Danny Brough was the star of the show at the Hearwell Stadium

to another defeat, in a pulsating affair at the Hearwell Stadium.

The Wildcats were keen to assert in the game trapped Scott Donald in-goal on only the second set of the game, putting Leeds under pressure early, much in the same vain as Castleford did to the Rhinos last week.

They eventually breached the Leeds line after Luke George mopped up a neat Kevin Sinfield chip through the line on his own 20 metre line.  From there, Wakefield rolled down field where new prop Shane Tronc offloaded with 3 men in attention to Danny Brough, who after outpacing the Leeds defence, gave Sean Gleeson the easiest of finishes under the posts.  Brough duly converted from in front of the posts.

The Wildcats were given another golden opportunity when Leeds’ lack of discipline gave them some valuable field possession deep inside the Leeds half.  As the set unfolded, Wakefield worked an overlap on the left edge of the Leeds defence, only for Tevita Leo-Latu to lose the ball with the line at his mercy.

Much like their defeat against Castleford, Leeds were struggling to break down their opponents’ defensive line.  The usually fluent Leeds were beginning to get into the game with a trademark Keith Senior hand-off putting him through the Wakefield line, he passed on  to Rob Burrow who was hauled down by the outstanding Danny Brough only yards away from the try line.

Brough added a penalty to extend Wakefield’s lead to eight after more ill-discipline from the champions, this time Danny Buderus being caught offside.

Wakefield finally made some pressure tell once more when second-row Glenn Morrison worked a neat loop with his former Bradford team-mate Ben Jeffries, with Jeffries squeezing through the Rhinos’ defence, with Brough converting the try.

From nowhere Leeds somehow find a way back into the game, despite Wakefield’s dominance, when substitute Ian Kirke shipped the ball out in the tackle to Danny McGuire in support, before jinking his way through under the posts.  Sinfield had the simplest of tasks in adding the extras.

The half ended with more poor discipline from the Rhinos, and Brough capitalised kicking the resulting penalty from just inside the Leeds half.

The Rhinos began the second half with the words of Brian McCLennan obviously ringing in their ears and rolled down field on the first set, before forcing an error from full back Aaron Murphy, only 10 metres out.  From the scrum they quickly shipped the ball out to Senior, only for Brough to intercept and outpace Ryan Hall to the corner to score.  After drawing breath, the outstanding Brough improved his own try from just inside the touchline.

Things went bad to worse for the Rhinos, when referee James Child finally lost patience with the constant ill-discipline from the champions, with Sinfield being shown the yellow card for back chatting to the ref.

Wakefield kept the scoreboard running when a huge cross-field kick from Brough found centre Millard in the corner, who dropped over the try line to add yet another try to their tally.  Brough’s kicking was again faultless, converting from the touchline once more.

The Leeds side looked to be as good as beaten but managed to find a way back into the game, when Greg Eastwood drew five Wildcats defenders into the tackle.  McGuire spotted the numbers on the right hand side and Scott Donald touched down in the corner.  Stand in kicker Rob Burrow added the extras.

With their talismanic captain back on the field and some new-found confidence, they looked a totally different side and scored another try straight away.  Brent Webb got the Rhinos rolling down the field, making valuable metres from their own try line.  Some slick hands down their left edge put Leeds to within 20 metres of the Wakefield line and after the ball was again shifted to the right wing, Donald shook off the attentions of Jason Demetriou to squeeze in the corner.  Sinfield converted from the touchline and the champions now trailed by eight.

Brough was determined the fightback and after conceding another penalty, Leeds found themselves ten points down.

Leeds tried to throw everything at the Wildcats in the dying minutes, but just couldn’t live with Wakefield’s enthusiasm throughout the game.

The Wildcat’s now sit aloft the Super League table, and Leeds have a lot of issues to address before the Melbourne Storm in a fortnights time.

The Rhinos struggled with the dogged defence of Castleford in the first half

The first 20 minutes were an attritional affair with the Tigers defence keeping Leeds at bay despite a wealth of possession and territory. The Rhinos seemed devoid of any real impetus and guile in attack but finally found a way through the Castleford defence when a Kevin Sinfield grubber slid past the Tigers defence with Danny McGuire touching down.
The Tigers, who had not really posed a serious threat to the Leeds line up until now, hit back only minutes later when centre James Evans latched onto a Brent Sherwin chip to score in the corner, prop Craig Huby added the extras with Joe Westerman off the field.
The try galvanised the Rhinos once more and after a sustained period of pressure again breached the Tigers defence when Jamie Jones-Buchanan managed to squeeze out an offload with four Castleford defenders in attention to McGuire, who left Brett Delaney the simplest of finishes to mark his home debut with a try.
If the first half was a cagey affair, the second half began with a bang. On only the third play of the half, Diskin spotted a rare gap in the Tigers defence and raced through. With men in support Diskin handed the ball to Jones-Buchanan who didn’t have the pace to go all the way.
That was a good as it got for the Rhinos, who’s night was made worse with injuries to both Carl Ablett and Brett Delaney. A relieving penalty put Castleford into Leeds territory, who after forcing a repeat set, went ahead for the first time in the game when Brent Sherwin’s reverse pass put Westerman clean through, and the youngsters powered his way over to the right of the posts, before slotting the conversion.
The Tigers were firmly in the ascendancy and when Rangi Chase slid the ball under the sticks for Sherwin to score, the game looked to be as good as over.
As the game entered the dying minutes, Leeds tried to conjure up one last effort but knocked on when again in a decent position.
Dean Widders sealed the win for Castleford at the end of the game, running through a big hole in the Leeds line and scoring in the corner. Westerman added the extras from the touchline, and the Tiger start Super League XV with a memorable, and deserved win.
Meanwhile, Leeds will be hoping to hit some form ahead of the upcoming World Club Challenge against the Melbourne Storm.

Last season heavy defeats, visa issues and financial problems were the staple diet for the men from Bridgend; but with the dust settled on their contentious move to Wrexham, the welsh club seem to have found stability in North Wales.

The Crusaders in action against Leeds on Friday

A capacity crowd turned up to sample the intricacies and the spectacle that is Super League. I suspect none went home disappointed. The Crusaders were tenacious, enthusiastic and at times creative; forcing the champions into uncharacteristic errors in the first period. At 6-6 at half-time, the shock was alive, but most importantly and definitely belatedly, Super League had finally arrived in Wales. The precedent is now set for the welsh outfit, to be successful on and off the field they need to draw in the same volume of spectators for the remainder of the season. The Sky team, especially Eddie Hemmings, eulogised over the work the ‘Marketing Men’ had done to attract the Wrexham natives to a Rugby League game; and it seems logical that a majority will return for their next home game against Hull FC after the performance on Friday night, but how do they market games against the likes of Harlequins and Salford for example. These are the games the Crusaders need to target fans to attend, the winnable games; watching the team win is the best way of reaching an audience. Celtic managed only three wins last season, a figure simply not good enough for a competition that is trying to improve its standards. Crusaders RL simply have to improve this, not merely for the club and its supporters, but for the future of a Super League club in Wales.

Obviously winning games rests on the shoulders of the playing and coaching staff, and it is evident that the Crusaders are much stronger than last season. The appointment of Brian Noble was the masterstroke by the board that should ensure Crusaders some success, but is also the perfect man to raise the profile of the game in North Wales. Noble is decorated in medals from his time with Bradford and has a tried and tested formula to be competitive and win games; with the right calibre of players they can give more than a few sides a run for their money this year.

The downside though is that only two players in the starting 13 on Friday were descendants of the UK, and even they were English! A Welsh side needs to have Welsh players, i

t gives the fans a niche in which to identify the team as a Welsh Super League club; and furthermore it enhances the quality of the Welsh national side in the long term. The timing of the move and the players available at the time were obviously a hindrance to the coaching staff, and quite clearly their hands have been forced into signing vast numbers of overseas talent, but the club has shrewdly only signed the majority of the play

ers on one-year deals with Michael Witt the exception. This then means that Noble can recruit predominately British, and more pertinently Welsh, individuals for the next campaign and embark on another new chapter in this clubs short existence. Immediately however it should act as inspiration enough to the current players to prove their worth and earn themselves a further contract with the Crusaders or another Super League side.

Signs are encouraging that the Crusaders want to be a predominately Welsh unit though. Only a day after the game it was announced on their website that Brian Noble was planning on talking to the new South Wales Scorpions in the hope that a professional, sustainable link would be forged between the two. The deal should be beneficial for both the clubs and the native players of both sides. Crusaders youth players will get a chance to be dual-registered with the Scorpions, receiving game time and experience of playing regular rugby. Likewise, the Scorpion players will have a chance to impress the Crusaders management and maybe even make the switch to Wrexham, and to Super League, in the long-term.

A sustainable infrastructure seems to have been put in place at Wrexham, even in what has been a very short space of time. Brian Noble has recruited well in all playing positions, and more importantly behind the scenes. In effect the slate has been wiped clean for the Crusaders, a new owner, new players, a new start. Super League has finally arrived in Wales, and the Crusaders are read to embark on their first crusade.

Thirteen clubs will be battling it out to wrestle the Super League Crown away from Leeds

With the Super League XV bandwagon set to roll on Friday night, fans up and down the country will be hoping that this year will be ‘their’ year. Will Leeds make it an unprecedented four titles in a row? Can Warrington realise their undoubted potential and become a real threat in 2010? And will Matt Orford lead a Bradford revival?

All will be answered as the season unfolds, but as we prepare for the first of 189 matches, we can safely say that the 2010 vintage should be one of the toughest and most entertaining Super League’s since its conception. Many clubs have captured the imagination of their fans with the signings of some superstar players. Only a few seasons ago it would have been difficult to conceive the notion that players in the ilk of Matt Orford, Danny Buderus and Craig Fitzgibbon would be plying their trade in this competition. It is statement enough that Super League is a competition of the highest standard.

Super League XV should also see the emergence of some more promising youngsters, the basis of the licensing system. 2009 gave us the likes of Myler, Eastmond and Tomkins; so it will be interesting to see if any youngsters can make the same type of impact this term. Hopefully some of these can be the ones I highlighted in ‘The Emergence of Youth’ blog.

Ultimately with the start of any season, in any sport, the tipsters gaze into their crystal balls and try to predict the winners, surprise packages and flops for the year. Joining the band-wagon here is my club-by-club guide, along with prediction and their key man and rising star.

Bradford Bulls
Much should rest on keeping Matt Orford fit if the Bulls are to show some signs of past glories during 2010. Andy Lynch and Nick Scruton will punch holes in opposition defences, but will a team who shipped 668 points during 2009 tighten up their ways?
Prediction: 8th
Key Man: Matt Orford
Rising Star: James Donaldson

Castleford Tigers
Full with attacking flair and some brilliant individuals such as Rangi Chase and Michael Shenton, Castleford must build on an inconsistent 2009. Have added to their youthful squad with the old-head of Paul Jackson, the Tigers will be looking to improve their consistency. Should be there and there-abouts for a Top 8 spot once again.
Prediction: 10th
Key Man: Rangi Chase
Rising Star: Jordan Thompson
Catalans Dragons
After scraping into the play-off in 2009, but then making it all the way to the semi-finals things look okay for the Dragons. Losing talismanic Greg Bird is a huge blow but they’ve recruited some good antipodean talent once again and should make a big bid for a play-off berth once more.
Prediction: 9th
Key Man: Thomas Bosc
Rising Star: William Barthau

Crusaders
Super League XIV was extremely difficult for the Celtic Crusaders. With a shorter name, new home and world-class coach now at the helm; they should improve on last year and put in some better performances in 2010. Brian Noble will see this as a challenge, but it looks likely they will be wooden spoon contenders again.
Prediction: 14th
Key Man: Lincoln Withers
Rising Star: Lewis Mills

Harlequins
A well-organised side, who in Brian McDermott have a fantastic coach who works the side hard. Capable of beating anyone on their day, shocking Leeds at Headingley in 2009, inconsistency is a big problem for the ‘Quins. A lower half finish looks likely.
Prediction: 12th
Key Man: Chad Randall
Rising Star: Ben Jones-Bishop

Huddersfield
The surprise package of 2009 came on leaps and bounds under coach Nathan Brown. A ferocious defence saw them finish with the best defence in the competition. After also reaching the Challenge Cup Final, seemed to go off the boil a little and disappointed in the play-offs. 2010 promises to be just as positive; and could go one better in the cup this time around.
Prediction: 5th
Key Man: Brett Hodgson
Rising Star: Greg McNally

Hull FC
2010 could be the time to make a more competitive bid for the Airlie Birds. They’ve recruited well in the off-season with Mark O’Meley, Craig Fitzgibbon and new captain Sean Long all joining the ranks at the KC Stadium. With Long pulling the strings they should play an entertaining brand of Rugby and are another who could be a decent outside bet for the Challenge Cup.
Prediction: 7th
Key Man: Sean Long
Rising Star: Tom Briscoe

Hull KR
The Robins had a memorable 2009 by all accounts. A fourth place finish in the league and an agonising golden point loss to eventual winners Warrington in the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup was a big step for the club. Michael Dobson and Ben Galea were exemplary throughout the year, and if those two and other key players can stay fit and maintain form, then Rovers should be in for another positive season.
Prediction: 6th
Key Man: Michael Dobson
Rising Star: Michael Ratu

Leeds Rhinos
The Champions looks as strong, if not stronger, than ever. Adding the likes of Greg Eastwood and Brett Delaney to an already star-studded side, and a fully fit Danny Buderus working in unison with Matt Diskin should see the Rhinos lifting the Super League trophy at Old Trafford again. Perhaps the greatest challenge for the Rhinos will be to build on the past three Super League successes and target the World Club Challenge and Challenge Cup as well.
Prediction: 1st
Key Man: Kevin Sinfield
Rising Star: Kallum Watkins

Salford City Reds
Performed well in their first season back in Super League and recorded an away victory over Leeds and also beat St Helens at The Willows. Shaun McRae has recruited smartly in the off-season bringing in Matty Smith on loan from St Helens to fill the boots of Richie Myler, along with ex-Leeds flyer Jodie Broughton to add some much needed fire power. That said I don’t think they’ll improve on 13th again.
Prediction: 13th
Key Man: Stefan Ratchford
Rising Star: Jodie Broughton
St Helens
The loss of Sean Long would hit most teams hard but only allows the Saints to play Kyle Eastmond is his favoured position. With some players reaching the twilight of their career, this could be a more transitional year for them. By no means written off, but there must be doubts about their ability to perform on the biggest stage after three successive Grand Final defeats.
Prediction: 3rd
Key Man: Kyle Eastmond
Rising Star: Jonny Lomax

Wakefield Wildcats
Write the Wildcats off at your peril! Always seem to do better than everyone expects and with John Kear at the helm, they have a wily old coach who knows just about everything about the game. A fifth place finish in Super League XIV despite some off-field tragedies’ is testament to the team spirit at Belle Vue, but in a Rugny sense I just feel that there are a few clubs better equipped than them this season. That said Terry Newton is a fantastic signing and will give the Wildcats some much needed impetus from dummy-half.
Prediction: 11th
Key Man: Terry Newton
Rising Star: Dale Morton

Warrington Wolves
Could this be ‘their’ year at last? They’ve certainly recruited well in the off-season and have a coach who’s done it all before. David Solomona add some class to an already industrious pack, and the exciting Richie Myler should relish the chance to direct and organise a more talented team. The Wolves should go well if injuries and other mishaps don’t strike.
Prediction: 2nd
Key Man: Adrian Morley
Rising Star: Richie Myler

Wigan Warriors
A new coach in the shape of Michael Maguire and a new captaincy rota are the order of the day for Wigan in 2010. On their day are capable of beating anyone, but slipped up to often under Brian Noble. Maguire has inherited a strong side and with his experiences as assistant at Melbourne in the NRL, and the mercurial Sam Tomkins pulling the strings, Wigan should be a force to be reckoned with is Super League XV.
Prediction: 4th
Key Man: Sam Tomkins
Rising Star: Lee Mossop

Kiwi international Greg Eastwood will be hopeful of bringing more silverware to Headingley this season.

academies, who seem sure to have a big future in the game.  The discovery of these young starlets is obviously essential for the game, and a fantastic product of the licensing system, but fans want to see the big-time players as well.

This close season a number of clubs have captured the imagination of their fans with their signings of some of the world’s leading Rugby League players. Added to the existing array of foreign talent, Super League can expect to see the likes of Greg Eastwood, Matt Orford, Craig Fitzgibbon and Glenn Hall, plying their trade in the competition in 2010.

These imports can only enhance the stature and quality of the competition. We all recognise and accept that the main goal of super League is to create a competitive, world-class breeding ground for English international talent, much in the mould of the NRL, and these top-quality players can help by drawing on all their experiences, talent and nous to further improve the competition in such a way.

The blog normally sees me pick five players on the theme but with the amount of quality brought into the competition this year it was difficult and decided to pick seven players this time around. So these are the seven foreign imports I believe will make the biggest and most eye-catching contribution to Super League as a whole, but also their respective clubs.

Matt Orford – Bradford Bulls

The perceived star foreign import of 2010. The former Manly and Melbourne scrum-half arrives at Odsal with a glowing reputation. A highly skilled ball player, Orford possesses that touch of class to unlock any defence. The Australian’s kicking game is also without fault, and regularly turns the opposition around with astute, accurate kicking.

With the loss of Paul Deacon to Wigan, it seems likely Orford will take over the captaincy at the Grattan Stadium, a role he thrived in at Manly. The Australian captained the Sea Eagles to a NRL premiership in 2008 and a World Club Challenge over Leeds Rhinos in 2009.

If Bradford are to challenge the likes of Leeds and St Helens for honours again this year, Orford will most definitely be the central figure at Odsal.

Greg Eastwood – Leeds Rhinos

Kiwi international forward Greg Eastwood finally reaches Super League this year after spending last season on loan at the Canterbury Bulldogs due to visa problems.

A giant in all senses of the word, Eastwood is powerful, athletic, hits hard and is deceptively quick for such a big guy.  Leeds have been looking for a replacement for Gareth Ellis since his departure and they’ve finally got their man.

With Leeds looking strong in the forwards anyway, Eastwood adds yet more quality to the Rhinos pack.  Expect big things from this young Kiwi, who at 22 has his best years in front of him.

David Fa’alogo – Huddersfield Giants

Another Kiwi back-rower, David Fa’alogo looks an intelligent signing by Giants coach Nathan Brown.  Fa’alogo had his contract terminated in September for allegedly punching former South Sydney coach Jason Taylor, and Huddersfield moved quickly for their man.

Fa’alogo is a versatile second-rower, renowned for his high work-rate and solid defence and will add yet more steel and solidarity to the Huddersfield team who will be aiming to kick on from last years undoubted successes.

Craig Fitzgibbon – Hull FC

A veteran of the NRL, Craig Fitzgibbon represented the Sydney Roosters 228 times is his ten seasons at the club.  He also has 11 New South Wales appearances and 19 Australian caps to his name, and is a stalwart of a back-row forward.

An all-round individual Fitzgibbon runs aggressive lines in attack, is rock-solid in defence and can kick a goal or too as well.  Fitzgibbon will be key to any successes that Hull FC are striving towards this season, and along with fellow ex-Rooster, Mark O’Meley, the Hull pack look more potent than ever with the inclusion of Fitzgibbon.

Matt Utai – Crusaders RL

Maybe a strange pick for some, but when looked at against the raw facts, Utai looks a shrewd signing by the Brian Noble and his backroom staff.  In last year’s Super League, the Crusaders only managed 357 points all season and lacked pace and power in the backs.  Utai comes straight from the NRL where he touched down 71 times in 124 games for the Canterbury Bulldogs.

A pacey and powerful winger, Utai has represented New Zealand and Samoa on the international stage and was named Daly M Rookie of the Year back in 2002.

Utai’s try-scoring ability will be vital if the Crusaders are to improve and progress in Super League XV.

Dallas Johnson – Catalans Dragons

Former Melbourne Storm loose-forward Dallas Johnson moves to the south of France as a replacement for NRL-bound Greg Bird.

Johnson has represented Queensland 12 times and the Kangaroos once.  He is known for his style as a modern day workhorse, regularly averaging over 40 tackles a game.  In the 2007 origin series, Johnson made an Origin record 62 tackles in the 77 minutes he was on the field, and tackle every New South Wales player except Jamie Lyon.

This commitment and enthusiasm Johnson exhibits in every one of his matches will be vital for the Dragons, if they are to build on last season’s stunning play-off display and maybe make it one step further.

Iosia Soliola – St Helens

Yet another New Zealand international, Iosia Soliola joins St Helens on the back of four seasons with the Sydney Roosters.  Primarily utilised in the centres, but also a handy back-rower, Soliola will be hoping to stamp his authority onto Super League.

The Kiwi is a ferocious tackler, and averaged more tackles per game than any other centre in the NRL last season with nearly 20 per game.  He also uses his considerable size in attack to power through defences with barn-storming runs.

At 23, Soliola is open to improvement and Saints will be confident that he has his best Rugby years in the famous red vee.

Richie Myler will orchestrating the strings at Warrington next season

place for an influx of antipodean talent.

We all obviously love to see the likes of Matt Gidley, Brent Webb, Greg Bird amongst others, and this year is no exception with NRL stars like Greg Eastwood and Matt Orford joining the ranks of foreign imports. But the licensing system was put in place to create stability and nurture the younger talent of the game.

It is therefore no coincidence that last year’s Super League became home to some of the most exciting young players of recent years. Sam Tomkins, Kyle Eastmond & Richie Myler are perhaps the most notable of the bunch; three extremely talented half-backs with pace, vision, creativity and a wealth of skill. The success of the licensing system extended with all three gaining England caps; all impressing fans and media alike along the way.

So who are the ‘next big things’ ready to make an impact in Super League XV? I’ve chosen 5 talented youngsters who I think are ready to make a big impression in the Super League this year when called upon.

Paul McShane – Leeds Rhinos

Paul McShane may be not so well known to those who aren’t followers of Leeds, but most Rhinos fans realise that after Danny Buderus’ contract expires at the end of the season, Brian McClennan will be in no rush to search for a new rake. McShane has starred for the academy in recent seasons and is highly rated by the Leeds supremo. He only managed three first team appearances last year but starred when deputising for the injured Buderus and Matt Diskin in a 14-10 win over Warrington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. McShane is quick and intelligent around the ruck, a strong tackler and also possesses a range of kicking skills. Big things are expected of the former England Academy international, and McShane may get a few more opportunities this time around.

Richie Myler – Warrington Wolves

An obvious choice, but this is a big year for young Richie Myler. After starring in his debut Super League season at Salford, and now a big money acquisition for the Warrington Wolves, Myler has the chance to prove to everyone just how good he is, and go some way to justifying his sizable transfer fee. Warrington have a much more mobile and dominant forward pack than Salford, and should lay a solid platform for Myler to weave his magic alongside Lee Briers. With the likes of fellow new-boy Ryan Atkins and flyer Chris Hicks in the backs, the pressure will be on Myler to orchestrate a potent backline at the Halliwell Jones Stadium this year, and build on the Challenge Cup win with some more silverware this term.

Ben Jones-Bishop – Harlequins RL

Leeds loanee Ben Jones-Bishop will spend the year at the Twickenham Stoop, and the full-back looks set for a bright future. A product of the Leeds academy, Jones-Bishop chose to embark on the long road south to work under former Leeds assistant Brian McDermott. Quins fought off stiff competition from other Super League teams to capture Jones-Bishop, who is highly regarded within Rugby League circles. The challenge for Jones-Bishop will be to ultimately force his way into the Quins team and prove to his parent club that he is the heir apparent to Brent Webb. Jones-Bishop has made a handful of appearances for Leeds over the last couple of years and has impressed with his pace, reading of the game and ability under the high ball. When Jones-Bishop gets his chance this year, expect him to take it with both hands.

Jonny Lomax – St Helens

The Saints academy is fabled for producing some starlets of Super League like James Graham, James Roby and Paul Wellens. After making five appearances last season, Jonny Lomax will be hoping to force his way into the Saints line-up again in Super League XV. Originally a stand-off, Lomax was used on the wing and at full-back last season, and many of the Saints faithful feel he may be the heir apparent to stalwart Paul Wellens. Pacey, good under the high ball and with the creative tendencies of a stand-off, Lomax possesses all the qualities to become a mainstay of the Saints line-up for a few years to come. Whether he cements his place this year is questionable, but if called upon Lomax will certainly not let anyone down.

Gary Wheeler – St Helens

Another straight off the St Helens production line is centre/winger Gary Wheeler. Wheeler impressed when called upon last year and reads the game excellently. Expect Mick Potter to have no hesitation in throwing Wheeler straight into the side if any member of the Saints back-line is injured or underperforming. Like Jonny Lomax, Wheeler’s favoured position is at stand-off but his versatility means he can cover a number of positions. A quick pair of hands, good kicking game and an excellent rugby brain means Wheeler will almost certainly be in and around the Saints first-team for years to come.

With these players and other youngsters such as Kallum Watkins, Richard Owen and Jordan Turner also playing in the competition, the future of the competition looks very bright indeed.

This blog is just to showcase all of my Rugby League content that i have published on the Last Tackle website, in my own personal space.  That’s about it! I hope you enjoy

Matt