Episode 16 Super League Show

good evening. The Magic Weekend lived up to its name, but the clubs

have been back on the beat in more familiar surroundings in the past

few days. We have passed the halfway mark and every match matters between

now and September. They were mauled in Manchester, but was there any

home comfort for Saint Helens against Huddersfield? There was a

warm welcome for Wigan at Saltford, but where the champions too hot for

the red Devils? And the baffling balls are looking for a change in

fortune. Bradford are away to Catalan. That battling balls. We

have our own half`back pairing in the studio. Wigan's Matty Smith and

Luke Robinson of Huddersfield will guide us around the latest talking

points from the world of Rugby League. The standout fixture of the

week was St Helens against Huddersfield, remember their last

meeting was a tale of a drop goal that was, and a drop goal that

wasn't. Hull's derby defeat at the Magic Weekend was a third

consecutive loss for the Black and Whites.

wasn't. Hull's derby defeat at the Magic Danny

looking for a response and harsh words from their code after they

were Helens had momentum on their side.

And the referee says the touch is down as well. Saint Helens are off

to a flyer. Great work by John Wilkin on the angle. Gary Wheeler

kept it alive in the first place. He was the man to pick a hole in the

Huddersfield defence. He is through! Skipping down the middle. Great work

by the Saints. Ripping the heart out of the Huddersfield defence. It was

a darting finish. Paul Wellens. We do not see him

doing that quite as often these days. It is a move he has made his

own over many years. Paul Wellens for Saint Helens as they continue

this very energetic start. Patrick is claiming it and the

referee is giving it to him. Huddersfield have a response

finally. And, boy, did they need it. It is intercepted and Matty Dawson

has got plenty of pace. You sense it is not over yet because

Saint Helens are coming in numbers. Matty Dawson started it, Matty

Dawson finished it. And Saint Helens have gone the distance in a space of

a couple of tackles. John Wilkin came from nowhere. A

couple of others seemed to have it covered and I think they left it for

each other. Wilkin took advantage. The start of the second half and

Saint Helens putting themselves back in control. It is going to be a try

for Ben Blackmore. Straight from the restart after Saint Helens had

scored and they are hit with a sucker punch. Ben Blackmore had the

space to finish. And the big fellow is through. The

referee was closest to stopping him. Richard Silverwood was

uncomfortably close. Brett Ferres will claim it. It is confirmed as a

try by Richard Silverwood. It is the perfect kick off that left foot of

Danny Brough. Gary Wheeler with the footwork. Has

he got there? There are a few questions. They are OK with the ball

coming free in the first place, but did Wheeler ground the ball here.

They are looking at a possible penalty try. Danny Brough dragging

him back before he got there. It is a penalty try for Danny Brough

pulling back on Gary Wheeler. He would have scored, the video referee

decides. And Ben Blackmore with a second. It

is not the best of knights for Huddersfield so far, but young Ben

Blackmore is having a night to remember. Two tries in his name.

Finished very nicely from Luke Walshe. That will do it for Saints,

surely. Luke Walsh just rubbing the salt in the wounds in the

Huddersfield Giants. Sorry to put you through that again. Paul

Anderson saying Huddersfield simply did not turn up. It is the perfect

comment. We did not start the game very well. We lost the ruck and from

that moment on we were chasing our tails. We were just losing the ruck

and when you lose it against Saint Helens, when they get on the

Frankfurt and take off, you are in trouble.

You were all up for it, but you did not know why you did not start so

well. There were a few uncharacteristic, individual errors

in defence that let us down. People were flying out of line and some

people were standing back. But when you lose the ruck nine times out of

ten, you lose the game. Nathan Brown was so disappointed and the whole

team were clearly furious. Is that the kind of response you expected?

It was not the perfect game from Saint Helens. But in the second half

whoever was going to complete the set and not make as many errors was

going to go on and win the game. Saints will be glad they got the two

points. Mose Masco was the man of the match, the best game he has had

in the season so far. He is a big guy. He is a very big guy and he is

very hard to handle. He managed to get Saint Helens on the front foot.

He moved as quickly as he could to get out of the way. He caused a lot

of problems and got on the front foot. He was devastating. Is that

what you have been expecting to see? He has had a difficult start to the

year with injuries and he has had a tough start, but it is all about him

getting his fitness and getting games under his belt and he proved

what he can do. You had been in quite a good run, where is the form

of the team? It is a strange one. It has been up and down. Even though we

have gone through a mini purple patch of winning games, we have not

been playing our best rugby. We felt like we were going to play better

than we did the other night and it was disappointing. You both face

each other next week. Are you surprised by them? They looked

fantastic. I'm sure we're going to get the backlash! We will need to be

at best to be a good Huddersfield side. A couple of big games for you,

Wigan and then Leeds. It has been a tough couple of weeks for us! We

have played against the form teams. It is important to bounce back. It

would not make a break the season, but that will be a good springboard

if we can get a couple of good results in recent weeks. Hull's

derby defeat at The Magic Weekend was a third consecutive loss for the

Black and Whites. They were back on the field on Friday, when they were

up against the Super League leaders. So, Leeds and St Helens continue to

set the pace at the top, but there's been plenty going on at both ends of

the table. Leeds nil, Hull nill. Last tackle, ten out. The Rhinos in

the Blue and Amber. Down the left side, Danny McGuire gets the pass

away to Ryan Hall. The ball's dropped down. It's been picked up on

the far side. It might be a scrappy try for a Leeds. They all count!

That one will, as well. Joel Moon is the luckiest man at Headingley

tonight. Sinfield, McGuire, dabs a little kick. Looking for Hardacre,

who will get there! It's a try for Leeds. Was it Singleton in the end

they got it down? Yes, it was. Brad Singleton. Down the right side,

McGuire puts a kick through. It has had a Hull hand. It has come out and

Leeds might have scored a killer try. Yes, they have! And it's Robbie

Ward on his debut who came up with the try. What a special moment for

Robbie Ward! Heremaia to play the ball. Hull is

up towards halfway, down this right side. A little kick over the top

by... Is it Westerman? It didn't come off. It comes off at the second

attempt because Maguire has lost the ball. Hull away down the right`hand

side. Coleman back on the inside. Fumbled ball. It finds Shaul.

Another scrappy try, this time from Hull FC. Just a consolation.

Hull are clearly not where they need to be. We have got to put that into

context. They had some people missing, as well. We have to put

that into context. At the same time, we played a very dogged Hull that

wouldn't go away. The fact that we conceded the try late on, we have

got to wear that. You know, given the bigger picture of things, we're

not that concerned. It was a tough game. I thought the

boys played really well in the first half. We stuck in there with them. I

know they have been going well really well, Leeds, this year. They

have been on fire. So, for us to stick in there for 40 minutes...

We've just go got to go and try to convert that into 80.

Brian McDermott, he summed that up. It wasn't a great game, it wasn't a

classic, but a much more dogged performance from Hull. You played

them a couple of weeks ago. What is wrong, do you think, there? It is

hard to put your finger on it. They are are obviously in a tough place

at the minute. They have had some bad results over previous weeks. I'm

sure that they are working hard, they are training hard. It is just

not happening for them at the minute. They have got to stay strong

as a team and just, hopefully, push through that and get a win sooner or

later for the fans, and for their confidence. Is it one of those

things, any win will do right now? They just need a win? Yes, winning

is a habit, as is losing. They seem to be in the habit of losing at the

moment. So, when you're in times like that, you will do anything for

a win, just to get a little bit of confidence back into the camp. He

has chopped and changed the team a little bit in terms of the halves

and things like that. They don't seem to have a pattern of play

necessarily. This defensively was much, much better, but

attacking`wise, they didn't seem to have that much. Yes, he has chopped

and changed the half`backs. I think it is important for the team to find

your two dominant half`backs and keep them there for a run of games.

That's when you'll find the team will be playing a little bit better

and a bit more consistently. They're not quite doing that at the minute

and they're not playing well. So, maybe Lee Radford wants to change it

up because of that. It is a tough one, but I think they play London

next week and maybe that is a win there for them. I'm sure London will

be wanting to get the two points as well, because they will see a Hull

side that can be there for the taking. As for Leeds, I suppose, a

good team wins when they are not necessarily playing at their very

best. Yeah, and not only that, but they have got key players missing.

You sometimes forget that key players are out. They just seem to

carry on their business, as usual. I think Danny McGuire has really

stepped up. Obviously, it is disjointed little bit. Kevin

Sinfield has to go and play hooker a little bit. There has been a little

bit more pressure, I suppose, on Danny McGuire but he really seems to

have stood up and is playing some good stuff. Although the tries were

not great, you might say they're lucky, but I think you make your own

luck and Leeds are working hard for each other and putting themselves in

good positions to get that bounce of the ball. I should give you a little

word on Robbie Wall. You mentioned him the last time you were in and

said he might get a go and to score a try on his debut, he will remember

that, won't he? Yes, it is brilliant. To get your chance when

you are behind someone like Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield and people

like that, you have got to take your chances when they are given to you.

He has come in and scored a try and I am hoping he goes on and does well

for himself. So, Leeds and St Helens continue to

set the pace at the top, but there is plenty going on at both ends of

the table. The Wolves are making progress, but did the Warrington

revival continue at Wakefield? Widnes were in The Jungle, but was

there anything to write home about for the Vikings?

And, the best of the rest ` all the tries from the remaining matches in

Round 14. Bradford will find out next week if

they'll get any of the points back. Remember, they were deducted six

points for going into administration over the winter and their appeal

against that punishment will be heard on Wednesday week. The Bulls

were looking for points in Perpignan on Saturday, but the opening set the

tone, didn't it, Matty? Yeah, they didn't start well

whatsoever, Bradford. Catalan has got off to a really quick start,

they scored 18 points, didn't they, in the first period of the game?

It's disappointing again for Bradford, but the Catalans are a

different beast at home. They don't tend to travel well, but they are

certainly a different team when they are playing Perpignan. Elliott

Whitehead is back for them, as well and he has had a great season,

hasn't he? He is a massive player for them. A great signing. He is

playing over there with Leon, his Bradford mate. He is really bringing

out the best in him. He pops up again here with a try. He has scored

a few tries this year and he is a great signing for them. He is doing

really well. If you concede straight from the kick`off, is that a sign of

the team that is struggling? Yes, it is. I don't think you need to be an

expert on Rugby League to know that if they score in the first set

things are not really going well. Yes, Bradford are very low on

confidence, very little on troops. They don't have many forwards, which

is making it really difficult for them. I'm not sure if, regarding the

points, whether they are going to get them back or not. It is hanging

over them, really. Have you ever had a dog stop your game? I have never

seen that before! No! Maybe Bradford have sent him on for a bit of help,

I'm not sure. A bit of respite! Possibly the highlights for some of

the Bradford fans, that, because it was more of the same in the second

half, wasn't it? Yeah, Catalan, like Matty said, they play really good

stuff at home. They are quite a force at home and Bradford, they are

just struggling for numbers. They need to get some troops back on

board. They need to get some big men back on board, really. Their

forwards, really. Shane Walker, who started off as a centre, has been

pushed up to prop along with a lot of other young lads. So, yes, more

than anything else, they need their players back on board. The conundrum

of Catalan at home versus Catalan away, because when they are playing

in this country they are not even half the force at the moment, are

they? No. Obviously, the weather over their suits them. They train in

it everyday and they play it every other week. I think they travel

probably plays a part when they come over to here. But it is no excuse.

They are professional club. They are a different team when they play

away. They have got to be better. There was no pulling the punches

from Francis Cummins. He said that the team were embarrassing for the

fans. What can they do unless they get some players back? I don't know.

As I said before, I'm not sure if the points deduction, this meeting

and everything that is going on behind`the`scenes, if that gets

sorted quickly... That is hanging over the players. I'm not sure if it

is having an effect on them. As I spoke about before, they need a few

props back on board. Wakefield next week and the need to step up for

that, don't they? Yes. They need to, basically, win the games with the

teams in and around. That comes down to when they play London and

Wakefield and teams like that. Let's have a look at Wakefield. They

were up against Warrington. Wakefield having been in a good run

of form, have wobbled, haven't they? And they are tough to beat at home,

as well. Warrington, they went there and they came up with some great

tries and they are playing back to their best I think. Ratchford has

come up with a few, as well. Tony Smith picks out then Ben Currie, not

necessarily a big name, but he picked him out as one of the star

performers. Yes, he is a great young He is a big, strong back rower and

he certainly played well today pairings. Chris Bridge has then

there. Is this a conundrum for the manager? Yes,

we are halfway through. They have got to start picking up some points.

It is between them, Catalan and Hull FC who are looking for that spot.

It was an Old Boy's reunion when Salford played Wigan on Thursday

night. Matty Smith was one of a number of players taking on their

old club, and the Red Devils are of course now coached by former Wigan

assistant, Iestyn Harris. Dave Woods saw this one.

Salford might sense that night `` that tonight could be their night.

Wigan are racked with injuries and is the red Devils have plenty of

points to prove on home soil. Several of those Salford starters

have Wigan connections. Maybe they can deliver a knockout

blow? Wigan but like many of their main starters.

It is a decent position they have found themselves in. Puletua is

testing the early resolve of Wigan. Meli is over! The referee wants to

go upstairs to look at the video. They are looking at obstruction. No

try. Salford fans are disappointed. They have the numbers, Shirley! The

referee, again, wants to go upstairs. Was there an obstruction?

No try! That is one each, now. Well, it is going to be another of

these! It is turning into death by video referee here tonight.

It is all rather confusing. They are looking for an obstruction. They

have made their decision. No try! It is another one! No try on a night of

no tries! John Bateman is over! He scores!

Inevitably. We have to go to the video repertory again. Bateman

looked like he was onside. The referee was right in line with the

last kick, so that must've been OK. A try is finally given! The deadlock

broke the next commission might grate that work by Matty Smith.

Bateman in hot pursuit to score. Williams might have been pushed. Are

we getting a decision on the field? No, we are not. Looking for the

knock`on. The touch judge might have seen something wrong. It seemed to

be a clean pick`up in slow motion. Sam Powell is awarded the try.

Imagine an obstruction in there as well!

Burgess slides in and scorers. Wigan have a third try. Up we go again.

Nobody is in the mood to make a decision on the field tonight. He

seemed a long way from the touchline. Well, it seemed fairly

clear and it was fairly clear. The try is given. He was a long way from

the whitewash, surely. But it is a try and a smile. Matty Smith went

for a drop goal. Salford are having the energy sucked out of them.

They have got the space and they have got the pace with burgess who

is going to skip away for his second try of the night. Of that there is

surely no doubt whatsoever. The try is given! Fabulous! Burgess with

real pace. Simply putting the foot down and scoring the try.

Salford have not threatened too much here tonight so far. And Meli in.

Salford have some consolation, but it is scant consolation on a night

when they were well and beaten by the

at the grand old age of 26, you are up in that team. These young guys

are fantastic. They are fantastic for us and we have got a lot of

senior boys, experienced boys, but these young guys are really playing

well and in the last two weeks they have stepped up and played well.

They defended and they kept the tries out and it was wonderful to

see. They seem such a tight unit. We were up by 25 points, but we did not

want to concede a try and that is the kind of culture. When Meli got

over he was not happy with that and we have got a great squad of players

and they all want to dig deep for each other. Joe burgess has been

doing fantastic all season and Ryan Hampshire we have seen less of, but

both of them are talented. Yes, they are really talented kids. These are

a couple of finishes from burgess. I don't know why he went to the screen

on this. But Hampshire will also look so confident. He is a skilful

player, he is fast. He is definitely one for the future. He comes in and

he has not played for a while and to come and play like this issue

showing how talented he is. When you look down the team sheets, should

Salford have won it? No, Wigan is just a conveyor belt and I have been

part of that conveyor belt. In that club if you are not playing to your

full potential, somebody behind you will be nipping at your heels ready

to take your spot. It is seamless from under nineteenths to the first

team. They seem to slot in and get on with the job. Is that one of the

problems Salford have got? They are trying to apply some of the Wigan

system to a team that has not been playing like that. Yes, but you have

to give the coach a bit of time to get the young players through the

system and play how he wants them to play. It is not going to happen

overnight for him. They have got a great side at the minute, some great

individual players, but they have to buy into the culture and buy into

the wake he wants them to play. Let's get into the thorny issue up

obstruction. Has it all become a bit too technical and all gone upstairs

to the video refs? It has all gone a bit far and they went to the video

refs every single time and it is slowing the game down. There is

probably a case for a few of them when they take people out, but we

are talking inches. It is slowing the game right up and they should

make a decision on the field. I am all for it using technology and

getting the right decision. But the amount of times they had to go to

the video refs and they are adjudicating totally differently on

the Thursday and Friday as they are on Sunday. How can we go without a

video refs on Sunday? There needs to be a video refs at every game or

not. There needs to be common sense as well. If somebody is taken out

miles away and they are not going to be effective, let the gameplay. But

at the same time it is an obstruction. There needs to be a bit

of common sense as well as the rules. He went to the screen for the

first one and if he does it for the first one, he has to do it for all

of them. Who would have placed Castleford and Widnes in the top

eight when the preseason predictions were being made. That is exactly

where they are, and they met at the Jungle on Sunday. After an

impressive form all season, this was a keenly anticipated match and

Michael Shenton scored after just six minutes, but Widnes responded

with a magnificent try. They all combined with quick hands and quick

thinking to send Brown in on his 250th career appearance. Danny

Tickle's conversion but Widnes in front. Man of the match Luke Dorn

showed great determination to reach the line. He did enough to present

Jake Webster with the easiest of chances. Just before the half hour,

Widnes restored their lead when Stefan Marshall finished off a

flowing move. The Vikings were in front at the break. A tight match at

this point, but that changed early in the second half. First, Jack

Owens lost possession and Castleford forward pounced to put them back in

front. One minute later came the moment Widnes coach Denis Betts

described as the turning point of the game. Punches were thrown and

players were sin`binned. Denis Betts said his side became too emotional

after the fight, but Castleford kept cool heads. Luke Dorn touchdown

moments after the flare`up in some style. He repeated the trick just

two minutes later. Luke Dorn, now in his second spell at Castleford, is

only just back in the side after six weeks out with injury and showed why

the coach rates him so highly. Darrell Clarke scored a

well`deserved night try of the season. Widnes crossed the line

twice more, but they were little more than consolation. Cameron

Phelps got the first one, followed by a fine effort from Gilmour.

Denis Betts said the fight was the key part because his players got

emotionally involved and were looking for retribution. Can you see

that in a match? Yes, sometimes it is about landmarks. It is not a

fight I would have picked, but from that moment on by all accounts

Castleford seemed more level`headed than Widnes. Widnes made a few

errors in defence and Castleford ignored that situation better. You

have got Castleford in the quarterfinals of the Challenge Cup.

Have they surprised you how well they have done? Not at all. They are

a more balanced side with two new halfbacks and they take a lot of the

workload of each other. And they score as well. They throw the ball

around, they off`load, they pass and they really are dangerous and they

are going to score points if they throw the ball around. It is up to

us in two weeks to be good in defence. Can Widnes stay in the top

eight? Yes, I think we can. And Kevin is playing very well. The

leadership is controlling the side and offering a lot of direction. It

is really good for us at the moment. The popular theory is London have

been getting closer to their first win of the season. Are people taking

them seriously? A little bit. There is always a bit of resurgence when a

new coach takes over. You should sack coach every week really. They

seem to be making themselves more competitive in games. Unfortunately,

it is still not bringing results, which is the main thing. When you

watch them and some of the scores Hull KR get, are they too easy

score? Yes, but they are a well`trained side. And they have got

good back`ups. London need to take a little bit of them. What is going to

be the key for London if they can get over the line? It is tricky. It

is a bit of belief and keeping the confidence in the side. If you have

a losing streak, it edges away your confidence. They have got to stay

strong as a unit. Hopefully they need to tighten up the defence. For

Hull KR they had such a great win at magical weekend. Is that the side of

a team on the up? Yes, I think it is. They are firmly in the top eight

position. They have got some great hearths and they are playing good

stuff and that Magic Weekend can either break you or make you. How

key has Josh Hodgson been to them? He has been fantastic. Hull KR have

got a lot of forwards like the Walker Brothers. He seems to be

reaping rewards with that. He looks dynamic and quick. He has been one

of the form players in the league so far. Is the Kyle `` key for Hull KR

to keep the players fit? Not everyone has got the new system, but

it is key for everyone to keep the most experienced players out on the

pitch at the right time and they seem to be doing that at the minute.

Can you ceil and in getting a win this season? Will it happen? I am

not sure. Can I sit on the fence? They have got Bradford and hold this

week. There is a lot of pressure on. That is a horrible question. I

will let you off. London continued to search for their first win. Let's

see how the results have left the Super League table.

Huddersfield and Wigan get us going on Thursday. Remember the Giants won

at Wigan on the opening night of the season. Five