Barba is back
It may have been an unconvincing start to his spell at Saints in 2017 but Ben Barba produced an absolute masterclass in Friday nights’ mauling of Castleford Tigers.
He is pretty much the sole reason why so many people have been tipping Saints to lift the Super League title again in October.
Ben Barba was UNSTOPPABLE for @Saints1890 last night 🔥💯
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 3, 2018
Here's why you voted him as the #ouRLeague Man of the Match... pic.twitter.com/ojxtoi3ey5
Mighty in attack and defence, the 2012 Dally M Medal winner showed his class in scoring twice, setting up two tries plus a plethora of big tackles in Saints’ opening night win.
If the rip-roaring full-back stays fit and can maintain that type of form for the entire season, Justin Holbrook’s men will be strong contenders for more Old Trafford glory.
Walker with a stormer
Still only 18 and already a Grand Final winner, Jack Walker proved why Leeds fans are so excited to have the promising full-back in their squad after a phenomenal performance on Thursday.
Given the nod over Ashton Golding, Walker was deservedly named Betfred OurLeague Man of the Match after time and time again breaking up attack after Warrington attack.
Three big try-savers from @JackWakka1 👊👊👊
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 2, 2018
HUGE Man of the Match shift from @LeedsRhinos' rising full-back last night pic.twitter.com/UpALn4Yne3
Three key try-saving interventions as well as catching, errr, just about every high ball sent up to him, the starlet laid down a huge marker for 2018.
Castleford need a full-back
After Zak Hardaker’s suspension, Castleford have been left in the lurch as they try and find a replacement for the full-back spot.
Handed the no. 1 jersey in pre-season, it seemed as though Ben Roberts had been touted to fill in at the back this season although he visibly struggled in a turgid Tigers performance.
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With a limited pre-season after his World Cup involvement with Samoa and having only played half a warm-up game, Roberts looked off the pace and ended up switching with winger Greg Eden for spells on Friday.
The full-back spot is a key position that Daryl Powell needs to resolve if they are to have a chance at competing at the very top again this year.
Leave the flashy finishes to the wingers
Ryan Atkins suffered probably his most embarrassing moment as a professional rugby player on Thursday as he went for the spectacular finish against Leeds, rather than diving low.
In fairness to the Warrington centre, he took the battering on social media for the split-second decision in good jest. Needless to say he probably won’t be trying any gravity-defying dives any time soon!
Who did this 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/yRiiHGNCmH
— ryan atkins (@rararyan85) February 1, 2018
One player that will be is Wakefield winger Tom Johnstone, who produced two fantastic finishes in Trinity’s big win at Hull KR.
Returning from a knee injury which ruled him out for the majority of 2017, Johnstone will be inspired by talk of an England call-up and a blistering start to this season will do his selection hopes no harm.
STOP IT @TomJohnstone01 😱
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 3, 2018
Bags a hat-trick with some RIDICULOUS finishes on his Super League return for @WTrinityRL pic.twitter.com/6qXzUiBlr2
Don’t go to the Rugby if you’re expecting
Warrington skipper Chris Hill had to leave Thursday’s match unexpectedly early after his wife went into labour during the second half.
It seems as though Hill’s other half couldn’t take the tension of the nervy opening night clash with Leeds as she was rushed to hospital just after half-time.
The prop left the field and made it to the local hospital in double-quick time and was there to witness the birth of his fourth child, who they named Iris, albeit in his full playing kit!
Thanks for all the messages, sorry had to leave early but Mother Nature waits for know one, mother and Iris-Kay doing well 👌🻠@wolvesrl @kathO1985 pic.twitter.com/ewbztZPU3x
— Chris Hill (@Chrishilly1987) February 2, 2018
"I put my trainers on, rushed out and went to the hospital in my full kit," Hill told BBC Radio 5 live. “She was having an assessment as I got there and she gave birth at 22:30 GMT,” he continued.
It was almost a repeat of when St Helens prop Alex Walmsley had to rush away mid-game less than six months ago as his partner was giving birth. Playing away at Wakefield last September, unfortunately Walmsley missed the birth of his first child.
