The Cycle of Hate
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A few weeks ago I ditched a couple of 'friends' from my Facebook for
sharing material from Katie Hopkins and Yaxley-Lennon, and I have to admit
I was a bit...
7 years ago
Friday, 2 December 2011
Super League Predictions
Well I was nearly right, I tipped Wigan and Leeds to win the trophies, I just got them the wrong way round! Full marks to Leeds for hitting form at the right time of the season!
Time to start up again!
Hi there, its time to start the blog up again! Take a load of time off in order to finish the phd and now Im in a new job, now everything has settled I will have to start blogging again!
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
2011 Super League Preview
It’s that time of year again, the start of another season of the greatest game of all, rugby league. Super League XVI kicks off at the Millennium Stadium on the weekend of 12-13 February with all 14 clubs playing under the roof at Cardiff.
Last year’s champions Wigan look set to be the team to beat again this season. Michael Maguire’s side have added Ryan Hoffman, Jeff Lima and Brett Finch from Aussie side Melbourne Storm to what is an already strong team. Watch out for their monstrosity of a new shirt however!
Their nearest challengers could be Warrington. The challenge cup winners have signed Joel Monaghan, who made an abrupt exit from the NRL due to an unfortunate scandal which isn’t suitable for a student paper to report (a quick search on Google will tell you more!). Warrington have always appeared to have a tendency to choke in the big games in Super League, though the back to back Challenge Cup win suggest that they have the temperament for the big occasion.
Staying in Lancashire, Saint Helens have a new Aussie head coach, with Royce Simmons taking charge. Much will depend on their exciting half back combination of Leon Pryce and Kyle Eastmond, whilst James Graham will continue to drive the hard yards up front. However, this year they lack the Knowsley Road effect, with their homes games being played down the road at Widnes, whilst a new ground is built.
Closer to home, 2011 is a big season for Bradford Bulls. Having dispensed with the services of Steve McNamara following two poor seasons, Mick Potter is at the helm and has totally revamped the squad in order to reverse the Bulls dip in fortunes. The Bulls will be looking to get back to challenging for trophies, following two years in the wilderness. Patrick Ah Van already looks to be a star in the making on the wing.
Leeds too have a new Head Coach, with Brian McDermott taking over from Brian McClennan, who has returned to New Zealand. The Rhinos dipped last season after 3 consecutive Grand Finals wins, and doubts remain over whether they have the ability to go the distance with what us an aging squad; a cup run is their more realistic chance of silverware this season.
At the other end of the table, there is great concern for Wakefield. The club have had well documented financial problems which has seen them go into administration and therefore start with a points deduction, whilst their search for land to build a new ground continues to run into difficulties. This has forced Coach John Kear to build a squad of young British players. A 40-16 defeat in a pre-season friendly to Bradford demonstrated the potential failings of this squad. Whilst there was no lack of effort, the quality and depth just isn’t as strong as the other competing teams. Indeed the money problems can be seen to having an effect on the players. Speaking with halfback Sam Obst after the game against Bradford, he told me that the financial situation is at the back of the player’s minds, but they are merely trying to focus in what they can control on the pitch, in order to try and bring some joy to the Wakefield supporters.
The importance of the 2011 season regards the super league licensing decision. There is no promotion to, or relegation from Super League, with clubs having to apply for licences every 3 years. 2011 sees the next decision on which teams are awarded Super League licenses. At the moment Wakefield appear favourites to lose their license with Widnes favourites to take their place. Such a decision would cause controversy as two other Super League clubs, Harlequins and Crusaders have both suffered recent financial problems, with Crusaders also starting minus points following a period of Administration. Indeed there is an accusation from some fans that the governing body, the RFL, is helping teams in development areas more than teams in the traditional rugby league heartland of the north of England. However, it can be argued that the Super League needs to have the presence in London, Wales and France in order to develop the profile of rugby league. Indeed, Sky are keen for the game to have a wider presence, so the presence of a London team such as Harlequins and the Wrexham based Crusaders side is crucial to the continued funding from Sky, which appears essential to the development of the Super League competition.
My predictions for the 2011 season
Super League winners: Wigan
Challenge Cup winners: Leeds
Last year’s champions Wigan look set to be the team to beat again this season. Michael Maguire’s side have added Ryan Hoffman, Jeff Lima and Brett Finch from Aussie side Melbourne Storm to what is an already strong team. Watch out for their monstrosity of a new shirt however!
Their nearest challengers could be Warrington. The challenge cup winners have signed Joel Monaghan, who made an abrupt exit from the NRL due to an unfortunate scandal which isn’t suitable for a student paper to report (a quick search on Google will tell you more!). Warrington have always appeared to have a tendency to choke in the big games in Super League, though the back to back Challenge Cup win suggest that they have the temperament for the big occasion.
Staying in Lancashire, Saint Helens have a new Aussie head coach, with Royce Simmons taking charge. Much will depend on their exciting half back combination of Leon Pryce and Kyle Eastmond, whilst James Graham will continue to drive the hard yards up front. However, this year they lack the Knowsley Road effect, with their homes games being played down the road at Widnes, whilst a new ground is built.
Closer to home, 2011 is a big season for Bradford Bulls. Having dispensed with the services of Steve McNamara following two poor seasons, Mick Potter is at the helm and has totally revamped the squad in order to reverse the Bulls dip in fortunes. The Bulls will be looking to get back to challenging for trophies, following two years in the wilderness. Patrick Ah Van already looks to be a star in the making on the wing.
Leeds too have a new Head Coach, with Brian McDermott taking over from Brian McClennan, who has returned to New Zealand. The Rhinos dipped last season after 3 consecutive Grand Finals wins, and doubts remain over whether they have the ability to go the distance with what us an aging squad; a cup run is their more realistic chance of silverware this season.
At the other end of the table, there is great concern for Wakefield. The club have had well documented financial problems which has seen them go into administration and therefore start with a points deduction, whilst their search for land to build a new ground continues to run into difficulties. This has forced Coach John Kear to build a squad of young British players. A 40-16 defeat in a pre-season friendly to Bradford demonstrated the potential failings of this squad. Whilst there was no lack of effort, the quality and depth just isn’t as strong as the other competing teams. Indeed the money problems can be seen to having an effect on the players. Speaking with halfback Sam Obst after the game against Bradford, he told me that the financial situation is at the back of the player’s minds, but they are merely trying to focus in what they can control on the pitch, in order to try and bring some joy to the Wakefield supporters.
The importance of the 2011 season regards the super league licensing decision. There is no promotion to, or relegation from Super League, with clubs having to apply for licences every 3 years. 2011 sees the next decision on which teams are awarded Super League licenses. At the moment Wakefield appear favourites to lose their license with Widnes favourites to take their place. Such a decision would cause controversy as two other Super League clubs, Harlequins and Crusaders have both suffered recent financial problems, with Crusaders also starting minus points following a period of Administration. Indeed there is an accusation from some fans that the governing body, the RFL, is helping teams in development areas more than teams in the traditional rugby league heartland of the north of England. However, it can be argued that the Super League needs to have the presence in London, Wales and France in order to develop the profile of rugby league. Indeed, Sky are keen for the game to have a wider presence, so the presence of a London team such as Harlequins and the Wrexham based Crusaders side is crucial to the continued funding from Sky, which appears essential to the development of the Super League competition.
My predictions for the 2011 season
Super League winners: Wigan
Challenge Cup winners: Leeds
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