11/04/08 (2) - It’s all relative
Peter Sharp finds himself under huge pressure after ten rounds of Super League – and Friday night’s defeat to Bradford was deeply disappointing in the context of him being able to field something approaching a near strength 17 for the first time all season. But the quality of the Bulls performance shouldn’t be underestimated. McNamara’s side are finding their hooves and look ever more likely to throw down the type of title challenge I expected from a squad with such a depth of talent.
Hull fans could (almost unthinkably) find their side propping up the competition at the end of the week, and Cas – with the carrot of eleventh place providing all the motivation in the world – will certainly fancy the job. But Hull aren’t Super League XIII’s only early season underachievers.
Man of Steel James Roby this week insisted there was no crisis at St. Helens – a sure sign that things are a long way from going to script. Saints – a side that two years ago lost four games in all competitions over the whole season – currently languish in the bottom half of the table having already suffered defeat on the road at Hull KR, Catalans, Huddersfield and latterly bottom club Castleford.
And star-studded Warrington, despite occupying fourth place on the ladder, continue to underwhelm. Having registered a less than grand total of ten points in their two most recent defeats (at the hands of depleted sides in Harlequins and Wakefield), the Wolves still seem toothless without talisman Briers, and their supporters must be wondering if their boys have enough stomach for the fight. In contrast, the outpost sides, Catalans Dragons and Harlequins, have shown great resolve and a fair degree skill and verve in forcing their way into the six.
In the lower reaches, unfashionable Wakefield have tackled extraordinary adversity with great determination, blooding a host of promising youngsters along the way. Their four wins (as well as superb performances in defeat at Hull and Wigan) represent real achievement in the context of their injury situation.
And don’t forget Classy Cas – the side billed as everyone’s whipping boys. Apparently useless away, they’ve come up with ninety-odd points in three home games against Leeds, Warrington and Saints, knocking off both of last season’s grand finalist in the process. If Hull go the same way, eleventh place after eleven weeks might – relatively speaking at least – make the Tigers Super League’s highest achievers.
