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

Round 15 of Super League came this weekend, with five of the matches seeing top half sides play the bottom half. The favourites generally came out on top, as Catalans and Wigan recorded impressive wins whilst Wakefield achieved a third win over Warrington this season.

It was another fantastic weekend of rugby which shed light on the unfurling picture that is Super League in 2022. But what were the talking points coming out of the weekend?

That’s what we’re answering today.

Can Catalans match last year’s achievements?
Catalans have battled injuries and suspension in the first half of the season, but with a near full strength squad they can now start to set their sights on top spot and Old Trafford. The Dragons brushed past visitors Hull FC with ease on their way to a 36-8 victory. Last year saw a previously inconsistent Catalans side finish top of the league, and Steve McNamara has done a fantastic job at preventing Catalans returning to the mid-table spots. If they can continue to produce strong performances against sides below them then they will finish in a strong play-off place and have more than enough quality to contend for a place in the Grand Final.

Wigan’s back three could take them all the way
There’s never been any doubting the quality of Bevan French, Jai Field and Liam Marshall, but they’re starting to gel and become a strong combined force. The three players tore Salford apart on Friday night with their speed, as French and Marshall scored a combined five tries. Matt Peet looked to have an impossible decision to make at the start of the year over who should play at full back, but after a Challenge Cup Final victory and this weekend’s electric display, there seems to be a set formula for Wigan to use going forward. With an already strong defence, the form of their back three and the improving Harry Smith makes them a serious challenger to the current champions.

James Roby breaks record for most Super League appearances
James Roby hit another milestone this weekend as he made a 455^th Super League appearance, overtaking Kevin Sinfield. As Roby continues to put his name higher up in the conversation for the best that Super League has ever seen, he breaks yet another record. Unsurprisingly, he got himself on the score sheet to remind everyone that he’s still one of the best players in the league. Roby doesn’t concern himself too much with personal milestones and records, but they’re a perfect way to measure just how much he has contributed to St Helens.

Hull FC to struggle without Jake Connor?
This season has been another of promise for Hull FC fans. There is lots of quality throughout their squad, but without Connor at fullback there is a question mark over what they can achieve this season. A heavy defeat to Catalans showed that it will take time for another top fullback in Jamie Shaul to settle back into the role.

Toulouse unfortunate yet again
For the fourth time this season, Toulouse lost out by one score, this time against Castleford. Although losses of this nature happen to every side, a side with the odds stacked against them so heavily need games like this to fall their way. Toulouse’s relegation looks highly likely at this point, but if previous results had gone their way their season could have looked different. Given how little promoted clubs receive in terms of financial support, Toulouse have proven the quality of the way their club is ran, and should they go down, it won’t be long until they return.