Leigh Centurions have extended their unbeaten run to a whopping 25 matches, after a stunning come-from-behind victory against Wakefield.
This fixture pitted the bottom of Super League against the best of the Championship and was a true indicator of Leigh’s credentials in the top flight.
The Wildcats took a 22-0 lead and looked like they would finally arrest their demons. But the Centurions have forgotten how to lose a game. There was no sign of panic as Leigh battled back to win 36-30.
They are the last Championship side alive in the Challenge Cup and are set to take on Warrington in the quarter-finals.
Rovers make amends after thrashing
Hull KR has avenged its 60-0 thrashing at Wigan a fortnight ago, with a thrilling 16-12 win over the Warriors. Wigan held a narrow lead eight minutes from full-time and looked set to make the quarter-finals, but was stunned after former Parramatta winger Ken Sio leapt onto a loose ball to score the match winner.
Terry Campese, who was absent during the thrashing two weeks ago, provided a calming influence and led his side to victory with smart kicking and dominant passing. Campese is well suited to the English game – with more time and less pressure he is able to produce the vital plays.
Partnered with enigmatic halfback Albert Kelly, the former Raiders pivot has been a huge part of Hull KR’s resurgence. The Rovers will face the unpredictable Catalans Dragons in the quarters, after the French side overcame a huge scare against Championship side Featherstone Rovers, 37-32.
The Dragons scored two late tries to avoid what would have been a major embarrassment.
Vikings hold off brave Bulldogs
Widnes will take on local rivals St Helens in the quarter-finals after a precarious win over Championship side Batley Bulldogs. The Vikings were up by 20 points early in the second half, but the Bulldogs fought back to trail 26-22 with 12 minutes left on the clock.
Last weekend’s Challenge Cup ties saw one Championship side beat a Super League side, as well as two shaky wins for the Vikings and Catalans. This showcased what might be in store for the Super 8s at the end of the season. There could be one or even two new sides in Super League for 2016.
King Kev makes triumphant return
There was no denying Kevin Sinfield’s influence in Leeds’ 48-16 victory over Huddersfield Giants. Sinfield was recalled into first grade after being dropped from the Rhinos’ last two games, in which Leeds struggled to gain a victory.
Leeds are the current Challenge Cup holders after breaking a 15-year drought over the Castleford Tigers in 2014. Despite their dominance over Super League in the past ten years, the Challenge Cup continued to elude the Rhinos – who made it to six grand finals with no success.
Leeds will travel to the KC Stadium to take on Hull FC in the quarter-finals, after the Airlie birds tore apart the 2014 runners-up Castleford Tigers 40-16.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Do these structural changes mean that Sky Sports will up their media deal with the league? Or are the amounts set in stone until the end of the media contract?
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
The only way to stop the Centurions' run is to bring in Asterix and Obelix. Just saying.
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
They are introducing a Super 8's, where the bottom four of super league take on the Championships top four in a round robin. This includes a playoff match between teams 4 and 5 at the end of the round robins. You're right about England needing to be successful on the international stage though, this would garner a lot of interest from non diehards, kind of like how the world cup did.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I don't understand how promotion and relegation can be good for the long term though. I understand that it can lift the intensity and pressure of each match but financially, geez, it must be hard. I suspect that some of the weaker foundation clubs are going to have to start acting as feeder clubs for the strong clubs. Like I said, England winning the Four Nations or the World Cup would do more for the code than anything else I can think of. And I think they can do it too. But I suppose a lot will depend on this year's Test series against New Zealand.
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
Well the number 1 ranked side in the world is heading over there. I've noticed there have been a few more upsets this year in Super League. It's only really Wakefield that is the basket case this season and this is why P/R will be great for the game over there. Maybe eventually we will find a team not from the traditional areas of RL in England move up the ranks
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
I understand, fair point - we need our UK correspondent Andy Sharpe to facilitate. Superleague has really only had 3 or 4 genuine contenders for a while but the list of worthy competitors looks to be growing. And with the growing number of quality English imports on the rise in the NRL I think the Poms and UK Super League have plenty to look forward to. As we've discussed previously, an Ashes series in the UK now would be another timely boost for UK league. Thankfully the Kiwis have locked in a three Test series - I'm really expecting a successful series that translates to a timely kick up Aussie leagues backside.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I suppose but I've got it in my head that the success of the national team will determine to a large extent the success of the domestic league. And if there is a way of up the quality and intensity of that league so as to service the talent for the national team, then I think it ought to be done. Later, once there is reasonable success, expansion can be brought up again. Just a thought.
Jason Hosken
Guest
So there can be more underdog stories from the minor leagues... They need to grow the comp.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
On a side note, I'm really starting to think that the Super League ought to rationalise down to a maximum of ten professional clubs. Just saying.
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
Warrington's going to be a tough assignment for them I think, although the Wolves have had some serious lapses this year. Losing games they shouldn't have. Wakefield weren't even that bad on the weekend, it was probably still the best they've played in a month.
Jason Hosken
Guest
No Centurians report is complete without referring to Fuifui Moimoi! Other reports suggest he paved the way. I like the Challenge Cup for these annual underdog stories and look forward to the next Leigh chapter.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
It seems that when Sinfield plays, Leeds are a very different outfit. How good would it be to see Leigh make it to the semi-finals? I'm sure the stats man can confirm it either way but surely Leigh's consecutive winning record must be just that, some kind of record? As for Wakefield, just wow.