The fourth round of the cup saw high scoring and one sided games for Bradford, Wigan and Saints. Other Super League sides were involved in closer encounters with their National League opposition producing spirited performances; such were the games in Leeds and Leigh. But as all the elite sides except Castleford made it through into the fifth round, the chances of them drawing each other were increased. In fact, there is only one all National League tie in Dewsbury V Oldham. But undoubtedly the tie of the round is St Helens V Warrington.
Both sides lock horns for a rehearsal on Friday in their round twelve Super League tie at Warrington, with Millennium Magic in the middle of the two games. Its been a tough second third for Warrington so far with them failing to win a game in Super League since Easter Monday against Castleford. It comes as a surprise as the big spending club were second leading up to Easter.
But in my opinion it might not be such bad news. History in all of sport suggests when a coach announces he is leaving at the end of the season, the team don’t perform. The one exception I can think of is Tony Smith and last year’s champions. Mick Potter has a lot to prove as a coach who has only lead Catalan to a record tenth place in their three year existence. However, a Challenge Cup final appearance in that time frame suggests good things are being produced in Perpignan.
The remaining ties in the fifth round draw include Hull KR hosting Huddersfield, Wakefield travelling to Barrow, Catalan taking on French exterminators Bradford, Wigan facing Whitehaven, Bottom but undefeated club Widnes hosting Hull FC while Leeds travel to the capital. Unsurprisingly Saints welcome back Ray French in the commentary box while Hull KR V Huddersfield will be televised on the Sunday.
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