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Bulls can reap the benefit of home comforts

Super League 2003: Big two are strong as ever, leaving rest to fight for scraps

Dave Hadfield
Sunday 16 February 2003 01:00 GMT
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It is entirely fitting that the eighth season of Super League should kick off next Friday with another in the long series of confrontations between St Helens and Bradford, because few seriously believe that the eventual winner of the competition will not be one or the other – despite the Saints' thrashing by Sydney Roosters in the World Club Challenge on Friday night.

Amid all the deserved congratulations for growing crowds and improving standards, Super League still falls short of its mark in offering uncertainty of outcome. No one can always predict what will happen in individual matches, but if the Bulls and Saints are not fighting it out at the end of the campaign, something will have gone badly wrong.

Both clubs have lost important personnel since last season, but both look stronger overall. The addition of Shontayne Hape and Karl Pratt gives Bradford more incisiveness in a back line which has sometimes lacked a tad, while bringing in a player of the world stature of Darren Smith can only enrich Saints.

Although Brian Noble and Ian Millward are contrasting characters, both clubs are outstandingly well coached and both have enviable depth on which to call.

One significant difference is off the field, where Saints have financial worries exacer-bated by the collapse of their plans for a new ground, but the Bulls have the boost of returning to Odsal, where the epic scale of the stadium gives them the setting in which to shine.

Who can break this duopoly? Wigan are the obvious candidates, but there have to be some very weighty provisos attached to their prospects. It must be aeons since Wigan went into a season without a new signing. It seems somehow unnatural, but it is forced upon them by their belated determination to get within their salary cap.

Not only that, but last year's Challenge Cup winners have had to release vastly experienced players such as David Furner, Harvey Howard and – worst of all – Gary Connolly. That should leave them with no chance, but there are some major compensations in the quality of their young players.

Some, such as Luke Robinson and Sean O'Loughlin, have already made their mark at first-team level. Gareth Hock has yet to do so, but his potential as a loose forward is such that he could force Andy Farrell into the second row before the season is out.

The best thing that could happen to the game in this country is for Wigan and Leeds to put their faith in their kids this year and to make a glorious success of it. Unlike Wigan, Leeds have been shopping – notably for Connolly and Furner – but their real strength lies in the quality of their homegrown youngsters.

It would be marvellous to see Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow and Ryan Bailey – who terrified his Australian contemporaries in the autumn – get extended runs in the first team and truly blossom. Someone in another sport once said that you win nowt with kids; if Wigan or Leeds prove that wrong there should be a mighty cheer.

But, if the balance is not right, both clubs could find their places in the top four under threat. Leading that assault should be Hull, who look to be drawing inspiration from their new stadium and have brought in the sort of quality that should make their back line as strong as their pack. The real question is whether they are quite strong enough at half-back and hooker to sustain a challenge.

Castleford's late-season charge brought them a very creditable place in the play-offs last year. It does not look any easier for them this time, while Widnes' ambitious pursuit of Henry Paul shows that Neil Kelly understands that they need to take a major leap forward if they are to sustain their momentum.

The London Broncos have their youngest and most British squad since the inception of Super League, and much depends on how some speculative signings settle in. If the chemistry works, they are play-off candidates.

That leaves a quartet whose own best friends would be astonished if they were to get into that position. In their last year at Wilderspool, Warrington's aim is respectability, and they have been making no lavish promises of anything beyond that.

Wakefield, however, could finally have the squad and the stability to keep them clear of relegation battles. That issue should come down to a grim neighbourly struggle between Huddersfield and Halifax.

The Giants have bounced straight back into Super League, but the early signs, including a Cup defeat by Hunslet, are not at all reassuring. Their best hope lies just up the road at The Shay, where Halifax have kept one step ahead of implosion, but at the cost of drastically pruning a roster which now does not look up to it.

Men of Steel Players to put the Super in Super League

Shontayne Hape - Bradford Bulls

Bradford's new centre from New Zealand has shown signs of being a major addition to an already formidable squad. Not only is he a good player, with clever hands and nimble footwork alongside that essential Bradford attribute – sheer size – but he also looks to be the key to the unfulfilled potential of the even bigger Lesley Vainikolo. The Volcano should thrive on his intelligent passing.

Prospects: Will be top or near the top all season and could have the edge on St Helens.

Michael Smith - Castleford Tigers

Cas look a little short of impact in the forwards. If they are to hang on to the top-six place they plugged away for last season, they need Michael Smith to be as good, or better, than he was then. Smith's ability to break tackles and lay off the ball to supporting players is a great asset for any side, but he must show that he is not easing off his effort after last year's successes – including recognition from the New Zealand selectors.

Prospects: Making play-offs would be a big achievement.

JOHNNY LAWLESS - Halifax

Halifax's financial problems make their squad desperately thin. That means that they will rely more than ever on the spirit that their coach, Tony Anderson, can stir within his side. That is where Lawless is so important. As a captain who wears his heart on his sleeve, he has the ability to breathe extra fire and passion into his team-mates. They will be spending more time than any team defending their line.

Prospects: No amount of effort will prevent unsuccess- ful battle against relegation.

STANLEY GENE - Huddersfield Giants

Promoted Huddersfield have had some poor results in pre-season and Challenge Cup and are desperate for a good start. There are gaps in their squad and, as the nearest thing they have to a scrum-half, much responsibility will rest on the Papua New Guinean. His own power is not in doubt, but it is on-field organisation that the Giants will need, and that is not an aspect of the game that comes as naturally to Gene.

Prospects: Will be grateful by the end of the season for Halifax's ongoing troubles.

RICHIE BARNETT - Hull

In Barnett and the Aussie winger Colin Best, Hull have invested in sheer quality for their back line. The Kiwi Test full-back is likely to be used mainly at centre and he has already looked glorious in that role. The only question, after two seasons at London interrupted by illness and injury, is whether he can stay fit. If he does, then Barnett could be a treat for the eyes in a highly successful Hull team.

Prospects: With their new ground and their new players, Hull should make the top four.

ANDREW DUNEMANN - Leeds Rhinos

So disappointing last season, Leeds will rely heavily on a crop of outstanding youngsters this time. Typically, though, they have also brought in players who have done well elsewhere. Dunemann, from Australia via Halifax, is a classic example. Will he, like so many others, turn out to have done his best work for previous clubs? Or can he be the catalyst, from stand-off or scrum-half, to spark the Rhinos' home-grown talent?

Prospects: Unless chemistry works quickly, they could struggle to make the play-offs.

DENNIS MORAN - London Broncos

London were disappointed not to make the play-offs last year, but without Moran's try-scoring – particularly to decide tight games – they would have been nowhere near. The Broncos have invested in young British players for 2003, but will still rely heavily on Moran as their one obvious match-winner. They will be relieved when they see him firing on all cylinders after knee surgery.

Prospects: Though they have found stability at Brentford, this could be a transitional season on the playing front.

DARREN SMITH - St Helens

Ian Millward could not believe his luck when he got the chance to sign Smith. He might be 33, but he is one of the most durable athletes, as well as one of the best players in Australia. His ability to play a variety of positions – always an asset close to Millward's heart – gives Saints an extra range of options. Although he has only signed for one season, Smith wants to show that he is worth a longer deal, so he should not be lacking in motivation.

Prospects: Expect more epic confrontations with Bradford.

GARETH ELLIS - Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

Ellis is the perfect find for Wakefield. Not only did he have a fine season for them last year, he has also shown that he would rather stay than take a lucrative move. Will be back in the pack sooner or later, but starts the season as a centre capable of punching holes in defences. Trinity have made an art-form of soaking up pressure in their annual relegation fights; Ellis can give opponents more to worry about on the counter.

Prospects: This should be the season when Wakefield are not haunted by visions of the drop.

NICK FOZZARD - Warrington Wolves

If any player can raise the level of enthusiasm during the final season at Wilderspool, it is this prop. Fozzard runs with less thought for self-preservation than anyone in the game, and has the injury record to match. The Wolves lift when he leads the charge and, if he stays fit and suspension-free, he could point the way towards a steady improvement in fortunes.

Prospects: The squad doesn't look a lot better than the one that struggled all last year, but Paul Cullen can make them more honest and consistent.

RYAN SHERIDAN - Widnes Vikings

Neil Kelly knew that if Widnes were to avoid the dreaded "second-season syndrome" he had to bring in better players than the ones who over-achieved last year. Hence the pursuit of Henry Paul and, at a more modest level, the signing of Ryan Sheridan. As a Test scrum-half with much to prove after his sacking by Leeds, Sheridan should refine their attack. His appointment as captain shows that Kelly expects him to be his leader.

Prospects: Should match last season's fine performance.

PAUL JOHNSON - Wigan Warriors

Finally free of injury and expected to play his natural position of centre following the departure of Gary Connolly, this should be the season when Johnson graduates from potential stardom to become a senior player. Has the makings of an outstanding Test centre, but it remains to be seen how badly he will be affected by the death in a road accident of his younger brother last week.

Prospects: Wigan's kids might challenge, but making the play-offs could be the limit this year.

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