Last night was a big night in the seasons of the two most successful Super League clubs but for very different reasons. Reigning Champions St Helens picked it up a notch with a champion performance against Hull FC to silence the doubters. Meanwhile, 8-time Champions Leeds put a halt to their slow season with a whopping 60-6 win over rivals Castleford. That’s how I saw it anyway. But what was social media’s take?
Let’s start with the Sky game. St Helens have had their doubters so far this season. At times they’ve struggled for points and last week their unbeaten start came to an end against Catalans. But last night they reminded the league of their quality with a controlled performance to easily put away Hull FC. It was the performance of Champions and led to many re-branding them as favourites not just in Super League but for all three trophies.
At current form Jim I can see St. Helens winning both the Challenge Cup and the Super League Grand Final.
— Peter White (@PeterWh92718443) May 29, 2021
Despite the emphatic nature of their win, St Helens could’ve scored even more but for the video referee last night. Some Saints fans weren’t happy with the disallowed tries.
https://twitter.com/Jeff2602/status/1398525630258585600
Nonetheless, hat-trick hero Jack Welsby gave them plenty to smile about despite the injuries to Regan Grace and Tommy Makinson as he proved to be a brilliant stand-in winger.
Jack Welsby the real rugby league MVP
— Fr⎊g! (@WaltFrogman) May 29, 2021
https://twitter.com/Ryan899732008/status/1398410769407094787
what a man @jackwelsby_ pic.twitter.com/EOsHNfSurw
— Red Vee Pins (@RedVeePins) May 28, 2021
Hull FC fans certainly weren’t smiling.
Interesting comments from Hull coach ‘we beat ourselves’ ‘players care and are hurting’ maybe an insight into the Hull FC “we’ll play when we feel like it culture” https://t.co/EaJdLtTQyx
— Paul Caswell (@pcaswell63) May 29, 2021
In West Yorkshire, Leeds got their season back on track with a thumping win over Castleford. The Rhinos ran in 11 tries one of which went to former Tigers hero Luke Gale and Leeds fans were ecstatic.
Just so happy that @snozzer_gale got over the line 😍😍😍
— Rhinos Faithful 💙💛 (@RhinosFaithful) May 28, 2021
Gale was pleased too despite some of the chants that came his way.
Best chant I’ve heard in year’s “we’re Castleford Tigers we paid for your hair”
Well played 🤣👏🏼
— Luke Gale (@snozzer_gale) May 28, 2021
Vice-captain Matt Prior was outstanding and was key to the win.
The answer is always Matt Prior
— BD (@BDdot43) May 28, 2021
Absolute stormer tonight by Matt Prior. Although the rest were superb as well
— Andrew Makin (@andrewmakin) May 28, 2021
Matt Prior needs a black and white striped shirt, balaclava and a swag bag
— Watto of Watshire (@watsnakes) May 28, 2021
So what are we calling Matt Prior then?
Aladdin?
The Bandit?
The Burglar?
The Robber?
Matt "Mugger" Prior?— The Lot Pod (@Lot_17a) May 28, 2021
Castleford supporters weren’t able to enjoy the night as much as the Leeds fans did. It was easily their worst performance of the season.
https://twitter.com/Drew1878_/status/1398555849468133377
Some pointed the finger at departing coach Daryl Powell.
Dear Daryl Powell: pic.twitter.com/a3gtt6Z77x
— Noke. (@sophiefindlay_) May 28, 2021