Round 8 talking points
10 Aug 2020
Folau inspires Catalans
Israel Folau: phenomenal, remarkable, miraculous. They are just three words you could use to describe the Australian’s performance at Headingley on Saturday.
Catalans Dragons had fallen 14-0 behind to Castleford Tigers and were in danger of a heavy defeat. They needed a special talent to get back in the game; Folau is certainly that. Neat footwork, powerful running and superb off-loading were all on show in an exemplary display from the 31-year-old.
His 60-metre solo effort had Catalans owner, Bernard Guasch, out of his seat. The Dragons supremo knows he has a world-class player on his hands. For all the controversy Folau brings, he might well be the difference maker for Catalans in 2020.
Israel Folau, WOW 😱💪
All the way with pace and power, @DragonsOfficiel take the lead!
Live on @SkySportsRL Arena now #SLCasCat #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/Yvf0c8xXZr
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 8, 2020
No relegation, more freedom
Following Hull KR’s 40-10 loss to Warrington Wolves on Saturday evening, Tony Smith indicated his KR side will play a more expansive brand of rugby for the rest of the 2020 campaign.
No relegation gives a side like Hull KR more security. They were almost certain to be in a scrap to stay in Super League and can now use the rest of the season to develop their younger players and entertain their supporters.
The successful short kick-off from the start against Warrington led to a try in the opening minute. Expect more innovation from KR as the season goes on.
A tale of two coaches
You had to feel for Andy Last. He’s waited five months to finally see his Hull FC side take to the field as interim head coach. In many ways, he’s waited longer. Last has coached at the club in some capacity since 2004 and must have been hugely disappointed to see his team produce a performance like that. Not too dissimilar to their last; the one that cost Lee Radford his job.
Some credit must go to Salford Red Devils. They were simply outstanding. Tui Lolohea and Chris Atkin looked a formidable half-back combination in the absence of Kevin Brown.
Ian Watson continues to work wonders. His ability to get the best out of a small squad seems to come as a surprise to some. It shouldn’t. Every year he learns. Every year he adapts.
Salford might only have four points to their name in the Super League table but, with Watson at the helm, they may yet go on another one of those unlikely runs.
Evalds, unbelievable assist 🤩 @SalfordDevils v Hull FC Live on @SkySportsRL Arena #SuperLeague #SLSalHul pic.twitter.com/4tasDO8HTN
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 9, 2020
Momentum the key
Super League’s new rules have certainly added a different element to the game we all know and love. No scrums and 'six again' has seen quicker games and the ball in play longer.
Another aspect to consider is the importance of momentum. Four of the five matches on the weekend were won by 25 or more points. Wigan Warriors' clash with Wakefield Trinity the anomaly. However, even in that contest, Trinity came from 22-6 behind to almost force an unlikely victory. Further evidence of the role momentum may play throughout the rest of the season.
Now, it may well be that fatigue played a major role in such one-sided contests; going five months without playing a competitive game is a tough ask on players.
But the role of momentum is certainly a trend to keep an eye on as the season goes on.
Grace again
Such is his try-scoring prowess, it is hard to believe Regan Grace was without a Super League try in 2020 heading into St Helens’ clash with Leeds Rhinos. He ended his drought emphatically as Saints thumped their rivals.
We have become accustomed to the winger’s length-of-the-field tries in recent years. He provided two more against Richard Agar’s Rhinos; a spectacular diving finish sandwiched between those stunning long-range efforts.
The greatest hat-trick ever? Maybe. The best we’ll see in Super League this season? Almost certainly.
