Super League set for more shocks

SUPER League will become more like its Australian cousin as the salary cap conditions start to bite, argues Oldham coach Tony Benson.

A series of surprise results, none more so than in the last round when struggling Bradford beat St Helens away 34-30 and Harlequins defeated Leeds 21-4 at Headingley, have helped create the most open competition since its inception in 1996.

With Hull KR occupying second place and Huddersfield, Wakefield, Castleford and Harlequins all currently in the top half of the standings, Benson believes that Super League is gradually becoming as hard to call as the NRL.

“Teams will always have days when they upset the odds, but doing it week-in, week-out is very tough,” said Benson who, like Leeds coach Brian McClennan, cut his coaching teeth in the Bartercard Cup competition in New Zealand.

“With Leeds, it appears to be a bit more of a deep-set issue with them losing five of their last seven games so that must be a bit of a worry for them.

“The salary cap does seem to be having an effect on the squads in Super League, whereby if a key player happens to be out there isn’t someone who can automatically step in to replace him.

“Over the next couple of years I would expect the cap to have even more of an effect on the competition.

“It is a fantastic thing in my book. If you look at the NRL, getting to the final weeks of the season there are always play-off places up for grabs and it goes right down to the last game.

“Plus, if teams are always capable of beating each other then crowds should keep coming to games right through the season as they won't know what to expect from week to week.”

Book bus for away days

OLDHAM hope to run a supporters’ bus to Darlington for the Carnegie Challenge Cup fifth-round clash with Gateshead Thunder on Saturday, May 9, depending on demand.

The cost per person is £30 and bookings must be made at the Oldham office on Lansdowne Road, before 5pm on Wednesday, May 6.

The club is asking for fans to make phone calls earlier rather than later. The office number is (0161) 6283677.

There will also be a bus running to London Skolars this Saturday, May 2, depending on demand. The cost is £40 per person and the booking deadline is 5pm tonight.

ROUGHYEDS prop Paul Highton will be guest speaker at the club's Five Alive quarterly lunch at Mario's on Yorkshire Street on Friday, May 1 (11.45 for noon).