Well, the first round of Super League is done and dusted and what a weekend it has been!
From new coverage on Channel 4 to a crackdown on foul play, it’s been an unprecedented level of rugby league over the first round.
But just what did we learn from round one?
1. Wigan are ones to watch in 2022
The Warriors came out with a bang in 2022, beating Hull KR – a side that beat them twice in 2021 – with a very accomplished performance that had rival fans nervous and Wigan fans ecstatic. It’s clear to see the impact that the new leadership group at Wigan has had in such a short space of time with Matt Peet, Lee Briers, Sean O’Loughlin and Shaun Wane changing the culture and direction of the group. Cade Cust was in inspired form whilst Jai Field looked like a new signing as Wigan were firing on all cylinders. They definitely laid down a marker with their 24-10 win.
2. Castleford’s new era hasn’t got going yet
There was incredible optimism surrounding the Jungle in the build up to their fixture against Salford Red Devils, with the Jungle a sell-out to welcome new head coach Lee Radford. Unfortunately for those supporters, the new era fell flat as the Tigers succumbed to a 26-16 defeat that left a number of fans with a bitter taste in their mouths. The Tigers appeared disjointed in attack and were carved up too often in defence. Much needs to be worked on before Castleford take on Warrington on Thursday.
3. Old heads prove vital for their new sides
Marc Sneyd and Luke Gale have both been around for a number of years, but both chose new clubs ahead of the 2022 season. Sneyd excelled for Salford in their win over Castleford, registering 14 points whilst Gale scored a try and kicked two goals in Hull’s win over Wakefield. The two halfbacks will be truly instrumental over the next rounds and months.
4. Toulouse to struggle
Everyone knew that Toulouse Olympique would be up against it in the 2022 Super League season having been the promoted side from the Championship. But when the French side stormed into a 10-0 lead, optimism was through the roof at the Stade Ernest Wallon. That, however, proved to be short lived as Huddersfield posted 42 points on the board to make it a tough baptism of fire for Toulouse – and it may not get much better.
5. Massive crackdown on foul play
Everyone knew that there would be a great crackdown on foul play before the season began, but they perhaps didn’t know that it would be as severe as it has been. Three red cards and five yellows were dished out over the weekend with officials taking absolutely no nonsense for late tackles or high shots. It will be interesting to see if the crackdown continues as the season progresses.
