Set of Six: The big talking points from the world of Rugby League
Monday 17 August 2015 14:44, UK
A last-gasp drop goal, hat-trick heroes and an impossible dream... we look at the main talking points from round two of the Super 8s.
‘Woeful’ Saints lose three on the bounce
St Helens went into this weekend's match against Hull FC looking to kick-start their Super 8s campaign following a 26-26 defeat to Catalans Dragons in round one.
However, the reigning Champions were left shell-shocked as their opponents ran out 32-22 victors.
Things looked to be going the way of St Helens in the opening period and they went in at half-time 16-6 up.
But the visitors came roaring back in a five-try second-half, with Tom Lineham, Joe Westerman and Jamie Shaul all crossing before a late brace from hat-trick hero Curtis Naughton sealed the victory for Hull.
The loss signalled three defeats on the bounce for Saints and led coach Keiron Cunningham to describe his side’s performance as “woeful”.
He said: "I've often said how proud I am of the players this season but I am embarrassed tonight. Some people are earning big money here but they can earn big money and sit in the stand.
"Reputations go straight out of the window now and I will have to give serious consideration to who is around next year.
"There are no words in the vocabulary to say what the second half was like. I never gave up as a player but that was woeful."
Finn drop seals the deal for Cas
A 79th-minute drop-goal from Castleford’s Liam Finn gave the Tigers a thrilling 17-16 win over Super 8 rivals Warrington.
Castleford looked to have sealed the victory as the game ticked into the final five minutes but Warrington wing Kevin Penny coasted over in the corner three minutes from time before Chris Sandow added the extras to tie the game up.
Warrington hammered the home side 44-6 just three weeks before but Finn’s last-gasp drop at goal gave Castleford the victory, extending their lead over fifth-placed Wolves to six points.
Hot stepper Chase inspires Devils
Salford’s big-named players have come under-fire for their performances this season, with many being accused of going missing during games.
But for the second-time in two week’s Salford’s Rangi Chase has grabbed the headlines for all the right reasons.
Two-try Chase was in inspired form for Salford, who avenged their shock Challenge Cup defeat at Leigh in April with a 46-18 win over the Centurions on Sunday.
Chase produced a touch of magic to sidestep his way over straight from a scrum early in the second half but it was solo second-half effort that stole the show, leaving flailing defenders in his wake.
Hat-trick heroes
It was raining hat-tricks in the Super 8s this weekend with Josh Mantellato, Curtis Naughton and Stefan Marsh all starring.
Mantellato inspired Hull KR’s 34-12 win over Halifax with his 22 points settling a scrappy contest at the KC Lightstream stadium.
Marsh notched two scores in three first-half minutes and an easy effort three minutes from time as Widnes overpowered Sheffield in the qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Naughton helped Hull overturn an 18-6 half-time defecit to triumph against champions St Helens.
Struggling Sheffield
Sheffield finished third in the Championship season with 16 wins from 23 games, however the Eagles have failed to transform that from into the Super 8 qualifiers.
They currently sit in eighth position in the middle 8s and have conceded 90 points in the first two games.
Sheffield have given their all in both matches so far and provided frequent glimpses of their capabilities however the gap between part-time Eagles and their full-time Super League opposition is proving too great.
Promotion an impossible dream
Leigh boss Paul Rowley admitted Championship sides were finding promotion to the Super League "an impossible dream" after a 46-18 hammering at Salford.
In round one, the Robins, who had won their previous 31 home games, lead Hull KR 24-6 at half-time but five unanswered Hull KR tries after the break prevented them from earning another Super League scalp.
The Championship leaders followed their home defeat by Hull KR with an eight-try mauling by Salford.
Speaking after the defeat, head coach Rowley said: "The Super League club's finances have a bit to do with it but it's proving an impossible dream at the moment for championship clubs."
