Super League coach’s comments show worthlessness of League Leaders’ Shield

Wigan Warriors, Leigh Leopards, St Helens and Catalans Dragons are all battling it out for the League Leaders’ Shield but also an all important home semi-final in the Super League play-offs.

The top two have a massive shot at Old Trafford because they are one game away from the final and at home.

But what about the League Leaders’ Shield. It almost feels second fiddle to this award and the comments of Steve McNamara sum that up.

He said on Sky Sports.

“We want to finish in the top. You want to win the league but you know that isn’t winning the Grand Final.”

The Dragons took a big step towards the trophy with a win over Leigh. In terms of the game, a late hit from Mike McMeeken and a yellow card saw Leigh nail an early penalty to make it 2-0.

Then, after a Sam Tomkins blunder, an inside ball from John Asiata allowed Tom Amone to tear through and score. He rounded the cover defence for a great try.

Catalans Dragons definitely needed to score next and they came up with a response after Zak Hardaker gave away a penalty. Mitchell Pearce stabbed a kick behind and touched down himself to score.

The Dragons were now on top and stormed 12-8 ahead with a try from Paul Seguier. A great set play from the Dragons with attacking players doubling up on defenders allowing Seguier to carve through.

But then another yellow card for Catalans, this time to Michael McIlorum, paved the way for Leigh to score with Ben Nakubuwai burrowing over from the penalty allowing Ben Reynolds to nail a penalty and make it 14-12.

Then a mess at the back nearly led to a try for Wigan Warriors bound Adam Keighran after a ball bounced off a defender but he was unable to ground the loose ball.

But shortly after Catalans took the lead again when Hull KR bound Tyrone May kicked behind for Tom Davies to score.

May was in the mood in the second half as he dummied, bounced off Ben Reynolds and carved inside wrong footing Ben Nakubuwai who was missing his boot.

The match was settled with another try for the Leopards as Manu Ma’u grounded another kick.