Well, what a Super League season this is shaping up to be, eh? I know it’s early doors but you would have to say that the truly unpredictable league we have been chasing all these years finally looks to be upon us. Although they would deny it, champions Leeds have clearly got one eye on Melbourne at the moment and, but for a moment of Danny McGuire brilliance in Wrexham, could now be played three, lost three. Saints, though still capable of stuffing anyone on their day, are equally clearly in rebuilding phase, while Warrington are living up to the pre-season hype so far and do indeed appear to be the real deal this time around. Current League leaders Wakefield apart (well done, Wakey – but take heed of Hull last year), perhaps the most formidable looking side of these opening rounds is Wigan. Michael Maguire’s superfit troops remind me very much of Bradford in the early noughties, and we know how that turned out. Powerful pack, talented young players fulfilling their promise, Stuart Fielden running like a train, big men turning fat into muscle, pace and finishing prowess out wide, strong bench…need I say more.
Of the rest, Cas are obviously going to be no one’s easybeats; the Crusaders have a win under their belts which can only do their home attendance good, you would imagine; Huddersfield, Hull and Hull KR all look more than strong enough to challenge; Catalans will turn their two-defeat start around with a bit of sun on their backs. The only three worries are Bradford (who will no doubt kick on once the Manly mafia adjust); Harlequins, who really do need to get their off-field act together – and soon; and Salford. How ironic would it be if Salford lost their licence just as the BBC relocated there? Quite obviously, Super League needs teams in London and Salford/Manchester – so the turning around of those clubs ought to be an absolute priority because their health and vitality is in EVERY rugby league club’s interest. Time for the RFL to direct some apparently much-needed outside marketing expertise towards Quins and Salford? The game surely can’t just leave them to get on with it and hope for the best. The stakes are too high.
All that being said, the rugby league highlight of the H’Annan weekend (not counting Keighley Cougar Cubs U15s’ quarter-final win over Crigglestone in the Yorkshire Junior Rugby League Continuation Cup, that is) was not in Super League. No. It came at Leigh Sports Village yesterday, where Leigh beat Featherstone 36-6 in the Northern Rail Cup. We representatives of Scratching Shed Publishing were there to help launch Mr Rugby League – The Tommy Sale Story. Tommy, for those who don’t know him, is a 92-year-old wonder for whom the word ‘sprightly’ could have been invented. A former scoreboard operator, player, coach – not to mention headmaster and sweetshop owner – he has been a fixture and fitting at his hometown Leigh in one role or other for some eight decades now. His story, written in association with the Press Association journalist Andy Hampson – is an absolutely cracking read; taking in, as it does, not only the Greatest Game, but also events like the Second World War and Tommy’s upbringing in a harsh social environment. Do yourself a favour – Leigh fan or not – and buy a copy. You won’t regret it. On sales at all good bookshops, in the usual places online, or call Ros on 0113 225 9797.
As for the launch – that was a major success too. The club gave Tommy and his lovely family a pre-match function and corporate box from which to watch a victory in which Robbie Paul and big Chris Hill looked particularly impressive. After that, it was on to the Legends supporters bar for a book signing and then, across the way, to a magnificent welcome from Leigh East ARLFC and organiser Keith Latham. More book signing followed, not to mention some very pleasant Guinness (for this correspondent, at any rate). If you haven’t been yet, the whole Leigh Sports Village complex is well worth a visit – perhaps make a date if England play France there, as reported, later in 2010?
