Sky Sports Rugby League’s Barrie McDermott takes us through the biggest storylines and his big predictions for round seven of the Super League season…
On Thursday night, I thought Leeds were solid without being spectacular but the take home when I was leaving the match was James McDonnell and the way he performed.
As we know, Leeds signed Kallum Watkins back and all the talk is about where he will play and what type of role he will have, and how influential he will be in the environment.
He is a winner and he was there in that golden generation period so he knows what winning looks like and he knows what it takes to get to that point and he knows what it takes to stay there.
However, what it does is it creates really healthy competition in the squad and that is probably evident in the way McDonnell played. He knows he has got to be on top form and James Bentley is the same, Morgan Gannon is the same.
It is that environment that brings out the best in people and it weeds out the worst because if they can’t stand that competition they tend to not be in it for too long.
It was good signs for Leeds but ultimately, Salford and the situation they are in, it is now just a shame. We have said this before, but it really needs to be sorted sooner rather than later.
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Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella is this week’s guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.
Hull KR vs Wigan Warriors – Friday April 11 (Sky Sports Action, 7.30pm)
It is the game of the round on Friday night as Hull KR take on Wigan in a Grand Final replay from 2024. KR are coming in off the back off a very impressive derby performance in what could have been a tricky fixture against Hull FC in the Challenge Cup.
They came out with immense credit and I think we will learn a lot more about Hull KR and their mentality and their attitude in this one.
Wigan were big winners in their last match against Salford but the last month or so has not been great for Wigan, they are having a bit of a wobble. Every great team will have a wobble at some point in the season – will this game be the point where Wigan start to get their season back on track in the toughest of circumstances?
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Highlights from the Betfred Super League clash between Wigan and Salford.
It is always a tremendous atmosphere at Hull KR and Wigan are after a morale-boosting win. But, the momentum that the Robins have got means it is a definite 50-50 game.
Mikey Lewis not being available for Hull KR too, his absence would weaken any side. But, Jez Litten was outstanding last week and it shows the quality of the team Willie Peters has got at his fingertips when one of the best players in the league can go off and it still doesn’t stop how dangerous they are.
It could be a couple of points either way that secures the win.
Barrie’s prediction: Hull KR win.
St Helens vs Wakefield Trinity – Friday April 11 (Sky Sports+, 8pm)
