10/04/2017 Super League Show

Another magnificent try! What a tackle! Oh, my word, what a try!

The drama continues at the start of a landmark week in the Super League

season. Coming up, the first words on Easter and the final words on

Round 8, all in the company of Paul Aiton and James Jones-Buchanan. We

start with the news of the first coaching departure of 2017. Keiron

Cunningham is no longer in charge of St Helens. He enjoyed a glittering

playing career at St Helens, making nearly 500 appearances for his home

town team. He's lost the ball! It looks like Keiron Cunningham! He

helped them win five Super League titles, and was chosen by club

supporters to be honoured with a bronze statue inside their stadium.

He was appointed head coach of the tenants after their Grand Final

success in 2014. They put the ball down! Two seasons without a trophy

and three wins in the opening eight games of 2017 have led to his

departure in the club. How surprised were you when you heard the news

this morning? I was shocked. I called Luke Walshe, who was at the

back of the bus, actually. Just to get some confirmation, see if he had

heard the news. How surprised was he? Extremely shocked and he felt

for him. He was as shocked as we all were. Can't really say too much. Do

you think perhaps they've been a team struggling for their identity,

they are not the St Helens we've known and loved over the last couple

of years? The brand they play it with was at the forefront. From the

mid-90s to 2009. They were the most consistently dangerous team I've

ever played against. They get out at 110 miles an hour, they had this

mentality that it didn't matter if they were points down, they could

come back and win it. They've never quite recaptured that game

philosophy, that ethos. I think that is what the fans and club expected.

That group, they never quite got it back. It's Easter, the busiest time

and they've got Wigan coming up on Good Friday, how surprised I you add

the timing, apart from anything else? Definitely, especially over

Easter. I've lost a coach midway through the season and I found that

pretty difficult. I think the players will have to stick together,

band together for the game against Wigan. You've talked about Keiron as

a legendary player. Do you think that's half the problem for Kim,

because he had such a status at the club? What is it like to coach Leeds

Rhinos, I think? How many people I've got a statue outside the

ground? That is usually left four people reserved to history and he's

got it there right now. It is a big mark to live up to and it is

obviously a shame. I'm talking about it because it is a shame. The

reference he's got throughout the game, the admiration from the top to

the bottom, the players love him, he was a great player. Unfortunately,

hasn't got it as a coach but I hope he doesn't give it up, I hope he

continues because we see how many coaches have had to go through that

adversity to get anything at the top.

The match that was to be St Helens' final game under Keiron Cunningham

was at home to Huddersfield on Friday, and Sharon

Saint Helen 's chairman said in his programme notes before the match

that is room for further slip ups was limited and the next few games

would be an indication of how it would go. Percival took the break

before Fages went in before the break. Percival added the goal. It

was the start of 14 points in a 12 minute period for Saints as Fages

got on the scoresheet again. He went in from 30 metres out here. An

outrageous step taking him around McIntosh. The conversion was missed

but Saints were 2-0 up and only got better for them before the break

with the third try. Swift scored his 100th for Saints. The conversion

wasn't successful again but they were leading 14-0 by the break.

Huddersfield hadn't managed a win in their last several games. McIntosh

got the first of three tries in 16 minutes. Brough was back after

suspension and it was his kick that led to this. McIntosh won the race

for the ball and touched down. Brough converted with three minutes

to go. It's led to an air of tension around the ground with Saints fans

fearing the worst whilst Huddersfield was sensing their way

back in. A great break from McIntosh. Murphy held the ball

alive. As the clock continued to tick down, Huddersfield held their

heads. Brough was involved with another kick Crossfield. It wasn't

taken by Percival under pressure and now Huddersfield were level. This

touch-line effort fell short and it ended all square. St Helens players

left the field with the fans booing ringing in their ears.

In a funny way, was that game in microcosm of Saint Helen season?

Good patches but then Keiron calling them weak mentally. It meant a lot

to him, the time he was at St Helens, what it means to him with

the history and the trophies they've won over the years. He will

understand what mental toughness went into that and the emotional

energy, the training. I'm not part of their club and I don't know

what's going on there now but when you lose leagues and capitulate,

it's tough to take as a player, and as a coach you can see his

frustration. You have Huddersfield, they didn't win the game but presume

Ubley you'll face a team buoyed by coming back. That's right. We've

done our homework on the Giants. Ultimately, for us, it's more about

us and how we bounce back because we will be under pressure as well.

Their fans are passionate. When they've had something like that, do

you see that they are a different proposition? Definitely because you

get the comrade Ray, and when times get tough, people show up. I find it

that you bounce back and get harder, stronger together.

So, interesting times ahead at St Helens.

Next up for us it's the Super League leaders Castleford, and their match

We have been looking forward to this one for such a long time. Two

heavyweights of the Super League, Wigan and Castleford coming

together. Joel Monaghan takes an unexpected

place in the line-up through player injury at warm up. Taken down the

middle. Wigan's defenders get on top of him.

Roberts! Webster! The delay was enough to put the pass in for

Webster to push over. First strike, Cassell foot. So, at the restart,

Wigan looked to settle themselves after the concession of that drive.

Castleford fuelled with energy. They've had to do a lot of defending

in the opening minutes of this game but they've ridden that so far.

He takes some stopping. Sene-Lefao with the off-load, and they found a

gap! He has support from Gale who will scamper underneath the sticks.

That is two Castleford tries in the space of a couple of minutes.

They've romped into life again. Wigan's defenders on their line. He

has drawn defenders to him who were not square so this will be a penalty

for Castleford. One either side. Gale settling himself. He is a

points machine this season. Scores tries and kicks penalties as well.

Escare. Very vigorous effort, and still going. They hold on and the

referee says tackle complete. There is a tangle here. Williams. Over the

head of his intended target. The pressure is being applied. Williams

again. Across the defence. Escare! The footwork to beat his man on the

inside! Wonderful try from the Frenchman and Wigan have their first

score of the night, back end of the half.

Springer, he's one of those big athletes that Castleford have in

their ranks that can make problems for any side. Here's another one of

them. He was tackled and makes another 20 yards.

Sene-Lefao! Wow, rips a hole in those Wigan defenders! And gets

through. The muscularity of it, incredible! Castleford fans are

loving this. The Wigan man ran into hit the

tackle and the defender's head snapping back. Wigan needing

something quickly. They have a chance. Inside ball for Escare who

will score his second try of the night. But there are only seven

minutes to go. It could be too little too late.

They are allowed to carry on. Escare! On a hat-trick but he runs

into a pocket of defenders and runs out again and making things happen

for Wigan. If they score here now, Wigan, they

still have time for another and a miraculous escape. Wigan continued

to press. The interception! Eden, he's got to go the distance it,

hasn't he? The two wingers chasing back but there's no stopping Eden

who will score they tried to confirm a big, big win Castleford tonight.

They are clear at the top of Super League, and what a statement they've

made tonight. Wigan fans clearly not happy, leaving early. It's going to

be another game without a win for Wigan, this blip continuing.

Castleford haven't finished yet. They will rub salt into the wound,

Gale with a drop kick, 27-10, quite a night for the Tigers. A smiling

Daryl Powell five. They felt it was the biggest test they've faced so

far, is how big a statement is for them to come through it? Wigan's

defence is known as tough and technical. I think it shows a big

statement because, for me, they were playing using the footy. What can

you say? Castleford, and Saint Helen 's ten years ago, Castleford have

captured that, they are reacting to the defence. Wigan have some of the

best events. They are the best structured team as well for me. They

get to a position on the field and executed with precision. My wife

watches Thursday night rugby, it's all ice cream, and we watch it, and

it's this battle playing what you see versus the structure and

Castleford prevailed. It is the hardest brand of rugby to attain,

what they've been doing and it prevailed over the structure and

could change the landscape of Rugby League. Was it also Castleford's

defence of capabilities, it's what they were particularly pleased with

and is that a key aspect if they're going to win stuff? Definitely. As

JJB mentioned, when you're playing that sort of footy, everyone needs

to be in the right spot, and it is hard to defend as well. They have

some big humans playing for Wigan, so for them to defend them and to

attack the way they did, it was great. Two players you know from

your youth, Moors and Sene-Lefao, if they're coming off the bench, that

must be something to see, talk about their aspect. I was lucky enough to

play with Junior, we came through the junior ranks together in

Penrith. Jesse was younger than me. Still 26, but he was younger than me

at the time. It's great to see them playing over here and thereof as the

enjoying it. How hard to stop? He bulldozed there. It's fast. They've

got great off-load. What is maximising their ability is how

efficient Castleford are. Whenever they're getting the ball, they're

getting it fresh. They look like superheroes at the minute. Wigan,

we're not used to seeing them lose three on the bounce. I have a long

injury list but what do you think the feeling will be in that camp?

Jeez... It isn't the best feeling I've been there before. I guess

you've got to stop focusing on your opposition and focus on yourselves

and what you can do better yourself for the next week. If you focus on

everything else, you're focusing on the wrong things.

So, Castleford head into Easter at the top of the table,

and the only team to have beaten them so far are Salford.

The Red Devils are in great form, and were looking for a fourth

Your commentator for this one is Matt Newsum.

Hangs one app to that right-hand side. Get it away to my goals. Hull

FC take the lead in just five minutes. Hull chucking it at through

the middle. Then got the penalty. To extend the lead, Marc Sneyd from the

tee. Does so with ease. Robert Lui steps towards the line and prizes

his way through and Salford have a response. Really good effort from

Salford to move the ball to this right-hand side. Well furnished by

Greg Johnson. He has been a standout player first

Salford this season. So many options for Salford. They have turned the

game on its head. That went up so devastating. Slipper Lee run. Get

the Toetu Johnson. Salford have to shift the ball wide. Junior S'au

will race through. Muscles his way in. Salford in total control. Morgan

Tompkins. O'Brien picks one out to the right-hand side for Thomson who

scores his second and are completely coasting. Even when the pass does

not fall directly to a player Salford, the lack is running their

way. Great pass to Dobson. Onto Junior S'au. Justin Carney, great

finish. Corner picks out Jamie Shaul. He crawls to the line and

just about. Well taken in the end. That is a beautiful try by Steve

Michaels. Booming pass to that right-hand side. Salford keeping the

ball alive. Salford extended the lead again.

Can't contain him. Struggling to lay a finger on him. Hull mount enough

of a defence to stop him. It is a penalty. Jamie Shaul will go to that

bin for ten. It is not Hull's night. There is another big kick for him.

Look at the Hull players, they do not know what to do. George Griffin,

Salford, he is winning the battle tonight. Is there another try in

this Salford side? Johnson has been elusive he is still going. He will

go through for the try. That's just about sums up the game.

Salford absolutely dominant. If it was a statement from Castleford, how

much of a statement from Salford? It was brilliant. Just watching some of

the young players drop off a view tackles, like they were lacking

confidence, by contrast Salford have got that synergy between the

players. Dobson, Robert Lui, Justin Carney, there is competition for

players. They are confident. They are secure in their trust for each

other. Have you spoken since he went to Salford M yes, he is enjoying his

time there. I am happy to see him enjoying his football. Easter Monday

at your place, watching that, you will have to rest up. I have been

keeping an eye on Salford. They are a team that I enjoy watching play.

They always show up for each other. Ian Watson has talked about the team

ethic. Can you see that? Definitely. There is a few teams that I like

watching, they are definitely one of them. A couple of weeks ago, in

defence they were amazing, one-month loan. Half of them injured. Still

showing up. You have got Hull on Friday. What do you think he means

by going into the insecure box? I think Babel jumped right out of it.

The fans will get right behind them. -- think they will jump right out.

They will be physical this week. This weekend will be no different.

So, Castleford and Salford flying high, but down at the bottom

the Warrington Wolves were still looking

They met the Leeds Rhinos on Friday, and Dave Woods was watching.

Leeds looking to make as much of an advantage as they can. Might have

been hotly. The referee said play on but the touchline judge on the

nearside. That was a little weight and

certainly high. The arm was up. The connection was with the chin. He is

in the sin-bin, then westward, first minute of the game, Warrington going

to 12 men. Leeds threatening.

Briscoe is still going. Has he got it down? Warrington defenders are

claiming he hasn't. He thinks, try on the field. We will have a look at

this. Is there enough evidence to override the referee? That looks as

though it has been grounded, what a start for Leeds, calamitous for

Warrington, the try confirmed, and after two minutes Leeds have to

lead. Drops by Cuthbertson. Getting a little tasty here as well. Ashton

Sims and Adam Cuthbertson. Ashton Sims made contact. It is on report.

Warrington pressing and probing here.

Knocks it back. Ryan Atkins scores. Warrington back level. 14 minutes

played. Did they need that? Here is Clark again. Ratchford is joining in

from full-back. Leeds players slowing it down. It measures click

on that right foot. Atkins goes up and takes it, and false tone to

score. Two kicks, two tries, Ryan Atkins the finisher for the second

time. Leeds are defending desperately here as Warrington are

oppressing and probing. They would love to get another score on the

board early in the second half to settle their nurse further. Here

they come. They have the numbers. They will pick out lying on the

left-hand side, and what a start to the second half for Warrington.

Little dummy Sean. -- shown. The referee is going to ask for a

cheque year, but Mark Parcell might have caught that Warrington defence

napping. It is all about the grounding. He has got the grounding.

Leeds have found a way back in. Maguire, back it goes. Here is the

flick. Now it is McGuire, left-hand side. Gets ready to deliver the

pass. This way and that. Leeds really are in its no. Moving back to

within touching distance, 20 minutes still to play.

Westerman, across the line, DAX and pushers. Clark again. That might

just sealed it here tonight. It might be enough to give Warrington

their first win of the season. Stand and deliver. A matter of seconds to

play. Warrington on the verge of that important first win of the

season. A draw last week, it went tonight, and Declan pattern made

absolutely sure. They finally have a victory to celebrate. Warrington's

season is up and running. Any complaints about that? No,

Warrington were the better side on the night. The got themselves nine

repeat, ten more tackles, in management, that was phenomenal.

Credits to Warrington. We will ask about the Ben Westwood 's challenge,

was he lucky to only get sin-bin, could it have been red card? Yes, it

could have been a red card, when a player cannot protect himself, and

you are coming in at the head, I know his hand was not clenched, but

all he had to do was wrapped to arms around and it would have been fine.

I thought it deserved a red card. Discipline that it could be an

interesting one for him this week. Patton dropped out of the team for a

few weeks. He worked pretty well. He kicked that drop goal right at the

end. Every one of his kicks was on the money. When you are kicking four

tries, he got two of them, looking for drop outs and repeat sets. It

makes the game almost impossible. The one that energy battle. We need

to improve this week, our line speed needs to be better, to give

ourselves a chance. But credit to him, he has worked really well. How

much of a relief will baby for Warrington to finally get a win?

Yes, definitely. They cannot believe where they are. They will be very

relieved. They have that winning feeling back in the team. It has

helped them. He's the most competitive human being I've ever

come across. When you're playing darts, snooker, Monopoly, he's

really competitive and wants to win. He's racked up some tries, he's a

local lad, he has been great to play with. You've played with him and he

seems a gentleman as well. He's a lovely man. I think the first six

months where I didn't have a car, he picked me up every day and we got to

know each other pretty well. We still swap texts every now and then

and all the best for him. So, the busiest period of the season is

under way and here's how you can follow it on the BBC. Huddersfield

played Catalan on Wednesday and you can hear that on Five Live sports

extra from 7:30pm. There's a special edition of the Super League Show

1:30pm on Sunday with highlights of the first round of the Easter

matches. We're back the following day with highlights from bank

holiday Monday. Now a quick detour from the action,

and a big test for the Widnes forward Hep Cahill,

who takes his turn at set of six. Peanut butter, jam, honey, beans,

chocolate spread, steak and eggs. Pinetree, further tree. Manuka tree.

What other trees? That's it. Oh, no. I should know this, I've got two

daughters. Spice Girls. That is it! Castleford Tigers. Warrington

Wolves. Leeds Rhinos. Catalan Dragons. Wakefield Trinity Wildcats?

And... That's all I've got. Aeroplane, cloud, bird. The sun. The

moon. Stars. Six famous New Zealanders? Valerie

Adams, shot put. Jake Lomas, he's an actor. Sorry, it's gone.

The first time you've seen set of six, will you be ducking it when we

come round your place? Definitely come easy questions but it is hard

to be put on the spot. You'll be here until you've cleared the patch!

On a more serious note the Super League owners met last

week and agreed to lift the salary cap above ?2 million and have

introduced an additional marquee player rule.

Talent retention seems to be the driving force behind it all.

Jamie, what do the players make of it all?

I think it is great news for the players. Rising wages and it has

been a long time coming. It's been the same for 20 years, it has ever

gone up with inflation. It is great the game is progressing. The whole

place pit-mac point of it was to keep teams level. It's great that it

might bring more investors in to put cash in. We will bring top talent in

but you've got to ask whether it is good news for some of the smaller

teams because we don't want to see them suffer. Is it enough of a rise

to hang on to the stars of Super League and keep them awake from the

Rugby Union and the NRL? Not really but we do have a pretty good brand

over here. I think the way it's going at the moment, it's a

juggernaut, NRL, their TV deals but it is a step in the right direction.

But I'd be worried about the lower clubs, for myself. And the marquee

player rule, we need to see big stars, we need to see them brought

into the game and keep the ones we've got. I think so, we need to

retain the players from NRL but we've got to live within our means

as well because in the past clubs have been able to pay what they

want, subsequently they've gone downhill because of it which isn't

great for the game or the fans. You've got to be smart and it is a

welcome step in the right direction but let's build things and take time

and have patience with it. Wakefield and Widnes met on Friday,

both teams made the top eight last season, and Wakefield's form

suggests they might get there again, they started well

against Widnes Jamie. Certainly did. They've got some

great blunders. They are playing with confidence. They've got one of

the best motivators in the game. And it is showing for them in the pitch.

Widnes Vikings RNA rut but I'm sure they'll come out of it soon. What

have you been impressed with? I've been impressed that they play with

any chance they get, they are opportunistic. Dropped balls, hard

balls. Any chance, they'll play football. They will chase it around

and that is what I like about them. Did you see reflections of the time

when you were there when people had written them off and they really

came together? Definitely. There's something about that club. Anyone

who has ever played or ever played for them as a youth, they've enjoyed

every minute there. When I was there, we didn't have the biggest

gym, the nice money for the field but everyone enjoys their time there

so it must be some sort of culture there and it is present there

because I've spoken with a few of the players, I'm mates with them and

they're enjoying their time there. For Widnes, one of the worst

performances he has seen. Would you have expected them to be better

after the gutsy win last week? You'd think so. The physicality of it

isn't going to make it easier but we can't worry too much about the

position, just get things right within your group and develop the

trust and body. It will come for them but it needs to come sooner

rather than later. For Wakefield, five out of six wins, they have

costal foot but they'll go on with so much confidence now, won't they?

Definitely. It's local rivalry, a massive game. Very opportunistic,

they are, and Castleford like to throw the ball so anything could

happen. Good one to look forward to. Now, back in 2005,

the Leigh Centurions were playing their only previous

season in Super League, whilst the Catalan Dragons were just

a twinkle in the eye So, it was their first ever

Super League meeting on Friday. Good pressure here. It's going to be

a penalty. First blood, then. Reynolds through the uprights.

What can the Centurions do here? That is a slack pass! Not sure Brown

is going to catch Thornley. The Catalans first try of the evening,

Thornley with it. A chance maybe here... Wiliame! He's

scored, in for a second. A chance maybe for Inu, nice

footwork from the big number three. Myler making space and breaking

through. Anderson will score, one-way traffic for the Dragons at

the moment. Fast hands and opportunity, Myler

will be in! Wiliame sets him away. Reynolds gets clobbered. The ball is

popped out and it's gone out to Naughton! Hull FC Loney in the

corner, a lifeline! A chance maybe here, a chance to strike early!

Weston is over! That was cheeky! Gigot will be in.

The Catalans reaffirmed their advantage.

Naughton, ushered backwards by Anderson and others. Has he strayed

off the mark playing the ball? I think he has. Walsh. No mistake.

Good kick from Walsh. Centurions pressure, fast hands,

good breakthrough. Good support play, this. McNally will be in.

He pops it over, dots the eyes and crosses the Tees with that. Century

and is looking for a consolations. Hopkins turned on, Catalans turned

off. Leighton Centurions have the last laugh. How good feeling to get

back to winning ways for you guys? Definitely, we were feeling the

pressure there. The French, in the South of France, they love their

footy and their club. We were not producing all the time, so it was

good. You started the season so well and it looked a different Catalan

Dragons at the start of the season and then it dropped. Do you guys

know what was going on? No, not really! Obviously, you question

yourself, you question as a team whether you're doing the right

thing. In the end, it comes down to the players. And I think we needed

to work on those little things that we needed to. We've got to work on

ourselves and not worry about the opposition. So much made of Burton,

did you feel their loss a bit too much? Have you got used to him not

being fair? He's definitely a big loss for us because he's a big part

of the team, he's a leader in our team and we definitely missed.

Saying that, we had other players come in and we won during the

weekend without him, so I think we can continue that and he can come in

and be the icing on the cake. How do you see the relationship with Walsh

and Myler developing? Very well. Walsh has been great for us. He's a

cool cucumber. He's got a wealth of experience and a very skilful player

and a great addition to the team. Three defeats in a row for century

and is, do you see some 30? You're back in Super League, they started

so well. They pride themselves on winning and it is a big win for

Catalans. My mum 's got a house in the South of France, so they are

like my second team and it's a national institution, the Rugby

League down there so when you go to Catalan, you've got to be prepared

for it to be tough. Historically, they've got wins away. To pull off

this victory is a good result. You guys are staying over which is why

you've managed to be in the studio today. How nice is it to stay put

for a while? It's great, last season we came back and forth. It takes it

out of you, the flight, even though we land, we get a jet, and we go on

and off. They can Raja rears good, and off. They can Raja rears good,

the bonding you get. It's a cliche but it is. You do get the bonding

and its been great. We're lucky to have you.

So, as we head towards the Easter weekend, let's get a check

Warrington's first win of the season move them off the bottom where they

are replaced by Widnes. That's it for now, don't forget

to join us on Easter Sunday at 1:30pm in the afternoon

for highlights from the first round of Easter matches,

we'll see you then. HORN BEEPS

THAT car. John! John, you've got blood

all over your pants! Come here. Urgh, I've all spit on them now,

haven't I? Leave it,

I'll get it off in the bogs! This programme is what the

BBC calls a special. That means I've splashed out on

a new bra. Celebrate one of Britain's

greatest comedy heroes. Hello. If it's your first

holiday of the year, I suppose the weather for the rest of the weekend

into Easter is very important.