1812 Overture

[Graham Las Darrington]

When the finest minds on here were asked to predict the outcome of this match they chose Wigan.
Wigan Warriors 18-12 St Helens

It was a fair result 3 tries to 1. Nerve wracking at the end though!
I wonder what Mr Millward ('goldfish gob' I think you call him PD) had to say for himself. No doubt he was as generous in defeat as usual.


Any of you out there listening to the Wigan Saints match live deserve a medal. I reckon its 5.05 am Sunday in Melbourne as I type this at 8.05 pm Saturday here.

So that's Wakey and Wigan through... both deserving results.
Both to meet each other next weekend at the JJB. Now that should be a cracker!

[Rose Madder]

Who cares what Gold Fish Gob had to say ???
NERVE WRACKING
I haven't seen the cat all day I think it is still quaking in a corner somewhere!!!It made the mistake of jumping up on the desk when I was listening to the game this morning

[Graham Las Darrington]

BBC WRL Website:

Wakefield second rower David Solomona has escaped a charge of foul play and is free to line up in Friday's Super League play-off semi-final at Wigan.
The Kiwi international was placed on report for alleged foul play during the Wildcats' 28-18 win at Hull on Friday.

Wigan Warriors Website:

Wigan hooker Terry Newton has been cleared to play in Fridays Elimination Semi-final against the Wakefield Wildcats after being told he has no case to answer following the challenge on Ade Garner in his side's 18-12 win at the JJB Stadium on Saturday evening

Its amazing how many get away with all sorts the week or two before key matches...its as if the 'men in suits' daren't ban 'em. Yet they come down like a ton of bricks on some other bloke who might have done the same thing in a less high profile situation, or when it suits their purpose. As you can see my point is not motivated by club bias as both clubs have 'benefitted' in this case. Its the principle m'lud!

[Taliesin]

The 'men in suits' do develop a bad case of 'rubbery rules' at this time of the season don't they. Still - In Terry's case it was worthy it just for the predictable response from

Talk about pot callin't kettle sooty face

[Graham Las Darrington]

BBC RL Website:

Wigan expect to be at full strength when they play Wakefield in Friday's Super League elimination semi-final.

Full-back Kris Radlinski is set to return and wing Brian Carney is pushing for a place in the starting line-up.

The Wildcats have a doubt over in-form centre Sid Domic who faces a late fitness test after damaging his calf in the victory against Hull.

Domic is rated at 60% and Rob Spicer is on stand-by. Forward Jamie Field is available after returning from injury.


But while Field has caught coach Shane McNally's eye, there will be no quick return for stand-off Jamie Rooney, even though he has recovered from a knee injury.

"Jamie still needs to do full contact training," McNally said. "Marchy [David March] has done a pretty good job so I don't think it's a real concern."

Wigan coach Denis Betts welcomes back Radlinksi, who took a knock to the head in the win over St Helens, but Carney is unlikely to start.

"He's back in contention, but the way Martin Aspinwall played dictates that he starts on the wing," Betts explained.

Roll on the weekend!

[Rose Madder]

It would be great to see Carney play, but I don't think his injury is healed enough for the style of game he plays , if he does play I doubt he would go the distance
Krii Radlinski would play in an iron lung , apart from being the best fullback in the world he is probably the toughest too !!!
At JJb stadium..I give Wigan a good chance of winning on the weekend


Leeds and Bradford...????????????????? I think I will have to go for Bradford , leaving Leeds and Wigan to fight it out for the rights to the Grand Final

COME ON WIGAN

[Graham Las Darrington]

Fence sitting coming up I fear!
Leeds and Wigan would appear to have the advantage this week being 1) good teams and 2) playing on their home pitches (fortresses).
However given the run of the ball I could see both Bradford and Wakey winning...they are good enough!
The definite winners are the speccies who have got two fantastic games of RL with the current best four British teams playing.
It may be uncomfortable sitting on this fence, but at least I should get a good view from here over the heads of what should be bumper crowds!

[Taliesin]

18 - 14

THAT was nerve wracking stuff

[Rose Madder]

Your not kidding there
The cat has now left home and the dog is packing....
What a sensational player Kris Radlinski is

MOTM and deservedly so !!!!

[Graham Las Darrington]

What an important try at the end for this bloke!
Well done, Wigan. Hard luck Wakefield. They still haven't won at Wigan for 10 years!

[Super Cronk]

GO WIGGGGAN!!!!!!!

[Graham Las Darrington]

-deleted-

[Graham Las Darrington]

BBC RL Website:

Leeds 12-26 Bradford
Bradford smash Leeds' 100% home record to clinch a Grand Final berth.

Aye aye, Leeds look vulnerable again. Bradford hitting form at the right time!
For the Bulls to go to Headingley at this point in the comp and not only beat them well but take their undefeated home record and tear it up...well it certainly sets the cat amongst the Yorkshire pigeons!

So Leeds v Wigan ...cor blimey guv!