Super 8s predictions with Barrie McDermott and Terry O'Connor
Thursday 13 August 2015 20:34, UK
On the pitch, Barrie McDermott and Terry O'Connor liked nothing better than tearing into the opposition.
They may have hung up their boots but that competitive streak still runs strong and we have found a way to channel their energies.
Each week they will give their predictions for the Super League games; they will score one point for a win and if they both pick the winner, then the pundit with the closest score gets an extra point.
Terry has pipped Barrie to the post with his predictions for the regular season of Super League but the overall crown is still up for grabs as we head into the Super 8s and Qualifiers.
Let battle commence!
Results after 23 round of regular Super League season:
TERRY - 115
BARRIE - 112
Super 8s and Qualifiers
TERRY - 7
BARRIE - 11
Castleford v Warrington: 7.30pm, Thursday, Sky Sports 3
Terry says: It's a huge game this for Castleford, because if they win they go six points clear of Warrington but if you look at their form they've won just two of the last four games and conceded 115 points. Last week they conceded two tries in the first 10 minutes but they got back into the game. They won't be able to afford such a slow start against Warrington.
Speaking to a few Warrington fans they didn't seem impressed by Chris Sandow, but I thought he looked pretty good. Defensively he's strong and he kicked pretty well. It wasn't a polished performance but for someone fresh into the team he gave a good account.
Warrington as a team gave very little to cheer about last week, and though Leeds played well, the Wolves have a few questions they will be looking to answer this week. The game itself will be a tough old battle, and there has been a few words exchanged by the coaches which will warm this affair up a little bit.
Prediction: I'm going for a Warrington win here, by 10 points.
Barrie says: Castleford stand fifth on the Super 8s table, level on league points with Huddersfield but with an inferior points difference. Warrington lie sixth but fell four points adrift of Castleford last weekend, and can ill afford to suffer a setback on the Jungle pitch where they were emphatic winners three weeks ago. Castleford were the victors last week against Hull FC with Michael Shenton reminding us what a quality player he still is.
Although they scored a series of tries their defence was not up to the standards of what needs to come in the next seven or eight weeks if they want to go all the way to Old Trafford. Daryl Powell will work with his team to get that number much lower moving forward. Warrington were well short last week against a red-hot Leeds and will again have some soul searching done this week.
One player I admire in the Primrose and Blue is Chris Hill, who has apologised to the travelling fans of last week, and has promised better in this encounter. As Warrington's only remaining ever-present, he'll have shouldered a lot of that burden after playing at 13 last week.
Prediction: Wolves have to put in a good performance this week but Castleford with home advantage just have the edge in this one by eight points.
Leeds v Wigan: 7.30pm, Friday, Sky Sports 3
Terry says: Zak Hardaker had an incredible game last week, to the point that Paul Wellens was on Twitter during the game saying he’s the best full-back in Super League. For Paul Wellens to say that, it speaks volumes. But it’s not just Hardaker who has performed well. The Rhinos made 1900 metres against Warrington and I don’t know any team that’s managed that.
They’ve got the big rumbling forwards but they’ve also got the game-changers who will carve teams up. They’re up against a Wigan team this week who thrive on power. If any of the Leeds players leave their ribs exposed with ball in hand they’re going to get smashed through the advertising boards.
George Williams is a player who has improved every week, and Mickey McIlorum is a hooker that punishes teams the old fashioned way. His battle with Rob Burrow, who is more of a runner, will be fascinating to watch, and will go a long way to dictating the outcome of this match.
Prediction: I can’t see past Leeds at the moment. Not only are they scoring tries, but the way they score them is impressive. I’ve got the Rhinos to win by eight.
Barrie says: Both of these teams earned two valuable points last week and both are learning and evolving each week. Leeds were immense against Warrington and have the best balance to their squad of all the teams at this point. But as we know it's all about October 10th, so the loss of Paul Aiton is a dent in that armour plate. Wigan were solid without being spectacular which is the right pace for the seven-game Super 8s.
Getting just a little bit better every week is the form every team wants. Liam Farrell was Wigan’s best last week and Zak Hardaker was in scintillating form for Leeds, but every player will want to be at their awesome best in this battle of the roses. I sat in both colours and both dressing rooms; it was and still is a huge match that's more about passion and desire than other fixtures.
Prediction: Wigan have won four out of the last five, including the recent 26-24 in round 21, but Leeds will want the run in to Wembley to be unblemished - Leeds to win by seven.
Wakefield v Bradford: 3pm, Saturday, Sky Sports 3
Terry says: Wakefield have been honest about the fact that they have been targeting this portion of the tournament since their fate was sealed at the bottom of the table. They see this as their opportunity for Super League survival.
Last week against Salford they were 10 minutes away from a win. I’ve never seen Jacob Miller play better before and Tim Smith looks very settled. Brian Smith had his hands full when he took on this job but there is no doubt that he’s improved the team as well as some individuals who themselves were under pressure.
Bradford have been the quiet achievers of the Championship. Leigh have been the golden team as far as focus goes, but the Bulls have been piecing together a great campaign while the eyes have been on the Centurions.
Prediction: If Wakefield lose this game it’s a big blow because they’re two defeats from two. I don't think they will though, because they are building and I expect them to win by 10 points.
Barrie says: These Qualifiers are top class games for the avid RL fan. I've been having a couple of fascinating debates on Twitter with some very passionate fans about the timing of games, days they are shown and the short notice of the new format, but this one is why I think this concept is a winner. Last week’s most watched game was the Leigh v Hull KR, where the lower team learned the difference between the divisions and will look to master the lessons from the outstanding Rovers and achieve their potential at the end of September.
The guru Smith entertains his first born - Bullmania was the beginning of what we now know as the Super League. He turned that club into winners during his time there. In the beginning it was a lot like Wakey. One of the game changers for the Bulls was my team-mate in those days, James Lowes, who is now coaching against Smithy - this story has more links and joints than Mr T's neck chain collection!
Prediction: I can't wait for this one. Bradford have won the last five meetings with the most recent one in June 2014 and even though Wakey have vastly improved over the last six weeks it's a Bulls victory by 12.
Huddersfield v Catalans
Terry: Huddersfield by 12
Barrie: Huddersfield by 12
St Helens v Hull FC
Terry: Saints by 14
Barrie: Saints by 18
Hull K R v Halifax
Terry: Hull K R by 24
Barrie: Halifax by six
Salford v Leigh
Terry: Salford by eight
Barrie: Salford by eight
Widnes v Sheffield
Terry: Widnes by 22
Barrie: Widnes by 18
Join Barrie and Terry for a special evening to say farewell to Kevin Sinfield MBE and Jamie Peacock. Click here for details
