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The five biggest hammerings in Super League this season so far

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The Super League table is tighter than ever this season. Prior to Round 12 and heading towards the halfway point of the season, four teams were locked on 16 points in Round 12. Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Warrington Wolves, and Catalans Dragons lead the way, with Hull KR and Salford Red Devils just two points behind on 14.

Despite the congested nature of the table, that parity has not always been reflected on the field of play. There have already been four games this season where the margin of victory was over 50 points, with a number of 40+ point victories. With a full round of Super League fixtures this weekend and a number of sides suffering from injuries and suspension, there was a strong possibility of another blowout scoreline this weekend.

As it happened, Leeds Rhinos were put to the sword 40-10 by St Helens in a game that piled the pressure on Rohan Smith but doesn’t quite make the list for the biggest blowout so far this season.

Here is a rundown of the biggest losses registered in Super League this season.

1) St Helens 58 Hull FC 0

Tommy Makinson of St Helens celebrates

Credit: Imago Images

St Helens registered the biggest win and handed struggling Hull FC the biggest defeat as they thumped a beleaguered Black and Whites side. The defeat was the first game under interim head coach, Simon Grix, who took the reigns following Tony Smith’s departure.

A Waqa Blake double market two of 10 tries for the Saints, with nine different try scorers. Mark Percival kicked six goals, with Jon Bennison taking over the kicking duties to convert the final three.

The result saw the Saints bounce back from their Challenge Cup defeat against the Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup. For FC it was their first game without Smith, and marquee players Nu Brown and Tex Hoy, who had also recently left the club.

The result took Saints top of the Super League table. Hull have not won a game under Grix and remain joint bottom with the London Broncos.

2) Castleford Tigers 4 St Helens 60

St Helens

Credit: Imago Images

At halftime of the St Helens versus Castleford Tigers game in early May, not many supporters of either side would have predicted the final score. Saints had Tommy Makinson sent off early in the first half, but narrowly led 8-4 at halftime.

However a second-half red card for Liam Horne turned the tide back in Saints’ favour, and they scored a remarkable 52 unanswered points after halftime to seal a thrilling win.

Waqa Blake scored a hat-trick, Jack Welsby and James Bell both grabbed a brace and Percival kicked seven goals to propel Saints to a remarkable win. For a side whose attack has been criticised at times this season, the Saints seem to have no problem in running up big wins.

3) London Broncos 4 Warrington Wolves 58

Warrington Wolves Challenge Cup Super League

Credit: Imago Images

Sam Burgess’ Warrington Wolves side clicked into gear in the capital, consigning the Broncos to a 54-point defeat at home. The game will be remembered for Stefan Ratchford setting a new record for consecutive successful kicks from the tee.

Matt Dufty and Josh Thewlis both scored hat tricks, as Ratchford grabbed a try and kicked nine out of 10 conversion attempts.

Hakim Maloudi scored London’s only try of the game. The result saw them drop below Castleford Tigers on points difference, with both sides searching for their first win of the season at the time.

London would eventually register their first win of the campaign against Hull in May.

4) Hull FC 4 Leigh Leopards 54

Leigh Leopards

Credit: Imago Images

Leigh Leopards earned their first win of the Super League season, and it came at the hands of Hull. The Leopards ran in nine tries, including doubles from Ricky Leutele and Oliver Holmes.

Ironically, Holmes will wear the Black and White of FC next season, with their fans hoping he brings this form across the Pennines with him. The victory was Leigh’s third successive victory at the MKM Stadium.

The game was not how FC stalwart, Danny Houghton would have hoped to celebrate his 400th game with the club. Then Hull coach Tony Smith described it as a bad day at the office and a poor performance. Unfortunately for Hull fans, there were a few more of those to come.

5) Castleford Tigers 8 Huddersfield Giants 50

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Credit: Imago Images

Another entry on the list for the Castleford Tigers, who succumbed to a red-hot Huddersfield side. The Giants scored four tries in each half to see off the Tigers, with Adam Swift and Sam Halsall both scoring two tries each.

The defeat was a fourth consecutive defeat at the time for the Tigers, who were struggling to find their feet early in the season. Innes Senior scored both of the Tigers’ tries against his former club.

The Tigers actually took the lead in the game, however, once the Giants hit their stride, they were never in the game. Castleford head coach, Craig Lingard, was heavily critical of his players after the game, branding their performance as not good enough.

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