2024 season.

With the new 1895 cup format starting soon. Best get this up early.

SL
Wigan where by far the best team last year, after solid recruitment can anyone get near them. Will Hull KR & Leigh continue on from last year's decent seasons, will the sleeping giants (yes Hull, Leeds and Warrington this is you) wake up. And who will be the surprise package.

Championship. 
This is in my opinion the best league. Genuine competition at the top and for the play off places.  Even the bottom could be as tight as last year.

League one.
Unfortunately not as competitive in my opinion, after the drama of the off season, hard to see beyond Oldham doing what Dewsbury did last year and walking away with it. Competing for the play off places could be interesting. 

NRL.
Can anyone stop Penrith (who've won 4 grand finals in a row).

And what should be a fascinating and great game of rugby league in the World club game as Wigan face Penrith.

SL.

With some serious recruitment I think Wigan will start as strong favourites. The Penrith game should be excellent, they won't have any complacency having lost to Saints last year.

Warrington, it will be fascinating to see how Sam Burgess affects their play. Rohan Smith will be under pressure at Leeds if they don't start the season well.

Championship

Wakefield really should win the competition, they signed a another prop yesterday (Joe Vagana's son), with Daryl Powell at the helm aside from Toulouse I don't see many getting that close. Everyone else, Fev, Fax, Sheffield, York, Bradford, Batley, take your pick.

League One

Agree Oldham really should be miles ahead.

The 1st games in the new 1895 Cup took place last weekend.

The club who probably had the most off season drama Newcastle took the field v York, and got stuffed 114 10.
There were a couple of surprises,  Keighley (last season relegated to league one) beat Dewsbury (promoted to the championship) 35-6, and Oldham beat Halifax 24-20 to make a statement. 
The other ties went the way you'd expect.  Barrow won at Workington 30-6, Featherstone travelled to Hunslet and came away with a 62-12 win, Swinton won at North Wales 40-12, and Doncaster won at Midlands 40-4.

It was also the Challenge Cup RD2.
Congratulations to Siddal, West Hull, Hunslet arlfc, Hammersmith Hills, Wath Brow, Stanningley,  Lock Lane, West Warriors, York Acorn & Thatto Heath. Who won there ties and are joined in the 3rd draw by championship & League one sides.

1895 Cup group stages continued this weekend. 

Couple of noticeable results, Swinton get a great result at home to Widnes 18-6,  to qualify to the next round. As have Barrow who won at Whitehaven 18-12. Batley beat Featherstone 15-14 at home. Bradford get an impressive win at Dewsbury 40-4. Wakefield also win by that score away at York to get an impressive win.  Halifax after last week's lose stuff Rochdale away 52-12. And Sheffield win at Doncaster 22-18.


Next week is the challenge Cup rd3 games.

There has also been a couple of wheelchair internationals.  With Wales beating USA 78-24 in the 1st, then 52-22 in the 2nd 24 hours later.

Wakefield look as predicted to be head and shoulders above the rest of the Championship. York are a good side who have recruited well.

Couple of stand outs for me this weekend, I will be interested to see how Oldham get on at Barrow. Fax v Whitehaven & Widnes v Doncaster should be an indicator of early season form.

Some very interesting results across the weekend. Concentrating on the (IMO) most notable results.

Oldham with an impressive win at Barrow 10 - 22,

Congratulations to York Acorns who win at League One Cornwall (I don't even want to think about the travel time on that but it was worth it).

Siddal put on a great show holding Wakefield 6-6 for 30 mins.

A young York side nearly come unstuck at Dewsbury, winning with a late try.

Nice home wins for Fax (Whitehaven) and Widnes (Doncaster)

Challenge Cup 4th Round confirmed fixtures;

Batley v Rochdale
Keighley v Featherstone
York Acorn v Wath Barrow Hornets
Bradford v Widnes
Swinton v Oldham
Wakefield v Hunslet
Halifax v Hammersmith Hills
York v Sheffield

West Hull also gave a good account of themselves in losing 50-6 to Swinton. 

In my honest opinion this should be when the SL clubs also join, but hey ho.

In terms of the next RD, Bradford/Widnes and Keighley/Featherstone should be good games.And great that York Acorn/Wath Brow means one of them should get a big tie.

This week see's the start of SL, with the game I'm going to the Hull Derby on Thursday, a couple on Sat the rest on Fri. 
And also the last games of the 1895 group stages on Sunday.

Hull KR win the 1st game of SL season, 22-0 at Hull FC. In what was a fairly easy win, and disappointing one sided game for the neutral. 

But being a Rovers fan, suck it you Black & White b******s.

Tonights games.

Leeds start with a solid 22-16 win v Salford. St Helens get what sounds like a comftable 40-4 at home v London.
Huddersfield get the suprise result, winning 16-8 at Leigh.

And the final games of SL rd1.

Sam Burgess 1st game as Warrington coach end is a 16-10 defeat away at probably the most consistent team of the last few years Catalan.
And champions Wigan get a comfortable win at Castleford 32-4.

Agreed, the most surprising result, Giants winning at Leigh. I was disappointed in Huddersfield last week, took a step back from an excellent 2022.

The last RD of the 1895 group stage.

Workington lose the Cumbrian Derby 22-28 to Whitehaven at home.
Bradford hold on in the West Yorkshire derrby at Keighley to win 26-18.
Newcastle lose badly again, this time to Wakefield 110-0 (Wakefield where 64-0 up at ht). Oldham continue there excellent start to the season, beating Rochdale at home 38-12. Batley stuff Hunslet away 36-0. North Wales put in a credible performance in going down to Widnes at home 30-14.. As do Midlands who lose to Sheffield at home 30-16.

Luke wrote:The last RD of the 1895 group stage.

Workington lose the Cumbrian Derby 22-28 to Whitehaven at home.
Bradford hold on in the West Yorkshire derrby at Keighley to win 26-18.
Newcastle lose badly again, this time to Wakefield 110-0 (Wakefield where 64-0 up at ht). Oldham continue there excellent start to the season, beating Rochdale at home 38-12. Batley stuff Hunslet away 36-0. North Wales put in a credible performance in going down to Widnes at home 30-14.. As do Midlands who lose to Sheffield at home 30-16.

The Qauyer-final draw.

Sheffield v Batley, Bradford v Swinton, York v Oldham, Wakefield v Barrow.

Best tie in my opinion is York v Oldham.

Semi final draw.

Winner match 2 (Bradford/Swinton) v winner match 4 (Wakefield/Barrow)
Winner match 3 (York/Oldham) v winner match 1 (Sheffield v Batley).

SL games so far.

Thursday saw Hull KR beat Leeds 22-12 at home, in a game played on a pitch that cut up badly.
Tonight, London Broncos lost there 1st SL home game to Catalans 34-0. And Warrington beat a depleted Hull FC 36-10.

I can't not mention the Nu Brown sending off (Hull at Warrington). Yes players should be protected but really? Games will be abandoned due to lack of numbers if this carries on, madness.

World Club Challenge tonight, good luck to Wigan. They might need it v Penrith who I am sure will have not forgotten losing to Saints last year.

The Beast wrote:I can't not mention the Nu Brown sending off (Hull at Warrington).  Yes players should be protected but really?  Games will be abandoned due to lack of numbers if this carries on, madness.

There is no way on earth that is a sending off, in my opinion its not a penalty.  It's accidental at worst.

In SL 

St Helens get a good away win at Huddersfield 28-0.

In the challenge Cup. 

York Acorn win the amature game against Wath Brow 32-28. And Hammersmith give a good account in losing at Halifax 50 -4.

2024 WINNERS ENCLOSURE.

Congratulations to Wigan who beat Penrith 16-12 to win the World club championship. 
Though the winning try is controversial. It's was good performance.

Luke wrote:2024 WINNERS ENCLOSURE.

Congratulations to Wigan who beat Penrith 16-12 to win the World club championship. 
Though the winning try is controversial. It's was good performance.

Was an enjoyable game, great try saving tackle by the Wigan lad too.

Last SL game of the weekend saw Salford defeat Castleford 26-22.

On the challenge Cup rd4 games.

Batley beat Rochdale 30-14, Swinton get a good win v an Oldham side that had defeated all before them 28-12. Sheffield also get an impressive win 32-16 at York. Bradford loss at home to Widnes 26-12, Featherstone stuff Keighley away 58-14.  And Wakefield score 70 against amature oppents again this time Hunslet ARLFC winning 70-6.

RD5 draw (seriously why are we waiting so long for SL teams, makes the competition uninteresting in my opinion).

Halifax v York Acorn, Widnes v Batley,  Swinton v Sheffield and the big tie (and local derby) Featherstone v Wakefield.

Oakdene wrote:

Luke wrote:2024 WINNERS ENCLOSURE.

Congratulations to Wigan who beat Penrith 16-12 to win the World club championship. 
Though the winning try is controversial. It's was good performance.

Was an enjoyable game, great try saving tackle by the Wigan lad too.

It was, shame it was decided by referee decisions (I don't think Wardle touched it down). But otherwise a thrilling spectacle between 2 very even sides. 

This should be the season opener, at a neutral venue USA, Hong Kong, Dubai wherever),to spread the word of how good rugby league can be and showcase the best of both previous season competition.

Next week sees the start of the NCL leagues.

Last night's SL games.

St Helens stay top after winning 12-4 against Leigh. Warrington beat winless Castleford 30-8. And Wigan return to league action with a 30-16 win against Huddersfield.

In today's games.

Hull KR lose there 1st game of the season, going down 17-10 at Salford. Leeds bounced back from last week's defeat by beating Catalans 18-10

In the 1895 Quarter final, Wakefield take a step closer to Wembley beating Barrow 30-12.

And the last matches that where played today.

In Sl 
A still depleted Hull FC get there 1st win, beating London 28-24.

1895 Cup.

York easily defeated Oldham surprisingly by 46-12, in the semi final they will meet Sheffield who disposed of Batley by 26-10. Wakefield (who won yesterday), will play Bradford who won a tough one against Swinton 21-12.

The NRL semi kicked off today (it full kicks off next week),with the double header in Las Vegas (where there looked a healthy crowd).

Sydney Roosters started there campaign with a 20-10 win v Brisbane. And Manly got a great win v South Sydney 36-24 in what was a great game.

Tonight's games.

In SL.
Warrington win an entertaining game at Hull KR 22-20, were neither side could kick goals, Warrington sneak it by 5 tries to 4.

And in the NRL.
Canberra put in a dominant performance to win at Newcastle  28-12.

Today's games. 

In SL,
Salford cause a surprise winning at St Helens 24-20. Leeds also win, beating a Leigh side that is really struggling after last year 22-16 at Leigh. Huddersfield win at Castleford 50-8.

In the NRL.
Melbourne put on a defensive masterclass in beating last year's champions Penrith 8-0 at home. And Last year's surprise package the New Zealand Warriors lose at home 16-12 to Cronulla.

Today's scores.

In SL.

Catalans continue there strong start to the season beating Hull FC 26-12. Whilst Wigan also continue there goid start by beating London Broncos away 60-22.

In the challenge Cup,
Swinton lose at home to Sheffield 14-12, and slightly surprisingly Widnes also lose at home to Batley 18-14.

In the NRL. 
Parramatta breeze past Canterbury 26-8. And  St George win away, at Gold Coast 28-4.

In todays Challenge Cup;

Featherstone upset Wakefield 14 - 10 in extra time in an absolute mud bath at Post Office Road.

Halifax end York Acorns campaign winning 62-6, another very creditable performance from an amateur team.

NRL, North Queensland comfortably beat the Dolphins, 18 - 43

The Beast wrote:In todays Challenge Cup;

Featherstone upset Wakefield 14 - 10 in extra time in an absolute mud bath at Post Office Road.

Halifax end York Acorns campaign winning 62-6, another very creditable performance from an amateur team.

NRL, North Queensland comfortably beat the Dolphins, 18 - 43

Probably just me, but that picture and the weather send me back to when I first started watching the game. Thought it was a decent game despite the conditions.

Rd 6 draw.

Hull KR v Salford, Wigan v Sheffield, Batley v Castleford,  Leigh v Featherstone,  Leeds v St Helens,  Warrington v London Broncos, Huddersfield v Hull FC, Halifax v Catalans. 

Good to see Batley problem a payday and also potentially a cup upset (though doubtful), the big tie and TV game is Leeds/ St Helens.

Yesterday's games.

In SL.

Wigan continue there fantastic start by winning at Salford 22-12.

In the NRL.

Brisbane bounce back from there opening day defeat to beat South Sydney 28-18.

Tonight sees the start of the championship with 2 big games in Sheffield/Toulouse and Wakefield/Bradford (which looks like a full house),

Friday night's games;

In Super League

St. Helens win a tight game at Leeds 8 - 18

Championship;

Sheffield record an excellent win at home to Toulouse 24 - 22

Wakefield comfortably beat Bradford 42 - 12

The Beast wrote:Friday night's games;

In Super League

St. Helens win a tight game at Leeds 8 - 18

Championship;

Sheffield record an excellent win at home to Toulouse 24 - 22

Wakefield comfortably beat Bradford 42 - 12

Surprised by how comfortably Wakefield won, not surprised they won just ex
Pected it to be closer. Think you could be right with them running away with it.  Still think Sheffield could be the surprise team this year.

In the NRL.

Penrith won 26-18 against Parramatta,  and Cronulla beat Canterbury 25-6.

In honesty I am not. Wakefield IMO are not Leigh of 2022 but they are probably stronger than last year. They have squad depth which Bradford simply don't.

Bradford played a patched up team which would have been worse without the loanees but still.had the back up hooker/stand off at Centre and when Taufua went off after 9 mins no recognised wing. Dan Okoro has reportedly suffered a broken jaw, Lee Gaskell has a hamstring issue, fingers crossed that is not too bad.

Yesterday's games.

In SL.

Leigh win there 1st game of the year, and how. Stuffing Hull FC 54-4 at Hull.. Meanwhile Hull KR bounce back to winning ways with a 24-12 win at Huddersfield. Catalans continue to win beating Castleford 40-14.

In the NRL.
North Queensland win a thrilling game 21-20 v Newcastle.  Melbourne beat New Zealand Warriors 30-26, and Canberra beat a poor West side 32-12.

Just watched some highlights, Hull FC were awful, I really cannot blame fans for booing.

In the NRL, Xavier Coates winning try for the Storm......stunning; Didn't even touch the corner flag.

Today's games,  with the rest of the championship and League one starting. 

In SL.
Warrington brush aside London Broncos in winning 58-4 in London.

In the Championship. 
Featherstone follow on from last week's challenge Cup win v Wakefield,  by winning at Batley 24-20. Batley near neighbours Dewsbury start there back in the championship campaign by losing at home to Halifax 24-10. The other side promoted Doncaster get a great home win 36-20 v York. Widnes are the big winners 44-8 against Barrow. Who's Cumbrian neighbours Whitehaven win 18-16 v Swinton.

In League 1.
Favourites Oldham show why with a big win at Workington 48-10. Newly relegated Keighley get a big win v Cornwall 56-12. Newcastle who have been on the receiving end of some big scores, lose again but with guts at Hunslet 48-12. And Rochdale get a great win at Midlands 38-20.

In the NRL.
Manly win again, this time v Sydney Roosters 21-14. And Dolphins demolish a poor St George 38-0.

Last night's challenge Cup rd6 ties.

Wigan overcome a gutsy Sheffield (who at ht were holding them 12 all), 44-18. St Helens win at Leeds again 20-6. Hull KR overwhelm Salford 40-0.

In The NRL the past 3 days.
Penrith win against Brisbane 34-12. Sydney Roosters win against an abject South Sydney 48-6. And New Zealand win v Canberra 18-10. West Tigers bounce back from last week by beating Cronulla 32-6. Canterbury also bounce back beating Gold Coast 32-0. St George lose at home 24-46 against North Queensland.

Struggling to log in here of late.

Very well played Sheffield, it is a reminder for me what a shame it is there are only 4 lower league sides allowed at this stage. Yes Leeds/Saints is a great game but we had that last week.

Great win for KR over a Salford side who had until last night been proving a lot of people wrong.

More Cup action today.

Leigh beat Featherstone in an excellent game 26 - 14

Huddersfield hammer 50 - 6 (ten tries).  At this stage I am seriously concerned for Tony Smith and a potential mauling at Craven Park on Friday.

Castleford avoid the upset beating Batley (again representing the Championship very well) 14 - 28

Warrington v London kicks off later.

Warrington win 42-0.

Agree, it's dumb that sl aren't in a rd or even 2 earlier. When all championship clubs join, make it a good cup competition again. All SL sides games have been played in the 2 weeks, making it dull.

As for Tony Smith, not sure it will be a mauling, as think they'll raise there game. But think if it wasn't down to img, Hull could have been in relegation trouble. They just don't look a competent side let alone good.

The last challenge Cup game,
Saw Catalans win fairly comfortably at Halifax 40-6.

League 1 games.
Keighley currently top the league after a 58-16 win v Workington.  North Wales win at Cornwall 40-16. Midlands stuff Newcastle 70-16. The only close game saw Hunslet get an excellent win at Rochdale 26-24.

In the NRL
Newcastle get a good win against Melbourne 14-12. And Parramatta beat Manly 28-24.

The Quarter final draw of the challenge Cup. 

St Helens v Warrington,  Wigan v Castleford,  Catalans v Huddersfield,  Hull KR v Leigh.

1st games of Easter weekend have finished. 

In SL.
After a scoreless 1st, Leeds win at Castleford 26-6.

In the NRL.
Penrith win at Sydney Roosters 22-16, in a game that wasn't as close as the scoreline.

First game of the day to report, just before I disappear off, Hull KR win their derby 34 - 10. I have seen a couple of the tries, some good rugby played by KR, FC........in a word........soft.

Anyone around on Sunday afternoon The Sportsman Rugby League channel have Oldham v Rochdale 3pm