After just one week one of the Super League season it’s hard, wrong in fact, to make any bold statements.
But Leeds were very impressive in their 36-6 dismantling of Hull. Rhinos coach Brian McDermott has often talked about the consistency issue with his players in recent years.
People know that whether they finish fifth or eighth or wherever, they’re a force come the play-offs as they time their best form just right but, against a Hull side tipped by many people to make great waves this season, they were very impressive.
It was also encouraging to see Bradford Bulls win so strongly in their season opener. After their financial problems last season, head coach Francis Cummins has made some shrewd signings and the Bulls could cause a surprise on that evidence.
Hull and St Helens were the teams to surprise in terms of being off the pace. Okay, Hull were without Gareth Ellis but the problem looked bigger than that, it was like they’d run out of steam. As for Saints, their new coach Nathan Brown was shellshocked at their 40-4 defeat to Huddersfield.
The other disappointment for me was the London Broncos. After making all the right noises in the closed season, they lost to arguably the bottom team from last season’s Super League, Widnes Vikings.
Kieran Dixon scored two tries and looks an exciting talent. In a rugby-union-mad city like London with Twickenham just around the corner on day one of the Six Nations, it’s hard to compete. But the Broncos need to win, to excite and that will get people watching.
Performance of the weekend
It’s a toss-up between Huddersfield and Leeds. The Rhinos played with an incredible intensity while the Giants won it out with their physicality.
Player of the weekend
Sam Tomkins was impressive but it was against a Salford side lots of people are predicting will struggle. So I’ll go with Kevin Sinfield. He took a lot of stick for winning world player of the year but, with six kicks from six, he didn’t put a foot wrong.
Pick of this weekend
It has to be Wigan against Warrington. A proper game to get people excited.
Follow Martin on Twitter @martinoffiah
