Five major talking points from this weekend’s Super League action

After one of the best Magic Weekend’s in the concept’s history, there’s plenty for every supporter to digest as the season draws to a close.

Yes, the League Leaders’ Shield is sewn up but the game that decided its destination told us so much about the top two. Meanwhile, the play-off picture might look clearer for now but is no less interesting with just a pair of games remaining.

With all that in mind, here’s the five major talking point’s from the Magic Weekend.

1. Who are favourites for Super League glory?

After 75 minutes of St Helens dominating Catalans in every department, I was sure St Helens were the team set for Super League glory. They bossed the contest down the middle of the field and looked like Champions. However, everything collapsed in a matter of minutes as Catalans came up with one of the best comebacks in Super League history. That could hurt the Saints not just in terms of the league table but also mentally. How will the cope if and when they meet at Old Trafford? Could they shy away or will they be more determined than ever? On the other side of things, Catalans’ performance wasn’t that of a Champion outfit. They’ll need to be much better to win the Grand Final.

2. Poching has to stay

Four wins in five games. That says it all. Willie Poching, for me, absolutely has to become the permanent Head Coach at Wakefield. He’s bringing the best out of every player at Belle Vue and got them playing with energy and ambition. They totally outplayed Huddersfield and looked like a play-off outfit from start to finish. If this is his audition, he gets the part for me.

3. Leeds find a way

It’s been the story of their season. They’ve had to deal with pretty much everything in 2021. Their injury crisis started before the season and is set to endure until the very end of the Super League campaign. On top of that they’ve faced suspensions, Kyle Eastmond’s early retirement and more than their fair share of Covid related problems. Once again, they faced problems going into the do or die game with Hull at St James’ Park and things just got worse when Rob Lui went off injured. Despite that, they found a way to win thanks to the quality of their youngsters and the likes of Brad Dwyer, Richie Myler and Kruise Leeming. Now a place in the top six is a real possibility for the eight-time Super League Champions.

4. Worry for Huddersfield

If Leeds don’t want their season to end any time soon, Huddersfield will be wishing the weeks away until 2021 is over. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Giants will be disappointed with this season. It promised so much and has delivered little. There’s hope for the future in the shape of young stars like Will Pryce and Olly Ashall-Bott. Meanwhile, plenty of fans have faith that when Ian Watson brings together his own squad, the Giants will excel. Nonetheless, Huddersfield’s performance on Sunday was worrying. Watson’s first priority should be the removal of such showings next season.

5. Williams stars for Warrington

Despite the fact his try came in the first half, George Williams’ first ever four pointer against boyhood club Wigan proved the difference. Williams didn’t steal the show in the way some expected him to do, but he was still a focal part of Warrington’s triumph thanks to his challenging running game. Nonetheless, both sides struggled to find the whitewash in general and it will be Williams’ job to amend Warrington’s attack in the next few weeks.