Superior NRL Shows Super League Who is Boss

It was quiet on the Super League front this weekend, with no games on Thursday or Friday. There was an off-season feel, unless of course, you were one of the five Super League teams that did play this weekend.

The game that stole our attention this weekend was Sunday’s World Club Challenge between English champions Wigan Warriors and NRL giants Sydney Roosters. Easily one of the biggest games in Wigan’s season, we were shown once again that Super League are the inferior side to the Australian competition, with the Roosters beating the Cherry & Whites 20-8.

A family affair presented itself for coach Adrian Lam as, in his third game of the season, the Wigan chief aimed to prove he is more than capable of filling Shaun Wane’s shoes. However, it can’t have been easy preparing for the game, knowing his son Lachlan Lam was set to make his debut for the Tricolours during their meeting but failed to make the final 17.

It would be unfair to say that Wigan played badly, as they were simply outclassed by the better team. Sydney took an early lead through Australian international Brett Morris, who would bag himself a hat-trick before the half-time whistle. Wigan did grow into the game, and can take that into their upcoming Super League fixtures as they continue their campaign to make it back to back Grand Final Winners for the first time.

Earlier on Sunday afternoon, we also saw Hull KR and Salford face London Broncos and Leeds respectively.

Leeds Hand Salford First Loss of 2019

Could we finally be seeing Leeds return to the dominant force of old? With a stunning 46-14 win over Salford at the weekend, this could be the turning point they were waiting for to truly begin their climb back up the table.  

Leeds have had a disappointing start to the season, with losses away at both Warrington and Wigan. However, with 19-year-old fullback Jack Walker running away with a hat-trick on Sunday, new coach David Furner could finally be finding his feet with the Rhinos.

Leeds are 12/1 with Betfred to finish as the regular season winner, and 11/2 to be crowned Grand Final champions. As they prepare to face St Helens at Langtree Park on Friday, Leeds could begin to regret playing their first set of fixtures away from familiar soil.

A Harsh Reality Check for Broncos

After a strong start to their Super League return, London have faced something of a reality check after failing to get off the mark against Salford last week before falling short in their most recent fixture in East Hull, with the final score being 22 -12 in favour of the home side.

It was anybody’s game as the Rovers entered half time only two points in front of the visitors. However, with two tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half, Tim Sheens’ men reminded Broncos of the harsh reality of Super League.

As London prepare to face Castleford, Wigan and Saints in three of their upcoming fixtures, the 250/1 price on the southern outfit finishing top of the pile is looking increasingly justified. The 1/3 on them propping up the table might not be around for too much longer.

The Price is Right will continue throughout the season. Be sure to check back in next week as our very own Maisie Price gives her take on another round of Betfred Super League fixtures.