Who’s the favourites at Huddersfield?
It’s the battle of the bottom two at Huddersfield on Sunday as the Giants take on Hull KR – but given the circumstances surrounding the visitors, are they slight favourites? They have the potential ‘new coach syndrome’ on their side as James Webster assumes control for the first time, and they could also be boosted by the return of captain Terry Campese, as well as the guaranteed return of both John Boudebza and James Green. There will be relief for the victors, but where next for the losers?
A rough return for Justin Carney
The other big storyline on Sunday takes place down the road at Castleford – the return of the Tigers’ former cult hero, Justin Carney. He left under a dark cloud at the end of last season after being suspended by the club before joining Salford on a season-long loan – and expect him to get a rough ride from the Cas team and the Cas fans, too.
The battle of the in-form half-backs in Perpignan
Both Todd Carney and Richie Myler have caught the eye so far this season for Catalans Dragons, and they will be tasked with stopping a similarly influential halves pairing this Saturday when they take on Warrington. Kurt Gidley and Chris Sandow have been sensational so far this year, and with Sandow the match-winner last week against Salford, he will be key again as the Wolves are reunited with former scrum-half Myler for the first time.
Can Falloon give Leeds the guile to beat Wigan?
Beau Falloon is expected to make his long-awaited debut for Leeds this weekend against Wigan, and will he give them the spark they need to become the first Super League team to win at Wigan in nearly two years? Falloon’s inclusion after injury will free Rob Burrow up for a more influential role in the halves perhaps – and for the first time this year, Brian McDermott appears to have options on his hands with his pivots, which could be huge.
Will Wakey impress prospective coaches?
Any potential coach of Wakefield will have their eyes on Langtree Park this Friday, as the Wildcats travel to St Helens under the stewardship of temporary coach Stuart Dickens. Wakey chairman Michael Carter has already said there has been considerable interest in the job, and the Wildcats players will want to impress any new coach that could be watching on from the stands. Will it be enough to get them a win?