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Taking one step back to move game forward
NOW for a dose of reality: Despite all the close games and a surprising league table, Super League's standards have been lowered rather than raised.
Aside from the usual two-horse race that is emerging at the top of the table, many coaches still ask first of their opposition: 'how can we stop them scoring?'
Instead of wondering how best to break down the defence in front of them, the starting point for too many teams in Super League remains one of inert cautiousness.
West Yorkshire is blessed that Castleford – and to some extent Wakefield – are two of the few teams who believe attack is the best form of defence.
But there is surely cause for concern when some of those who make up the top eight have been good enough to earn play-off positions despite being tediously dull to watch.
That 13 of Super League's 14 teams are still fighting for places in the top eight shows that the competition is more even than ever before.
An increasing number of games are being decided in the final few minutes but fewer matches are offering genuinely excellent fare to watching neutrals.
Sunday's match at Belle Vue was a case in point. Wakefield beat Harlequins 20-18 thanks to Danny Brough's touchline conversion after the hooter had sounded, but the quality on display had not compared to the exciting finale.
John Kear described Trinity's performance as "scratchy" and Brian McDermott made clear that he was far from astounded with the merits of his Harlequins side.
That some of this is the product of a reaction to England's World Cup fiasco seems undeniable.
Play-the-balls have noticeably slowed this season but there are not enough technically capable players able to work their way through defences that are being given longer to prepare.
Other mitigating factors include the introduction of two extra teams into this year's competition, a decision that required another 50 players to be added to Super League's ranks.
There were already professionals languishing in the lower reaches of the top flight who were clearly never good enough to make it to the very pinnacle of the domestic scene. Now the talent is spread even thinner.
However, there is reason to believe that we are in the process of taking one step backwards in order to advance forward two.
Longer, and more professional, coaching of the country's best youngsters should, if the mentors are good enough, result in a greater pool of talent coming to the fore.
As should rugby league's geographical expansion, with children in London and Wales now actively engaged in a sport that has been alien to previous generations. Tony Clubb and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook show what is out there, providing the time is taken to find and nurture it.
Consider, too, the consequences of the salary cap, of which it is believed eight clubs are now spending their full 1.65m allowance.
As time goes by it is hopeful – and indeed likely – that Super League will ascend to greater heights than it has reached before. If we are to ever have any chance on the international stage, it needs to.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Sunday 12 February 2012
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Light rain
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