St Helens are vanquishing all before them, but on present form there’s one side who could stop them: Wigan.
 |
| Langtree Park [Image credit: Chris Stoddart] |
St Helens have certainly put down a marker at the beginning
of the Super League season with two impressive wins against Catalans Dragons
and Hull FC.
In both games Saints played an expansive, entertaining brand
of rugby that neither the Dragons nor the Airlie Birds could live with.
As someone fulfilling in 2022 a New Year’s resolution to
once again fall in love with rugby league, this kind of open and exciting play
is much to be welcomed.
* * *
The question that has dominated St Helens’ season so far is
whether they can win an unprecedented fourth consecutive Super League title.
Most commentators agree that present form suggests Saints remain the favourites
to do just that.
It is very difficult to sustain the consistent quality
required to win back-to-back titles, largely because of player rotation and the
loss of key figures within the squad. For Saints this includes Lachlan Coote’s
move to Hull KR and Kevin Naiqama’s return Down Under with Sydney Roosters.
Therefore, the key signal that Saints’ may well be on track
for another Super League title is how well the new signings have fitted in – Konrad
Hurrell and Joey Lussick, for example, have already made key contributions.
Perhaps even more satisfying for Saints has been the
contribution of the youngsters in the squad – Lewis Dodd, Josh Simm, Jack
Welsby (whose second-half try was reminiscent of his 2020 Grand Final-winning effort)
– suggesting that St Helens will be force to be reckoned with for seasons to
come.
* * *
Lest, however, we are too quick to crown Saints as champions-elect,
it’s also fair to say that they have sterner tests yet to come.
Catalans Dragons were a poor second best on the opening
night of the season, while Hull played most of the game with 12 men after Luke
Gale’s reckless challenge on Jonny Lomax rightly earned the scrum-half a
sending off.
As to who can stop Saints, the most likely candidate on present form appears to be Wigan.
The Warriors are also playing an expansive
and exciting brand of rugby. Persistent offloads and disciplined support play
tired the Leeds defence – Jai Field’s hat-trick score and Liam Farrell’s
concluding try both came thanks to offloads, from Patrick Mago and Cade Cust
respectively.
Already Good Friday – one of my favourite days of the rugby
league year – is looking a mouth-watering prospect.
Comments
Post a Comment