Chris22

I've never particularly rated Harry Smith, that is until this year where he has taken a big step up. Again, perhaps that comes from some impatience and expecting too much too soon. Once Lomax retires, I expect Welsby will move to the half backs on a more permanent basis. Along with Williams, these will probably be the contenders for the next World Cup. I'm not as excited about Pryce as others are but, like with Smith, maybe he'll kick on too because he has potential. It remains to be seen where he will end up.

Dagger is confirmed as missing for a week, not the season. I haven't counted the injuries "caused" by each team, aside from I know that two of our players suffered season ending injuries in tackles by John Asiata of Leigh. Wright is quite a stretch given that it came from an awkward fall. Whilst the tackle was high, it defeats biology that a head high contact can cause a broken ankle. It's a bit of a flawed question in any event. If a player suffers a 2 week injury now, they meet the criteria of being out for the season, in a way that the same or even a more serious foul could not have in March. That's not to take away from the general point that our discipline has been poor all season and, whilst getting better, needs work.

Any evidence to support that statement? Or is it just made up?

OK. And who should replace him? Equally, should the referee from Wigan v Salford be dropped for not punishing three incidents that ultimately led to bans? If so, who should replace him? Same questions but for Hull FC v Leeds, as Jake Clifford was not removed from the field but banned? Last one, should the dropped referees officiate in the Championship this week or not at all, in your view?

What sanction do you think he should receive?

Sounds like the game was lost just before half time for Wakefield and through avoidable errors. Wakefield end the weekend in a better position than they started it. Castleford v Hull FC is the match Cas must target next week, if they win, hard to see a way back for Trin. 6 wins in a row for us and now level on points with Wigan and Catalans. We've had a kind run of fixtures but have done the job. There are questions about how we go against better teams, so we'll learn more about Saints in the next 2 weeks, when we play 4th and 5th place in consecutive weeks.

Wakefield weren't great against Castleford and although I've not seen the match, a 20-0 loss at Salford suggests they were poor last week too. If they don't up their game, I'd expect a Saints win by between 20 or 30. I know we're supposed to stick to this match but Castleford playing on Saturday could be important. If they win, I think Wakefield give up. If they get a hiding, Wakefield will sense an opportunity.

Rugby League Live has tweeted six times about refereeing decisions in the Huddersfield v Leeds match. Matt Shaw three times. This is the real world consequence of a media landscape judged solely on clicks. These articles will get clicks, the authors know that are their performances are judged in clicks. It's a vicious circle.

Table has now been corrected - Salford now showing in 6th place, Hull KR in 7th.

Traditionally, the best crowds are posted earlier in the season. If Huddersfield were to try this again, I think an opener against Leeds would be the best chance rather than late August when crowds tend to be lower.

Catalans have been the most consistent team this year and probably the only one until last night who hasn't put in a shocker of a performance. Wigan were excellent and, I assume, in stark contrast to the side that limped past Hull FC last week. Until last night, I've thought Catalans would be the team to beat as neither Wigan or Saints have proven consistent enough. I'm starting to doubt that slightly now though. I know finishing top isn't the be all and end all but with three away games left, it's not impossible that Catalans finish 3rd and that would be a much harder route to Old Trafford. Catalans, Wigan and Saints will now be going all out to clinch top spot. The week off and a home semi final that a top two finish would bring could be crucial. And by finishing top, you were get the more favourable tie.

I've seen some remarkable things in my time watching this sport. If this is accurate, it appears that the RFL have incorrectly recorded the score of Salford's win against Huddersfield as being 8-30 last week, not taking into account Marc Sneyd's penalty which took the scoreline to 8-32. The consequence of this is Salford are now shown in the league table as being level on points with Hull KR, but have a worse points difference by two. Therefore, if this is right, Salford should be in 5th spot and Hull KR in 6th. I've not checked the figure but this has the potential to be quite the error!

Not seen the game but looks like we are starting to flow a bit now. I don't think it's a coincidence that this upturn in form has started as soon as Joe Batchelor returned. In the backs, Welsby, Percival and Makinson look to be clicking right now. Combine that with Wellens' correct decision to reinstate Bennison on the wing and things are looking alright. If and when we get Lees, Hurrell / Hopoate and Sironen back and we'll be in a healthy position. We have played sides sitting in the bottom half for each of the last 5 matches that we have won though. It remains to be seen whether we can maintain this against top half sides. Still, we're well placed for another Grand Final tilt.

Apologies for the slightly shameless plug, but I've written my thoughts on loop fixtures here. Whilst I'm not a fan, we can't ignore the reality that getting rid of them leaves a financial black hole with no obvious way of filling it.

1. Catalans 2. Saints 3. Wigan 4. Leigh 5. Hull KR 6. Warrington 7. Leeds 8. Salford 9. Hull FC 10. Huddersfield 11. Castleford 12. Wakefield I think it will be too much for Wakefield from here. They need at least two wins and I don't see them coming. Warrington play Castleford, Hull FC, Huddersfield and Salford and I think they'll have just enough to sneak that last play off place. Week 1: Wigan v Warrington (only one winner when these play in an important match) Leigh v Hull KR (fifth meeting of the year, I'd back Hull KR, just!) Week 2: Catalans v Hull KR (same match as 2021 and same outcome) Saints v Wigan (Think whoever gets the home tie will win this one, so I'll go Saints) Week 3: Catalans v St Helens (Very tough to call. Catalans an excellent and resilient side, but Saints starting to click a bit more and players to return. Could go either way, but I'd say Catalans with limited confidence)

We should win this match,we played a lot better against Hull KR last week and our record against Castleford has been excellent this year (conceding one penalty try across two matches). Strange things do happen when you play teams that are desperate for the win though. The challenge for Saints is not to underestimate Castleford, who regardless of the result will be going hell for leather to win.

As far as I see it, the clubs face a reduction in central funding due to a reduced value TV deal. Then, they were asked whether they would wish to forego further matchday income by reducing the number of fixtures and replace that with no alternative income source. What business in its right mind would be in favour of that?

Catalans should have a home tie against Leigh or a worse opponent. I'd back Catalans to win that and get back to Old Trafford. It's likely to be Saints v Wigan in the other semi. The side who comes second, gets the home tie and avoids a preliminary semi would be favourites.

Must say I'm a little surprised by the idea that Jack Smith should have simply ignored the laws of the game last night. If we pick and choose which laws we want to enforce, then why bother having any at all?

Our strongest performance since Wigan at home in June, in my view. The wind was a big factor and taking a lead into half time with the wind against us was a big boost and we took the game away from Hull KR in the second half. We dominated territory and defended really well. A bit ropey in attack in the first half but clicked in the second half. I didn't think Hull KR did too much wrong. Both sides kept the error count quite low and KR's attitude was first class, which would give me a lot of encouragement if I was a fan, after the disappointment of last week. Both us and Wigan will be eyeing that top 2 finish. Whoever gets it would get the home semi final and would back themselves in that. Leigh not out of the question either with them having to play both us and Wigan before the season's end.

I have a hunch for Castleford. I think Ward will give a boost and Blake Austin may fancy making himself a saviour (something he has the ability to do, it's just whether he has the application). Then again, I though Hull KR would win at Wembley!

If I'm not mistaken, the side that loses at Wembley tends to win their next match and the side that wins at Wembley tends to lose their next match.

I struggle to call this one as I'm not sure how Hull KR will react to last week's defeat. I'll call us to win by 10 with limited confidence! What we can be sure of is if Saints win, it'll be because we cheated. Boo! Hiss!

I've watched the Lees challenge a few times and I struggle to see the point of contact. The panel must have better footage than I have seen and Lees flew in recklessly so hard to grumble too much. But I do take issue with English not being suspended. It is an illegal tackle, he also flew to the challenge in a reckless manner deliberately attacking the joint of a player who was in a vulnerable position. Far worse that the one that saw Luke Yates banned at Magic Weekend.