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

Another weekend of Super League has been and gone. It was a round of fixtures played out in front of the backdrop that was international rugby and the questions it throws out about how England and Super League can co exist. But it also told us plenty about the ten Super League teams who did battle this weekend. So, here’s our five major talking points from this weekend’s action?

1. Hull FC showing greater character

One of the major criticisms thrown the way of Hull in recent years was their inconsistency and their character. Plenty believed that they only turned up on certain occasions and that was the reason they couldn’t go beyond the semi-finals in Super League back in their pomp in 2016-17. Moreover, there were plenty of doubters when it came to Brett Hodgson. Could he really change the core of the club? Well, if their win over Huddersfield was anything to go by, he can. Missing plenty of key players and 10-0 down at halftime, his men were able to turn things around showing the guts of true champions. Could they soon be title contenders if they continue to show this character?

2. The gap between the top and the bottom isn’t as big as people thought

Going into this season, many believed Wigan and St Helens w0uld run away with top spot. We’re a good way into the campaign now and neither of them are top following the brilliant form of Catalans. Meanwhile, Wigan appear to be struggling at the moment having lost three in a row leading many to believe that either Catalans or perhaps the impressive Warrington could finally become the fifth team to be crowned Super League Champions. Meanwhile, Wigan’s loss to Wakefield also showed just how close the teams at the bottom are to the top. Wakefield have been in good form after a tough start to the season and could very well be a play-off contender.

3. Hapless Huddersfield

The Giants had all the promise in the world going into 2021. Everyone saw them as the dark horses and most expected them to force their way into the play-offs. After three defeats in a row, the Giants sit towards the bottom of the table with seven losses to their name and following some damaging injuries on Friday night things could get even worse for the Giants. Ian Watson is a great coach with a great squad but he needs to find a way of turning things around.

4. Leeds on the up again

After a difficult injury hit start to the season, Leeds seem headed in the right direction once again as their attack finally clicks into gear. The Rhinos came away with a 38-12 win over Salford today scoring seven tries in the process. Leeds have now scored 18 tries in their last two games and a total of 98 points as they begin to improve. They need to cement their progress on Thursday by beating Leigh however.

5. International fixtures shouldn’t be played alongside Super League

I’ve already talked about Huddersfield and Hull, but both sides were stripped to their bare bones by Friday’s international and the other issues they face at the moment. Meanwhile, Leeds were forced to field four players who’d played international rugby less than 48 hours earlier. The England fixture put unnecessary strain on Super League clubs at a time when they’re already facing widespread problems with injuries galore and coronavirus outbreaks derailing club after club.