Super League Returns: Weeks 1 to 3 Review

The Sports Lowdown looks back at action in the first three weeks of the 2016 Super League season.

Round 1

The first game of the season saw last season’s champions Leeds Rhinos take on Warrington Wolves, a side many pundits expect to have a big impact this season. Despite Leeds coming from 0-6 down to lead 10-6, Warrington scored the fourth try of the game and held on to secure a 12-10 win. Salford fans would have been hoping for a positive start to the season after several changes to personnel in the summer, but Hull proved too strong at the KC Stadium and cruised to a 42-20 win.

St Helens are another side tipped to achieve great things this season, and a 30-16 win over Huddersfield will do little to dampen expectations. A double from Mark Percival helped Saints win their first game of the season. If Saints are to win trophies this season, they will have to overcome perennial challengers Wigan. The Warriors got their season off to a winning start, beating the Catalan Dragons 12-6.

Hull KR and Castleford played out an exciting 16-16 draw. Josh Mantellato scored two tries for Rovers, but this was matched Jake Webster of the Tigers to ensure the sides shared the spoils. Widnes beat Wakefield 24-16, and will be hoping to push for the play-offs this season. If last year’s bottom side Wakefield want to avoid the wooden spoon, they will have to improve quickly.