Richard de la Riviere

Sky cameras are at Wigan and Leeds for the men’s games, so does anyone know if there’ll be any highlights of the two women’s games?

Rhiannon is brilliant, no arguments there! Really looking forward to watching Kelsey this year in her new role.

Ha don’t worry, I didn’t think you were being snarky, RBK! fwiw, I think Saints are probably still the best team, marginally ahead of York with Leeds very slightly behind them. But they are all capable of sweeping the board if a bit of luck goes their way. I think Saints have the best quartet of props and probably the best back row. In terms of 6, 7 & 9, they trail Leeds & York, but they also have a playmaking loose forward in Jodie which the other teams don’t have. There’s little between the three teams when it comes to outside backs. I like York’s backline the best probably, with Partington and Roberts great additions. But even when Saints had such a weak backline, they beat Leeds and York to win the cup. And in the women’s game, with the Wembley factor, the challenge cup is the big one. Home advantage should see York win on Sunday even without Peach, but the cup semi is too close to call with any confidence. It could come down to the availability of players like Elisa Akpa & Lucie Sams, two great props who aren’t with their clubs yet.

Maybe you’ve got a point. I think York will sneak it on Sunday but Saints will win the semi-final.

Saints will have a much better backline this year. Last season it looked a bit inexperienced and a couple were out of position. The return of Burke and Woosey plus the signing of Salihi will make a big difference. Their forwards and playmakers are as good as Leeds and York.

Great decision

Thirty years ago today was the last ever 0-0 draw in the professional game as Whitehaven played Workington at home. The game had been restaged, having been postponed two days earlier. Dean Marwood missed a couple of penalty shots and Haven still complain a try was wrongly disallowed in the final moments. I wasn’t at this unfortunately. I’d set off to the original game on Boxing Day and turned round when Radio Cumbria announced the postponement. But on the 28th, I had tickets for Liverpool v Wimbledon which turned out to be a dreadful game. I can still remember ringing my mate from Lime Street Station to get the Town score and not quite believing him that it had ended 0-0!

How do you think that team would get on against Australia and NZ u18s?

You have to take any opportunity!

Unbelievable stuff. Nathan Collins is just sensational. Declan Roberts is similarly skilled but also showed superb game management. He’s also interviewed along with his dad in my new Wigan book

Thanks mate. Hope you enjoy it!

Hi all! I’ll be at Waterstones in Wigan on Thursday between 5.30 & 6.30pm, talking about and signing copies of the book, just in case you’re passing!

How did Roche play?

Thanks for the order mate. I hope you enjoy it. I might look at your idea one day as I’ve interviewed quite a few Cumbrian greats including the two you mention. But if the Wigan book sells well, I’ll probably do another Super League club next.