Super League is back, and it was back with a bang as the weekend served up several tight and entertaining encounters.
The Champions kicked things off with an efficient display to see off Salford 29-6 with Tommy Makinson in his testimonial year scoring the first try of the season in trademark fashion. Some positive play for the Red Devils though will give new boss Richard Marshall hope going forward in 2021.
That was followed on Friday night by a gallant effort from the Leigh Centurions on their return to the top flight. The newly promoted side raced into an 18-0 lead over neighbours Wigan Warriors, and but for a bad bounce of the ball for Joe Mellor, they could have been a further score ahead. That turned out to be the game breaker moment, as last season's runners up Wigan scored 2 tries in either half to avoid an early upset - eventually winning 18-20.
Saturday saw two tantalisingly close matches! Leeds just about got the better of local rivals Wakefield Trinity, taking the two points with a 22-28 win. The game star in this topsy-turvy affair, which saw the Rhinos battle back from 16-4 down, was undoubtedly Trinity flyer Tom Johnstone who bagged two early contenders for Try of the Season.
The evening game was even closer in the end, despite looking one sided for the best part of an hour. Catalans had raced into a 28-4 lead with French debutant Matthieu Laguerre showing touches of brilliance to score and create tries in the first half. But a Ryan Hall hat-trick on his return to Super League helped Rovers to force Golden Point extra time, which ultimately saw the Dragons' Marquee man James Maloney strike the winning drop goal after great work from another young French talent Arthur Morgue.
Sunday started with a meeting of two clubs under two new coaches. And it was Brett Hodgson in charge of Hull FC who came away the happier in their meeting with Huddersfield under the stewardship of Ian Watson. Jake Connor was the key man for the Black and Whites in the 22-10 win which also saw Josh Reynolds cross for a score on his debut. The Giants missed their general Aidan Sezer with a knock but he's expected to be back for Round 2.
And rounding off the first weekend, two clubs looking to send their coaches off at the end of the season on a high in Castleford and Warrington. Both Daryll Powell and Steve Price are leaving their clubs at the end of 2021, and it was the former who began the year the happier, as Cas were just too good for the Wire, claiming the win by 21 points to 12. New signing Niall Evalds and Jordan Turner scored 3 of the 4 Tigers tries in this one, with wayward goalkicking not helping the Wolves cause.
Team of the Week
Full Back:
Jake Connor, Hull FC - Try and an assist and looked a threat every time he carried the ball. Definitely in his best position with 1 on his back. Hardaker a close 2nd for this team's shirt for Round 1.
Wingers:
Tom Johnstone, Wakefield Trinity - Two outstanding tries, and was great out of yardage too. On this form has to be an England Winger at the World Cup.
Ryan Hall, Hull KR- Can't ignore the fact he's scored three tries on debut, on his return to Super League. And he hadn't crossed for a score in 2 years.
Centres:
Matthieu Laguerre, Catalan Dragons - Try and an assist on his Super League debut. Showed flashes of brilliance with ball in hand, looks to have plenty of skills. Could be one to watch this season. Great post match interview too!
Jack Broadbent, Leeds Rhinos - Scored a crucial Try but his all round game was excellent for a player who's main top flight experience has come in the Halves.
Halves:
Marc Sneyd, Hull FC - in very windy conditions, his kicking game was on point and was crucial difference between the two sides.
Harry Smith, Wigan Warriors - Voted as Man of the Match in the Battle of the Borough having controlled the game when his side needed him the most. F bomb in the post match Tv interview aside, Smith played a staring role in Hasting's absence.
Props:
Alex Walmsley, St Helens - Continued as he left off last season. Absolute machine and bagged another Try. Very few will be able to handle him again in 2021.
Adam Sidlow, Leigh Centurions - Leigh missed his go forward whenever he took a breather. Carries everything at 100 miles an hour, and was a big part in Leigh's early success down the middle.
Hooker:
Sam Powell, Wigan Warriors - Powell put an absolute shift in! Right up there in terms of tackles and was big influencer in the Warriors attack.
Second Rows:
Liam Farrell, Wigan Warriors - another 7, maybe even and 8 out of 10 from the Wigan stalwart. Was one of the few Warriors' players who looked a threat when they carried the ball early on when Leigh were in control.
Joel Thompson, St Helens - Nothing too flashy but very solid debut from the big man. Saints have good one there for me.
Loose Forward:
Benjamin Garcia, Catalan Dragons - The Captain lead from the front. Scored a Try, and was influential when Catalan were on top. For me, one of the most consistent French players over the last few seasons.
Coach:
Brett Hodgson, Hull FC - Excellent first showing from his side. Look a much more solid defensive unit, and crucially is using his most exciting player in Jake Connor in the right position. If they can keep this and improve game on game, they could be challengers based on the very early signs.
Try of the Week
Has to be Tom Johnstone's first against Leeds. The inside and out shimmy to get around Briscoe is superb. The composure to wait for Myler to commit to the inside ball was excellent. The shear pace of the man is frightening, especially when it looked to be oh so effortless. Outstanding score from an outstanding talent.
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