Monday 11 May 2015 13:21, UK
The boys are back and ready to tear into each other once more as they go head-to-head with their Super League predictions.
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.
Last year, McDermott pipped O'Connor to the title, and although Terry demanded a recount, he finally conceded that Barrie was the rightful winner.
Let battle commence!
Current standings
BARRIE - 58
TERRY - 62
Terry says: Wakefield could really do with a win. I watched them last week against St Helens and they played well in patches, but the problem for the teams at the bottom of Super League is that they can’t sustain the pressure of playing to a higher intensity. Players think they can take a minute for recovery, and all of a sudden you’re six points behind.
I don’t know what you can say about Hull KR’s performance against Wigan last week. They must have had at least 12 lapses in concentration. Chris Chester will have not have held back in telling his players what he thought about that performance.
I’ve said it on numerous occasions and will never stop saying it: rugby league players are very fortunate and should be honoured to do what they do. To go out and lose 60-0 on live television is embarrassing and they will want to apologise to the fans with a victory against Wakefield.
The Wildcats’ last win came in round two when they were 44-24 victors over Hull KR. As well as owing the fans, the Robins will feel they owe Wakefield a beating too.
Prediction: Hull KR by 18.
Barrie says: Hull KR are boosted by the return of Terry Campese, Dane Tilse and Kevin Larroyer, not to mention goal-kicking winger Josh Mantellato, so they'll be a better balanced team than the one that was outclassed last week.
Wakefield also have players returning so James Webster will have something close to a full side. It's a game both teams will want to win. If the Wildcats lose it's more or less the middle eight for them, while a victory for the Robins will get back in the mix for the top eight.
Wakefield have conceded an average of 49.4 points in their run of 10 successive defeats and that won't help this week against one of the best attacking teams in Super League.
Prediction: Hull KR by 22.
Terry says: There’s a bit of history between these two coaches and these two sides. I said previously on Super League Warm-Up that Rangi Chase’s tackle on Brett Ferres was one of the worst I’ve seen in 26 years of professional sport. I’m one of his biggest fans but I can’t condone that and I completely understand Paul Anderson’s fury.
Salford are going to expect a backlash and the Giants are going to want to give their hosts a battering. The verbal exchange between the two coaches have added even more spice – this game will be hotter than a vindaloo!
I cannot see anything but an incredibly physical encounter and the team that goes on to win this game will be the one that keeps their focus. It’s going to be a good old bash-up and I can’t wait. Both of these teams have the flair and talent to break down the best sides, and I’ve been really impressed with how Salford have performed over the past few weeks, despite their injury problems.
Necks are on the block in this match. It will be a ferocious contest and it all goes back to that tackle. We’ve read Paul Anderson’s and Iestyn Harris’ comments to the media. Can you imagine what they’re saying behind closed doors? Game on!
Prediction: I’ve been really impressed with Salford but they’re up against 17 players who are focused on payback. I’m going for the Giants by eight.
Barrie says: The Red Devils put in a credible performance against Hull FC last week and could have easily won that match, which would have been amazing given all the injury problems they've had.
Huddersfield were awesome against Leeds last week and had they started the game better they would have gotten two points rather than one. Rangi Chase’s suspension has led Paul Anderson to say his team need to be “good physically” in this match. You can read into that whatever way you want, but I believe it will add another revel of competitive edge to an already fiery game.
Adrian Morley, Weller Huraki and Ben Jones-Bishop all come back into contention for the Reds but I don't think it will be enough.
Prediction: Huddersfield by eight.
Terry says: Catalans have only lost one game at home this season and their bench was again impressive against Castleford last weekend.
Todd Carney is back in the Dragons' squad and I hope proves his fitness as his battle with Luke Walsh will be worth the entry fee alone. They would have locked horns in the NRL and both are very talented players.
Only Huddersfield have a better defensive record than Saints this season and they need to bring that down to the south of France, while only Wakefield have a worse record than the Dragons. However, the majority of those points conceded by Catalans have come on the road, and they’re a much stronger outfit on home soil.
Prediction: I’m going to go for a shock here and for Catalans to win by six.
Barrie says: Catalans are an unpredictable side and because of that it's hard to back them, but at home they are slightly more consistent, winning four of their six games at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Saints are in a great place and destroyed Wakefield last week. They lost 42-0 at Catalans last season, and while the Dragons are always capable of producing brilliant performances, I fancy St Helens to take the spoils.
Prediction: St Helens by 12.
Wigan v Castleford
Terry: Wigan by 12
Barrie: Wigan by six
Warrington v Hull FC
Terry: Warrington by 10
Barrie: Warrington by 12
Widnes v Leeds
Terry: Leeds by six
Barrie: Leeds by 10
