“Catalans have to be favourites to win Super League” – How social media reacted to last night’s rugby

Last night the competition’s top two cemented their positions at the top with statement wins. St Helens ensured they head to Wembley on the back of victory after downing Wakefield whilst Catalans turned around an 18-8 deficit to claim an eighth consecutive win at the expense of Leeds. That was my view at least but how did social media see it?

Let’s start at Headingley. The Rhinos were impressive in the first half and reminded everyone of their play-off credentials. In the end they couldn’t hold on and ran out of steam but that didn’t stop Phil Clarke from sending praise their way even if it didn’t make sense in the eyes of many.

I mean there is Hull KR, Hull FC and possibly Warrington off the top of my head, but to say it while Catalan are in the same stadium pic.twitter.com/EQVHQ7jZhC

— Six_Again Part II – This Time It's Territorial (@Six_Again) July 9, 2021

However, someone did stand up for Clarke.

https://twitter.com/JHart1865/status/1413778555230736392?s=20

Some Leeds fans felt they could have won the game but for some big decisions that went against them.

The game changer was the head high on Sutcliffe on the final tackle. They went down our end and took game by scruff of its neck afterwards. BIG decision that one.

— Rhinos Faithful 💙💛 (@RhinosFaithful) July 9, 2021

4) Super League officiating is beyond a joke at the minute. Consistency doesn’t exist (even in same games) and out of all games we’ve been in recently Aaron Moore (Leigh) has been only one who let the game flow

— LoinersView (@loinersview) July 10, 2021

But in truth Leeds had enough chances to win and with a little more energy and match sharpness they could have defeated the league leaders.

Briscoe was back to his weakest position yesterday (wing) he looks more comfortable as a centre at the minute.

Sutcliffe & Gale, well Gale just lacked match sharpness and Sutcliffe was getting back to being at centre again https://t.co/CSnUAKi1kp

— LoinersView (@loinersview) July 10, 2021

Take nothing away from the Dragons however. They showed a Champion mentality to get over the line last night and many believe they could be champions in waiting.

2) If they are to win it this year it raises a good question. Does your team need a bit of grunt and aggression to win the title? Catalans have abundance of that in this squad

— LoinersView (@loinersview) July 10, 2021

Nonetheless, everyone agreed that it can only be good for the game if Catalans do win the title. It proves expansion really does work.

Catalans are the best team in Super League. Toulouse on the brink of promotion. France bidding for the World Cup 2025 – Expansion works if you’re willing to stick with it. Bring back licensing or similar, and do it properly.

— ATG (@AlexG6) July 9, 2021

With some of the talent France are currently producing perhaps they could soon become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

🇫🇷 Arthur Mourgue, a great young French talent. Hopefully we’ll see him play many times for @FFRXIII throughout his career. https://t.co/odDtPyLj40

— Chasing Roos Shop (@chasingroos) July 10, 2021

Over at Wakefield, Trinity gave it a good go perhaps to impress one of the famous faces in the crowd.

"There's been a try at St Helens vs Wakefield, tell us about it Kammy"

"Has there? Oh I didn't see it I was taking a selfie, I thought he handballed"

— Liam Moss (@Liamdm86) July 10, 2021

Despite the win, not every Saints fan was pleased as they continue to question the style of play.

I can’t stand this style of rugby. I get a wins a win, but it’s boring, poor and ill-disciplined. Not “Saints” rugby at all.

— Matt (@1296448_) July 9, 2021

But, as he said, “a win’s a win” and the Saints keep winning don’t hand the trophy to Catalans just yet.

https://twitter.com/DarrenHBreedon/status/1413598555730743296?s=20