defending champions!
2:01:08 > 2:01:11Kallum Watkins was the star of the show for Leeds on Friday,
2:01:11 > 2:01:14but over the last few years it's been winger, Ryan Hall,
2:01:14 > 2:01:16who has led the Rhinos try-scoring charts.
2:01:16 > 2:01:21Always one of England's best performers in the Four Nations at the end of last year.
2:01:21 > 2:01:23And, as we found out, he's a man of many talents.
2:01:23 > 2:01:26HE PLAYS "THE ENTERTAINER"
2:01:29 > 2:01:31I am a jack of all trades.
2:01:31 > 2:01:34I can do lots of things, I can keep myself occupied.
2:01:34 > 2:01:37I've always been brought up with music.
2:01:37 > 2:01:40My mum always wanted me to play a musical instrument.
2:01:40 > 2:01:42So from primary school, I played the violin.
2:01:42 > 2:01:47Then on to secondary school, I picked up the saxophone.
2:01:47 > 2:01:49And others, the piano,
2:01:49 > 2:01:53I never had any lessons in that. I just taught myself it.
2:01:53 > 2:01:55I always used to be pretty good at everything,
2:01:55 > 2:01:57but not perfect at everything.
2:01:57 > 2:02:02So obviously I was best at rugby league, so that's what I did.
2:02:02 > 2:02:05# Sometimes I get a good feeling
2:02:05 > 2:02:08# Yeah
2:02:08 > 2:02:12# I get a feeling that I never, never, never, never had before
2:02:12 > 2:02:14# No, no
2:02:14 > 2:02:16# I get a good feeling, yeah
2:02:16 > 2:02:17Just looking back at last year,
2:02:17 > 2:02:20at what point did you think you could actually win it?
2:02:20 > 2:02:21It started off terribly.
2:02:21 > 2:02:25From our standards, they weren't up to the usual par.
2:02:25 > 2:02:28After the Catalans game, we looked at ourselves
2:02:28 > 2:02:30and thought, we need to pick things up.
2:02:30 > 2:02:34So a couple of games after that we got on a roll and it felt like the old Leeds.
2:02:34 > 2:02:37That's when we felt like, come on we can win this.
2:02:37 > 2:02:40Was that the motivation, people had written you off?
2:02:40 > 2:02:43That was one of the main things.
2:02:43 > 2:02:47We kept on hearing bad news about us all over.
2:02:47 > 2:02:52So we used that as motivational power.
2:02:52 > 2:02:56JP said it was his favourite run.
2:02:56 > 2:02:58Because the way that it came about,
2:02:58 > 2:03:01the media attention was all on other teams.
2:03:01 > 2:03:03So we came from nowhere to win it.
2:03:03 > 2:03:05So that's the special thing about it.
2:03:05 > 2:03:09Gary Hetherington said it's one of the most exciting squads going into Super League.
2:03:09 > 2:03:12It's quite a nice compliment from Gary,
2:03:12 > 2:03:15because he's seen some champion sides coming through his ranks.
2:03:15 > 2:03:21The Leeds youth system's always been good and we thrive on the youth coming through.
2:03:21 > 2:03:23The older guys need a kick start
2:03:23 > 2:03:27and the youngsters come in and it's a great kick start for them.
2:03:27 > 2:03:31And it goes to Hall. Hall puts the foot down
2:03:31 > 2:03:36and it's another - another! - outstanding finish by Ryan Hall!
2:03:36 > 2:03:39A really good, encouraging season from the England guys,
2:03:39 > 2:03:41and being a part of that team
2:03:41 > 2:03:43who nearly won the Four Nations again...
2:03:43 > 2:03:47We've got a good culture there now. It's been coming for a while now.
2:03:47 > 2:03:51We haven't beaten anybody in a major tournament for 40-odd years now,
2:03:51 > 2:03:55so it's along time coming, and we need to get one soon.
2:03:55 > 2:03:58And I think this group of players in the England set-up
2:03:58 > 2:03:59are the people to do that.
2:03:59 > 2:04:01Did you have a wry smile
2:04:01 > 2:04:04when the rule change about avoiding the corner flag was made
2:04:04 > 2:04:07after all the effort you had made to avoid the corner flag?!
2:04:07 > 2:04:10Well, it's a bit strange, cos you wait all year
2:04:10 > 2:04:14and you don't get many opportunities to go in the corner like that.
2:04:14 > 2:04:17As it happened, I got two in one game and three in the series,
2:04:17 > 2:04:19so it all came at once, really.
2:04:19 > 2:04:22I don't think it'll make too much difference.
2:04:22 > 2:04:24But when it happens, obviously,
2:04:24 > 2:04:26I know that I can elbow it or get in its way.
2:04:26 > 2:04:28HE PLAYS "FUR ELISE"
2:04:33 > 2:04:37You were heading for university. Do you expect to go back to an academic life?
2:04:37 > 2:04:39Yeah. Before I went into the first team at Leeds,
2:04:39 > 2:04:42I hadn't started the maths degree,
2:04:42 > 2:04:44but I was ready to start that September.
2:04:44 > 2:04:47So I had to ring them up and apologise
2:04:47 > 2:04:51and say that I've chosen a different career course.
2:04:51 > 2:04:53So I put that to one side, my studies,
2:04:53 > 2:04:55but recently, over the last couple of months,
2:04:55 > 2:04:59I've started an accountant's course at Leeds City College.
2:04:59 > 2:05:03That'll take three years, and I'll come out the other side an accountant.
2:05:03 > 2:05:05One of your party tricks is the Rubik's cube.
2:05:05 > 2:05:08- Where did that come from? - How did you learn that?
2:05:08 > 2:05:11At school, I'd always been pretty good at maths,
2:05:11 > 2:05:15and the Rubik's cube is quite mathematical,
2:05:15 > 2:05:18so it's one of them things I just picked up along the way.
2:05:18 > 2:05:20It's a decent party trick, cos not many people can do it.
2:05:20 > 2:05:23What do your team-mates make of that one?
2:05:23 > 2:05:27A couple of them were really impressed, Jamie Jones especially.
2:05:27 > 2:05:30He were amazed by it, that I could do it.
2:05:30 > 2:05:35The first time I ever did it were going to Florida in a pre-season camp
2:05:35 > 2:05:39and Jamie Jones made me teach him how to do it.
2:05:39 > 2:05:42So he can do it, and a couple of others can.
2:05:42 > 2:05:45Keith Senior can now do it, and Luke Burgess, who's moved on,
2:05:45 > 2:05:46he can now do it.
2:05:46 > 2:05:47Beat that.
2:05:49 > 2:05:52We've proved you two can't. You've had about four minutes there.
2:05:52 > 2:05:54You're trying to change the stickers.
2:05:54 > 2:05:58Dennis, fantastic that Ryan Hall is committed to rugby league.
2:05:58 > 2:06:02It's sensational that he was given the opportunity.
2:06:02 > 2:06:05It's great that we've got lads like him in our game,
2:06:05 > 2:06:07and he's committed himself long-term.
2:06:07 > 2:06:10Outstanding prospect. Outstanding player.
2:06:10 > 2:06:12Well, not a prospect, a talent.
2:06:12 > 2:06:14You didn't give me long enough!
2:06:14 > 2:06:17- Do it by the end of the programme. - Can I have another day?
2:06:17 > 2:06:19Take it home and practise.
2:06:19 > 2:06:22St Helens have been runners-up in the last of five Grand Finals.
2:06:22 > 2:06:25They began their season on Saturday afternoon
2:06:25 > 2:06:27against the new-look but old-look London Broncos.
2:06:27 > 2:06:29No surprise in the result,
2:06:29 > 2:06:31but London gave them a good run for their money.
2:06:31 > 2:06:36Early on, the talent they've brought in will shine through the season.
2:06:36 > 2:06:38How important is Jonny Lomax going to be?
2:06:38 > 2:06:40Well, Jonny Lomax shone last year.
2:06:40 > 2:06:45He's always been talented. You talk to a lot of the lads at St Helens,
2:06:45 > 2:06:48and Jonny Lomax and Kyle Eastmond were very talented kids.
2:06:48 > 2:06:51He would have played internationally if not for injury.
2:06:51 > 2:06:54And Craig Gower - we saw a beautiful chip there -
2:06:54 > 2:06:57- he's going to be key for them. - He's a sensational player.
2:06:57 > 2:06:59He's got a lot to prove but nothing to prove.
2:06:59 > 2:07:03He's coming back into the game after spending time in Italian rugby union,
2:07:03 > 2:07:05and made a big statement in that game, as well.
2:07:05 > 2:07:07Jon Wilkin tweeted afterwards
2:07:07 > 2:07:11- he thinks London will win a lot of games this year. - They've got talent.
2:07:11 > 2:07:14They've spent the salary cap and they're looking to invest.
2:07:14 > 2:07:16The players they've brought in are very talented.
2:07:16 > 2:07:18Craig Gower's a very good signing.
2:07:18 > 2:07:21What about the rebranding for London, back to Broncos?
2:07:21 > 2:07:25Yeah, I think obviously we could talk about the importance of it down there,
2:07:25 > 2:07:28but if you look at it, when they have invested money,
2:07:28 > 2:07:30they've been very good, with seasoned players.
2:07:30 > 2:07:32They've bought some seasoned players.
2:07:32 > 2:07:35It's a good time for them to get on top of teams.
2:07:35 > 2:07:37When the field's a little bit wet
2:07:37 > 2:07:40and they're down there in their own environment,
2:07:40 > 2:07:42they score a lot of tries.
2:07:42 > 2:07:45Michael Witt is a good addition. He's got a good kicking game.
2:07:45 > 2:07:46Got some tough forwards.
2:07:46 > 2:07:49I'm not looking forward to going down to London.
2:07:49 > 2:07:52It was an old guy that was man of the match, though, James Roby.
2:07:52 > 2:07:56- James Roby can talk about being an old guy! - Compared to those youngsters!
2:07:56 > 2:07:59Well, he's sensational.
2:07:59 > 2:08:02He's probably the best, him and Cameron Smith,
2:08:02 > 2:08:04the best hookers in the world.
2:08:04 > 2:08:06They're going to be tough?
2:08:06 > 2:08:10In pre-season, they didn't play that well and still beat us quite convincingly!
2:08:10 > 2:08:13So both last year's Grand Finalists are off and running,
2:08:13 > 2:08:16we've seen Widnes make their Super League return,
2:08:16 > 2:08:19and there's still four more games to go!
2:08:21 > 2:08:24We see how the snow settled on Salford's new home
2:08:24 > 2:08:28as they entertained Castleford...
2:08:28 > 2:08:31and whether the Tigers' pre-match preparations paid dividends
2:08:31 > 2:08:35as they undertook our brand-new challenge....
2:08:35 > 2:08:37while last season's league leaders
2:08:37 > 2:08:40got their campaign off and running on Sunday afternoon.
2:08:45 > 2:08:472012 is the start of a new era in Salford.
2:08:47 > 2:08:50After 110 years at the Willows,
2:08:50 > 2:08:53the City Reds have a brand-new home in Barton.
2:08:53 > 2:08:54Their first match there
2:08:54 > 2:08:56brought Castleford to Greater Manchester,
2:08:56 > 2:08:58and Dave Woods was watching.
2:09:00 > 2:09:03It's a night of fire and ice
2:09:03 > 2:09:07to usher in a new era for the Salford City Reds,
2:09:07 > 2:09:11the official opening of their new stadium, the Salford City Stadium,
2:09:11 > 2:09:14and they've come in numbers despite this appalling weather.
2:09:19 > 2:09:24It's going to be a night when handling is at a premium here,
2:09:24 > 2:09:25you would have thought.
2:09:28 > 2:09:32Joel Moon has just pushed his side to within about 20 metres,
2:09:32 > 2:09:35although those lines might start disappearing!
2:09:35 > 2:09:36Here's Matty Smith
2:09:36 > 2:09:40putting his foot down to score the first try at the new ground!
2:09:42 > 2:09:45Matty Smith writes himself a little piece of history.
2:09:46 > 2:09:49And he's done it well, as well.
2:09:49 > 2:09:52Terrific pace to finish.
2:09:52 > 2:09:54It's one of those nights, isn't it?
2:09:54 > 2:09:56Find warmth where you can!
2:09:58 > 2:10:00It's a barge and a hold,
2:10:00 > 2:10:04and Castleford are going to be held up just at the moment.
2:10:05 > 2:10:08Wants to play the ball, and does.
2:10:08 > 2:10:11Spinning it away...
2:10:11 > 2:10:15A little dummy, and a second attempt, and Richard Owen is in!
2:10:15 > 2:10:18Well, again a couple of double pumps,
2:10:18 > 2:10:22a couple of dummies kept the defence guessing here.
2:10:23 > 2:10:26Rangi Chase laying the way open for Richard Owen to score.
2:10:33 > 2:10:35It's not unexpected
2:10:35 > 2:10:38that it's such a low-scoring game on such a cold night.
2:10:38 > 2:10:40Full marks to the Salford ground staff
2:10:40 > 2:10:43for actually getting the game on here.
2:10:43 > 2:10:47Castleford looking to prosper. A little kick on, and a chase.
2:10:47 > 2:10:50The chase is a good one! Josh Griffin!
2:10:52 > 2:10:57Well, there's still a question in the air here for Thierry Alibert.
2:10:57 > 2:10:59Was there an obstruction here?
2:10:59 > 2:11:02As Griffin kicks it on, does he push away Jody Broughton?
2:11:02 > 2:11:05That's the question that's being asked.
2:11:05 > 2:11:07No problems with the grounding.
2:11:09 > 2:11:13And no problems with the early incident, either. The try is given.
2:11:15 > 2:11:18Phil Veivers, the Salford coach.
2:11:22 > 2:11:25Castleford looking to get some control of this game, if they can.
2:11:25 > 2:11:30Stuart Jones is held up only five yards away.
2:11:30 > 2:11:32It's Adam Milner who's in at dummy half.
2:11:32 > 2:11:35James looking to boss things again here.
2:11:35 > 2:11:39Owen into the line. Just held on to!
2:11:39 > 2:11:42Just grabbed a hold of by Joel Moon.
2:11:44 > 2:11:47Here come Castleford. One final chance in this set.
2:11:47 > 2:11:50Lovely little kick by Rangi Chase...
2:11:50 > 2:11:52and scored by Adam Milner.
2:11:52 > 2:11:56Well, the finger pointed. Milner was there very quickly,
2:11:56 > 2:11:59whether he was offside or not.
2:11:59 > 2:12:01the referee says no.
2:12:01 > 2:12:05It was just clever reading of that kick over the top
2:12:05 > 2:12:07and a safe pair of hands.
2:12:15 > 2:12:18Well, they'll be looking for a kick here
2:12:18 > 2:12:20to get it downfield quickly.
2:12:20 > 2:12:22It's all about position on nights like this.
2:12:22 > 2:12:24Get it in your opponents' half.
2:12:24 > 2:12:28And if you can't kick it, how about running it? Here's Moon.
2:12:28 > 2:12:31Offloads again to Patten.
2:12:31 > 2:12:35Patten on the inside. Terrific stuff from Salford.
2:12:35 > 2:12:37Terrific stuff from Salford!
2:12:37 > 2:12:39Matty Smith with a dummy then throws it out,
2:12:39 > 2:12:42and eventually touched down wonderfully...
2:12:44 > 2:12:46..Matty Ashurst the man who was on the end of it,
2:12:46 > 2:12:50but so many good moments in the build-up, as well.
2:12:51 > 2:12:54Well, we talked about the conditions so often,
2:12:54 > 2:12:58and on a night like this, how good a try was this!
2:12:59 > 2:13:00Just keeping that ball alive,
2:13:00 > 2:13:05the confidence to do so still searing through their veins,
2:13:05 > 2:13:10and Matty Smith with the final pass and Matty Ashurst with the score.
2:13:12 > 2:13:14Here's Milner.
2:13:17 > 2:13:20On again by Snitch. Milner...
2:13:21 > 2:13:24..still a busy character in the centre of things here.
2:13:24 > 2:13:29Young Daryl Clark is up there at dummy half.
2:13:30 > 2:13:33Castleford might sense they have something out wide here.
2:13:33 > 2:13:35It's Owen!
2:13:35 > 2:13:39And Richard Owen has the wherewithal to get over for his second try.
2:13:41 > 2:13:45Well, these bright young things at Castleford are beginning to shine.
2:13:48 > 2:13:56And Richie Owen with a brace on the night. It's a very good finish.
2:13:56 > 2:13:59So, how many jokes were there about summer rugby league?
2:13:59 > 2:14:03I think for us it's very uncommon to see that,
2:14:03 > 2:14:05and it just shows you how we don't like it.
2:14:05 > 2:14:07I've got to acknowledge both teams.
2:14:07 > 2:14:10Their handling was really good in the conditions, and I thought
2:14:10 > 2:14:13the attitude of both teams - they still continued to play.
2:14:13 > 2:14:15That's what I was pleased about with my team -
2:14:15 > 2:14:19their attitude and enthusiasm wasn't dented by the conditions.
2:14:19 > 2:14:21They went about their business.
2:14:21 > 2:14:23It was a good spectacle for the conditions.
2:14:23 > 2:14:26You had to be there to realise how tough it was.
2:14:26 > 2:14:29Dave talked about the starlets. Richard Owen got a brace for you.
2:14:29 > 2:14:33He had a difficult off-season, getting in trouble, but he's a good player.
2:14:33 > 2:14:37Yeah, I think if you look at... He's very raw but very talented.
2:14:37 > 2:14:41He's got speed, he's what we're trying to develop as a full-back.
2:14:41 > 2:14:42He's still new to that role.
2:14:42 > 2:14:44In Super League, played on the wing
2:14:44 > 2:14:46and having had a season out with a major leg injury.
2:14:46 > 2:14:49- What made you think he can do full-back?- It wasn't only us.
2:14:49 > 2:14:53There was another couple of Super League teams looking at him, too
2:14:53 > 2:14:56and we had to make a decision. If we were going to retain him
2:14:56 > 2:14:59we had to help educate him and offer him that full-back role.
2:14:59 > 2:15:02He has speed and he'd come up with some errors in this game
2:15:02 > 2:15:06but that's part of the process when you're younger, to develop your game.
2:15:06 > 2:15:08He's going to be exciting when the fields get drier,
2:15:08 > 2:15:10and he's a good kid. It's like everyone.
2:15:10 > 2:15:13We all make mistakes but he's learning on and off the field.
2:15:13 > 2:15:17Dennis, what about Salford? The best try of the game was theirs, Matty Ashurst?
2:15:17 > 2:15:22It was a tough night. You've got to take credit to both teams that night.
2:15:22 > 2:15:25It was freezing, feeling your hands. The skill level stayed high.
2:15:25 > 2:15:29They got caught up in the emotion. It's something that happened to us.
2:15:29 > 2:15:32It's a big night for them, new stadium, and this is a great try.
2:15:32 > 2:15:35Matty Ashurst does well. Matty Smith was there.
2:15:35 > 2:15:40I think he's the key to Salford at the moment. He's playing really well.
2:15:40 > 2:15:44The skill level in this try is so high and Ian was just saying
2:15:44 > 2:15:46this side had done a lot of work prior to this
2:15:46 > 2:15:48and looking a little bit tired.
2:15:48 > 2:15:51When you're freezing cold, these are hard tackles to make.
2:15:51 > 2:15:53It looks like a fantastic try cos,
2:15:53 > 2:15:55because of the weather and conditions,
2:15:55 > 2:15:59you have to take your hat off to the skill shown from both sides that night.
2:15:59 > 2:16:02- What did you make of the new stadium?- Oh, fantastic!
2:16:02 > 2:16:05It's a great benchmark for people wanting to get stadiums.
2:16:05 > 2:16:08Castleford would like a new stadium in 2014. Fantastic.
2:16:08 > 2:16:10Obviously, they're looking for results.
2:16:10 > 2:16:13They get new people come in. Manchester, big city.
2:16:13 > 2:16:16We enjoyed being there at the Old Willows.
2:16:16 > 2:16:20104 years, you said, and it felt every one of those 104 years.
2:16:20 > 2:16:23- No, good stadium.- Nice view to get off to a winning start?
2:16:23 > 2:16:27Yeah, much of this weekend has been... There's been a lot of pressure on coaches too,
2:16:27 > 2:16:29because to get off to a winning start.
2:16:29 > 2:16:33We all realise we're coming off a pre-season at different levels with fitness and timing,
2:16:33 > 2:16:38but also we're in a situation, we know it's a long season and it's a process.
2:16:38 > 2:16:40Warrington and Wigan finished first and second
2:16:40 > 2:16:44in the Super League standings at the end of the last regular season.
2:16:44 > 2:16:46Neither made the grand final, of course.
2:16:46 > 2:16:48Both were in action on Sunday afternoon.
2:16:48 > 2:16:51Dennis, you were at the DW to see Huddersfield beat Wigan.
2:16:51 > 2:16:54- A surprise or not? - It was a surprise but...
2:16:54 > 2:16:58Huddersfield were a great side. Very well coached, lots of skill.
2:16:58 > 2:17:02They went there and because they've got some forwards that are injured,
2:17:02 > 2:17:04they wanted to play with the ball.
2:17:04 > 2:17:06I think it shook them a little bit
2:17:06 > 2:17:08because there was lots of ball movement.
2:17:08 > 2:17:10They were very confrontational, Wigan, but...
2:17:10 > 2:17:13They didn't have many prop forwards. Patrick, they didn't think
2:17:13 > 2:17:16he'd make it with a broken wrist, earlier in the season?
2:17:16 > 2:17:19Good job... It wasn't his wrist that was the problem
2:17:19 > 2:17:23when he scored his try, in the game. He come from a long way back
2:17:23 > 2:17:25and this is another one of their forwards...
2:17:25 > 2:17:27- The second one. The best one's to come.- Yes.
2:17:27 > 2:17:31Here, another good, well-worked try. Good breaks, good offloading.
2:17:31 > 2:17:34A little bit of determination to get him over the line there.
2:17:34 > 2:17:38From both sides, like he said, it's early in the season.
2:17:38 > 2:17:41This is another really good try from Wigan.
2:17:41 > 2:17:43And their substitution from Farrell.
2:17:43 > 2:17:45How tough for Shaun Wane to lose this first one?
2:17:45 > 2:17:50- Again, it's early in the season and...- This isn't bad from a big guy!
2:17:50 > 2:17:52Like I say, his wrist doesn't look too sore now, does it?
2:17:52 > 2:17:54But it's a really tough, tough ask.
2:17:54 > 2:17:57Michael Maguire's done a fantastic job, two years.
2:17:57 > 2:18:00They've been, erm... They've been a bit of rebuilding there.
2:18:00 > 2:18:02They've lost some players
2:18:02 > 2:18:06and Shaun's got a tough task to match that but I think he's up to it.
2:18:06 > 2:18:08This was the Hull-Warrington game.
2:18:08 > 2:18:11- An absolute humdinger of a match, this one.- I expect it to be.
2:18:11 > 2:18:13Two different contrasts in their build-up.
2:18:13 > 2:18:16In Australia for three weeks. Warrington had one warm-up game.
2:18:16 > 2:18:18Hull had bought well on the off-season,
2:18:18 > 2:18:21bought a lot of good-quality players,
2:18:21 > 2:18:22and as we know, it's a big club
2:18:22 > 2:18:26and these two clubs will feature in the top eight this year
2:18:26 > 2:18:30and I was interested to see how Trent Waterhouse come on board,
2:18:30 > 2:18:32the Warrington new signing, back-rower, you know,
2:18:32 > 2:18:36he's got size and he'll suit the way they like to play Warrington.
2:18:36 > 2:18:38I don't think Tony'd be too upset about...
2:18:38 > 2:18:40He knows they're not far off the mark in this game,
2:18:40 > 2:18:42and like we said, it's a long season.
2:18:42 > 2:18:45They predominantly last year were the best attacking team
2:18:45 > 2:18:46in Super League.
2:18:46 > 2:18:49And let's understand, it was a draw, an away game.
2:18:49 > 2:18:54So it's not a bad result but I think it'd give both teams confidence.
2:18:54 > 2:18:58And a new Hull coach, Peter Gentle, Hull COACHES, this season.
2:18:58 > 2:19:02Yeah, and I keep saying, game one's still about looking at your troops
2:19:02 > 2:19:07and seeing what works for them, how they're bedding into your style.
2:19:07 > 2:19:11But I've got to say there's some talented young kids coming through
2:19:11 > 2:19:13this weekend that we're all looking at.
2:19:13 > 2:19:15I watch Rhys Evans score a try late in this game
2:19:15 > 2:19:18and he's a talented young player coming through the ranks.
2:19:18 > 2:19:21And we're watching players, all games on the weekend
2:19:21 > 2:19:24getting a little bit tired with their technique.
2:19:24 > 2:19:27But I just think fans don't read too much into it
2:19:27 > 2:19:30but enjoy some of the skill in some tough conditions.
2:19:30 > 2:19:34- This was a beautiful try, wasn't it? - Yeah, Rhys finishes off here,
2:19:34 > 2:19:36and if you look at the shifting of the ball, everyone's...
2:19:36 > 2:19:38The technique's really strong
2:19:38 > 2:19:41and obviously he doesn't kick the goal from the end, but...
2:19:41 > 2:19:44- Ben Westwood missed the conversion cos they would have had it.- Yeah.
2:19:44 > 2:19:47Just on Huddersfield. How much will it affect them
2:19:47 > 2:19:51that Nathan Brown goes at the end of the season? We already know Paul Anderson takes over.
2:19:51 > 2:19:54It's been a bit controversial over the last couple of years
2:19:54 > 2:19:58because they keep extending his contract and Nathan decides to stay.
2:19:58 > 2:20:00But this year, they just said, "No, it'll definitely be..."
2:20:00 > 2:20:04It won't be brought up again. He's leaving at the end of the year.
2:20:04 > 2:20:05They've given Paul Anderson the job.
2:20:05 > 2:20:08So that might keep them calm and make them do something that...
2:20:08 > 2:20:12Cos all the players really like Nathan and they think a lot of him,
2:20:12 > 2:20:15so maybe a little bit of effort to get them to a final this year.
2:20:15 > 2:20:18Now, what you get if you ask a bunch of Rugby League players
2:20:18 > 2:20:20to take part in a giant egg-and-spoon race?
2:20:20 > 2:20:24It sounds like a recipe for disaster and it might well be!
2:20:24 > 2:20:28First up in this bright new series, featuring all 14 Super League clubs,
2:20:28 > 2:20:32for Ian Millward's Castleford Tigers, this is Egg-Chasers.
2:20:32 > 2:20:35'At the Coliseum, three brave Tigers stepped forward
2:20:35 > 2:20:39'to take part in the toughest egg-and-spoon race on the planet.'
2:20:39 > 2:20:40You'll be needing this, lads.
2:20:43 > 2:20:47'It's a course designed to test the player's speed, agility
2:20:47 > 2:20:50'and composure to the limit.
2:20:50 > 2:20:52'So here's how it works.
2:20:52 > 2:20:55'Three players will run in a relay up and down the course
2:20:55 > 2:20:57'whilst holding a giant egg and spoon.
2:20:57 > 2:21:00'The aim of the game is to complete the relay
2:21:00 > 2:21:02'in the quickest time possible.
2:21:02 > 2:21:06'Each man will have to jump, duck and weave around a range of obstacles.
2:21:06 > 2:21:09'If the egg is dropped or an obstacle failed,
2:21:09 > 2:21:11'a five-second time penalty will be incurred.
2:21:13 > 2:21:16'Jordan Thomson with a look that would scramble most eggs,
2:21:16 > 2:21:18'and he's the first to go as well.
2:21:18 > 2:21:22'The flamed-haired flyer for the Castleford Tigers.
2:21:22 > 2:21:26'A good little piece of concentration here from Jordan Thompson,
2:21:26 > 2:21:29'despite his team-mates hurling bottles of water at him!
2:21:29 > 2:21:31'Come on, Daryl!
2:21:31 > 2:21:34'Daryl Clark is next to go, the young hooker.
2:21:34 > 2:21:38'That's it. Good leap by Clark. And a good technique as well.
2:21:38 > 2:21:42'Forwards and backwards as the artillery reload behind him.
2:21:42 > 2:21:46'Underneath the sticks this time and a little couple of skips and a jump.
2:21:46 > 2:21:49'Now, Adam Milner, last to go. Looking for a quick time.
2:21:49 > 2:21:54'Remember, he can't handle the ball, otherwise five seconds are added on.
2:21:54 > 2:21:58'A duck and a dive, a big grin. Adam, over he goes!
2:21:58 > 2:22:01'Oh! He's touched it but he is in!
2:22:02 > 2:22:04'Well, fantastic work from the Castleford Tigers,
2:22:04 > 2:22:07'their threesome setting the pace.
2:22:07 > 2:22:09'The only minor blemish here,
2:22:09 > 2:22:13'just a little touch of the ball as steadicam shows.
2:22:13 > 2:22:15'But a good time for Castleford -
2:22:15 > 2:22:17'the course completed in 44.78 seconds,
2:22:17 > 2:22:22'although with a five-second penalty added for handling at the end.
2:22:22 > 2:22:26'That means a finishing time of 49.78 for the Castleford Tigers,
2:22:26 > 2:22:30'already setting a top target first up for all the others to beat.
2:22:30 > 2:22:32'So join us next time to find out
2:22:32 > 2:22:36'if the next Super League rival can crack the Tigers' time,
2:22:36 > 2:22:41'or will we see another scramble to the finish line on the Egg-Chasers?'
2:22:43 > 2:22:46Given that you won, is that now part of the pre-match preparation?
2:22:46 > 2:22:48I said to the boys after we did that,
2:22:48 > 2:22:51"If the media asks you after the game what's he brought to us?"
2:22:51 > 2:22:57just say, "He's really improved our egg-and-spoon race technique!"
2:22:57 > 2:23:00So that was a bit of banter in the dressing room after it.
2:23:00 > 2:23:02No, it's all good fun. It helps breaks up training.
2:23:02 > 2:23:04We'll see how you get on later in the season.
2:23:04 > 2:23:07Let's complete our round one review with highlights from Odsal,
2:23:07 > 2:23:10and it was one-way traffic, this one, wasn't it, Dennis?
2:23:10 > 2:23:14Yeah. The Catalan Dragons have been fantastic in their pre-season.
2:23:14 > 2:23:17Very big side, they've got lots of talent in their half-backs.
2:23:17 > 2:23:21In Henderson and Dureau they've got two players that are firing at the moment.
2:23:21 > 2:23:25Look at the quality of some of the tries from the push and the pass.
2:23:25 > 2:23:26Everybody's supporting.
2:23:26 > 2:23:28They look like a side that knows what they're doing.
2:23:28 > 2:23:32Exciting times at Catalan now because they've got a big side,
2:23:32 > 2:23:34they've got plenty of French boys in there
2:23:34 > 2:23:36but they've got players that can really play.
2:23:36 > 2:23:39How worrying, this, for Braf, as they ended last season on a whimper
2:23:39 > 2:23:43and they wanted to start with a bit of a bang, and they've had this?
2:23:43 > 2:23:46I expect Catalan to be one of the real form teams of the season.
2:23:46 > 2:23:49I love the style they play. They have some real stability
2:23:49 > 2:23:52in their halves, like Henderson, Dureau,
2:23:52 > 2:23:56and then they're big and physical team to back it up on top of that.
2:23:56 > 2:24:00I like them. And they started the way I thought they would be
2:24:00 > 2:24:04a contender this year. They were really dominant at times, Bradford.
2:24:04 > 2:24:05But I was at the game today
2:24:05 > 2:24:08and I thought they would be a bit of a chance
2:24:08 > 2:24:10and they didn't do a lot of things wrong.
2:24:10 > 2:24:14But the other team were just so dominant with everything they did
2:24:14 > 2:24:16and Dureau is probably now, and Henderson,
2:24:16 > 2:24:20they're really up there with the top players in their position
2:24:20 > 2:24:22and they're a bit like a conductor.
2:24:22 > 2:24:26They just get the orchestra playing at the right tune at the moment.
2:24:26 > 2:24:29Let's get a quick prediction from you, Dennis.
2:24:29 > 2:24:31Who will be the man of steel?
2:24:31 > 2:24:33If you were to pick one now. It's a difficult one, I know!
2:24:33 > 2:24:35Don't you know!
2:24:35 > 2:24:38It's like Dave Woods having to do some more one-liners
2:24:38 > 2:24:40after doing that 14 times! I couldn't tell you.
2:24:40 > 2:24:42I think James Roby, again, will be one to look at.
2:24:42 > 2:24:44Lomax again, the St Helens boys.
2:24:44 > 2:24:47I'd like to see someone like Kevin Sinfield push through for it as well.
2:24:47 > 2:24:50He was in running last year and he was sensational.
2:24:50 > 2:24:53I hope he can put a year together that he can get a lot of credit
2:24:53 > 2:24:55for how much work he's put in throughout his career.
2:24:55 > 2:24:58Do you think there'll be a breakthrough team this year,
2:24:58 > 2:25:00one we're not expecting to be right at the top?
2:25:00 > 2:25:02Well, Catalans have recruited well.
2:25:02 > 2:25:05To buy Leon Pryce and Vinnie Anderson,
2:25:05 > 2:25:08they've made a real statement on top of their good last season.
2:25:08 > 2:25:11It'd be great for our game, them pushing up there.
2:25:11 > 2:25:15The two Hull teams, you know, they've recruited pretty heavily.
2:25:15 > 2:25:18So there's a real question mark where they are at the moment.
2:25:18 > 2:25:22But having said that, up the top there's a fair cross-section,
2:25:22 > 2:25:26and obviously, we all aspire to move there.
2:25:26 > 2:25:30And you don't know. Like also my team. It's a young team.
2:25:30 > 2:25:33You don't know where the journey takes young men,
2:25:33 > 2:25:35so it's an interesting season.
2:25:35 > 2:25:37- It is the start of a very long road, isn't it?- Yeah.
2:25:37 > 2:25:40Don't forget to stay in touch right throughout the week
2:25:40 > 2:25:42via Facebook and Twitter.
2:25:42 > 2:25:46My thanks to Ian and Dennis for joining us for this first week.
2:25:46 > 2:25:48The Super League Show will be back
2:25:48 > 2:25:52with the highlights from round two, same time, same place next week.
2:25:52 > 2:25:55It's good to be able to say that at last. Good night.
2:25:58 > 2:26:00Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd