Rob's Latest Blog

Super League got off to a real flier last weekend with Millennium Magic in Cardiff. It was the first time ever the concept has been used to kick off the season and it was good to be back under the roof in Cardiff. Most importantly we got the result we needed too.

Opinion seems to be divided about the Magic concept, although it was good to see crowd numbers up. I personally think it is a great start to Super League with all the games under one roof. There were a few injuries and the pitch does get a little slippy when the roof is closed but equally it makes for better games without the cold and rain that tend to accompany matches this early in the season.

Our game was not what you would call a thriller but there were positives for us. We defended very well and I never thought they were going to break us. There is plenty to work on in attack and it will get sharper over the weeks, and I do think that with a bit more skill and better execution we would have been 20 or 30 points up.

Oliver Wilkes and Luke Gale especially played very well with others putting in solid performances, but as a team the result was the most important thing, getting off to a winning start with no major injuries.

From what I saw of the other games I think Huddersfield and Hull KR look strong as well as Wigan and Saints. It strikes me that every club hasstrengthened very well and it is gonna be a very close call this year.

We will concentrate on what we can do and try to improve each week, we know we are not going to get everything right at first but we have to improve on the last couple of years which have not been great.

I am really looking forward to Sunday when we run out to our home crowd at the Stoop for the first time this season. It's going to be a tough encounter against Crusaders who also won their first game under coach Iestyn Harris. Iestyn has kicked on from last year with a good performance last week and some entertaining rugby which is always great to see.

As for news on my testimonial, well hopefully we will have a few dates set in stone for the year soon.I never knew that a testimonial would be such of lot of work for the committee and helpers and I really appreciate it.

Well best dash and hope to see you all at the Stoop very soon.

Purdo