There were mixed fortunes for a number of teams at the weekend, with some not getting their season off to the most desirable of starts.
Of course, nothing is determined in the first week of action and as it stands there isn’t a single team at panic stations… yet.
However, for some teams, the importance of producing a good result this weekend is more significant to ensure things don’t turn sour so early in the season.
Here are five teams that need to turn out a good performance this week.
Salford Red Devils
There was so much intrigue surrounding the Red Devils heading into their match with Hull FC last week.
Unfortunately, they came up against the superb Airlie Birds who dominated them from the opening minute.
Salford did show signs of promise with a late rally of tries, but another convincing defeat early on in the season would be a really underwhelming way to start the season after their impressive recruitment.
It won’t be easy against Saints, but they at least need to start the game better than they did against Hull FC.
Leeds Rhinos
Inevitably, since their defeat to Warrington the names Kevin Sinfield and Jamie Peacock have been mentioned on numerous occasions.
It was always going to happen at some point this season, it perhaps just came earlier than expected.
However, the Rhinos can soon silence those doubters with a strong performance against Widnes, who opened the season with victory over Wakefield.
On the flip side, a defeat to the Vikings without captain Danny McGuire would only heighten those concerns raised.
Castleford Tigers
In the face of adversity, Daryl Powell would love nothing more than to see his team come up trumps against their West Yorkshire rivals.
Their draw with Hull KR was slightly disappointing, but the main point that needs proving is just how well they can perform without influential captain Michael Shenton.
Luke Gale takes the captaincy, and if he can get his tenure off to a solid start, the Tigers will end a turbulent week on a high.
Sheffield Eagles
The Eagles have nothing to prove to themselves, but more so the rest of the Championship.
Following their large overhaul of players after going full-time, Sheffield have many doubters regarding their top four credentials this year. Their squad certainly has a different feel to it, especially in the pivot positions, with the average age being around 20.
They somewhat brought down the scepticism with a confident victory over Workington last week, but their first real test comes in the shape of Halifax, who top the table after round one following their emphatic win over Whitehaven. If the Eagles can pick off Fax, it will show they really are contenders for the top four this year.
Leigh Centurions
An obvious inclusion, but Leigh have more to prove that anyone else at this point.
The level of pressure to perform has been heightened from day one following the brash comments from their owner. Remarks suggesting the team could go unbeaten resulted in their defeat to Batley on the opening day causing a great deal of embarrassment for those involved.
But in Neil Jukes they have a professional leader who will have the Centurions fully focused for the match against Championship new boys Oldham, who might very well feel the backlash of last week’s shocking defeat.
Leigh will be determined to show their true capabilities, although a loss could have unimaginable consequences.
