With Super League ready to begin in a fortnight’s time, teams have started their final preparations.
For some, that has meant stepping it up in training whilst others have had fixtures over this weekend.
The likes of Warrington did battle with Wigan, whilst Leeds took on Hull FC in Tom Briscoe’s testimonial.
The final game in the Super League friendlies saw Hull KR host Huddersfield, but just what have we learnt from them?
1. Warrington have work to do
It wasn’t going to be easy to change the Wolves overnight by new head coach Daryl Powell, but the majority of the 8,000 strong crowd on Saturday night that filled the Halliwell Jones Stadium would have been expecting more. Warrington scored just one try and looked second best, despite starting off in a vibrant fashion. The right-side of Peter Mata’utia and Oliver Holmes looks decent, but the Wolves still look like they haven’t clicked.
It may have only been a victory in a friendly, but Wigan certainly looked better than their 2021 season. With ball in hand the Warriors were devastating at times with new prop Patrick Mago enjoying himself down the middle and livewire Jai Field finally looking like the part after a stressful injury-hit year in 2021. There seems to be a real, genuine bond amongst the Wigan players and it does seem a lot more positive this time around.
3. Hull FC’s injury crisis worsens
It could hardly get worse for Hull FC on the injury front as Jake Connor now has a broken hand whilst his replacement Davy Litten was stretchered off after hurting his neck. That adds to the list of Kane Evans, Manu Ma’u and Jamie Shaul. Josh Griffin, Ligi Sao and Andre Savelio missed the 38-10 loss to Leeds after picking up niggles which poses a greater headache for head coach Brett Hodgson.
4. Leeds look the part
Leeds have been hovering around mid-table for the past few years but 2022 could be the year that they finally challenge once more. They ripped Hull to shreds down the middle and out wide with Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer looking impressive. David Fusitu’a also showed up well whilst Zane Tetevano looks like a man possessed. It all points to a good year for the Rhinos – hopefully the injury to Harry Newman isn’t too bad.
Toulouse went down 26-10 to Catalans at the weekend, but they stormed into a 10-0 lead, shocking their opponents in the process. Yes, the Dragons came back to register 26 unanswered points, but Toulouse certainly don’t look like the easy ride that many have predicted them to be.
