It's just that I feel they have too much stacked against them - not just the absence of players like them, but world-class performers like Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis as well. the WCC is also no place for a novice dummy half.

Compare that with Leeds. They have the luxury of being able to field their grand final team, with everyone fit and pretty much bang in form. Since a tough opener against Hull KR, they've made a mess of everyone since. The early season wobbles that we might have expected have been conspicuous by their absence.

That might have a good deal to do with Brian McClennan ditching the old sporting mantra of 'taking it one game at a time.' Instead, he has identified every match as a step towards this Friday. Far from distracting them, it has provided them with a focus that has made them play better.

He's never been frightened to be a bit different, Bluey. Look at the way he drops wingers if they score two tries.

Didn't see Leeds last weekend, too busy watching Bradford put further doubts in my mind about my rash prediction that this could be their season. It was a tremendously resilient display from Saints and the best I've seen from Sean Long for quite a while.

On Sunday, I thought I was going to see Super League's most unlikely comeback until Hull KR came up just short against Warrington after giving them a 28 point lead. It was a bit of a non-event until the last 15 minutes - but what a last 15 minutes.

And Bolton Mets not only beat Cadishead Rhinos but very wisely stayed out of the fight that erupted between two of their players after the final whistle. Rugby League - never a dull moment.