Super League Power Rankings: Worrying times for powerhouses

Catalans Dragons, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are the big movers in this week's Yorkshire Post Power Rankings and rightly so after their stunning wins over Hull KR, Widnes and Wigan, respectively.

Hull FC remain out on top, however, after a fifth win on the trot, earned even without brilliant captain Gareth Ellis - a sign of their depth of talent.

At the other end, there is no move from the bottom two for ailing Huddersfield Giants or Leeds Rhinos, signifying just how worrying these times truly are for the traditional Yorkshire powerhouses.

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1 Hull FC (no move) – Five wins from five now and, in the current climate, who would bet against red-hot Hull making that six when they travel to Headingley on Friday? Lee Radford’s side weren’t at their best in defeating Huddersfield Giants last week but, the difference now is, they don’t have to be. Marc Sneyd and Jamie Shaul are two of Super League’s finest at the moment and their pack is so effective.

2 Catalans Dragons (+2) – The French side move up two places after their 40-0 annihilation of Hull KR. The first time I’ve seen them live this season, they were hugely impressive. And that’s without Todd Carney who could return this week. Catalans have all the attributes to challenge this year, especially as they have conquered winning away and also given the fact Leeds and Huddersfield - two consistent top-four operators - look almost certain to miss out and open up some gaps.

3 Castleford Tigers (+2) – Given Wakefield’s heroics against Wigan, Castleford’s win at Widnes lost some column inches on Sunday. However, having battled back from 18-0 down to win on that artificial pitch, and with many players still injured, it was another notable feat for Daryl Powell’s side. And yet another hat-trick for the prolific Denny Solomona.

4 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (+2) – Plenty of people were rubbing their eyes in disbelief, checking and re-checking their phone, tablet, computer (delete as appropriate) on Sunday after that utterly unbelievable 62-0 rout of Wigan. The Warriors had their problems, no doubt, but Wakefield were sublime as Chris Chester’s revived side racked up a fourth successive win. Breaking off for Challenge Cup duty against Sheffield Eagles on Friday but watch this space - they will be back entertaining in a Super League game near you soon.

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5 Warrington Wolves (-3) – Saw their unbeaten home record ruined by fierce rivals St Helens as Warrington quickly discovered life without crocked Chris Sandow is going to be tough. Not only missed Australian half-back’s creativity but his goalkicking, too, as Wolves scored five tries but converted only once in a 25-22 defeat. They should get back to winning ways at Huddersfield on Friday - unless Super League’s bottom club finally find a win.

6 Wigan Warriors (-3) – Illness or no illness, lose 62-0 at Wakefield, or anywhere for that matter, and you will tumble down The Yorkshire Post Power Rankings. Wigan had to do it tough against Chris Chester’s in-form Wildcats, missing 10 first-teamers in a record Super League defeat. With in-tune Castleford Tigers arriving on Friday, it could be a costly week or so for Shaun Wane’s men.

7 St Helens (+1) – Probably deserve to move up more than one place after a terrific win at leaders Warrington. Keiron Cunningham was forced to give some youngsters their chance and they repaid him by the bucketful. But, also, how good was Theo Fages? The French half must now get a regular run in the Saints side.

8 Salford Red Devils (+2) – There was a time everyone hated seeing Leeds Rhinos in front of them but Salford became the latest side to swat the champions away. They needed a win, too, after some inconsistency of late but the return of stand-off Robert Lui saw an instant improvement.

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9 Widnes Vikings (-2) – Even the return from injury of talisman Kevin Brown failed to prevent their slide. Looked like he had never been away as Widnes raced into an 18-0 lead against Castleford. But to lose from there - and at home, too - it is understandable why Denis Betts was so miffed.

10 Hull KR (-1) – Will be glad of a break from Super League this weekend when they take on Oldham in the Challenge Cup. Utterly out-played by Catalans Dragons when losing 40-0, they need to get that out of their system as soon as possible. Should also give them another week to get more first-team players ready for their next league match at Castleford.

11 Huddersfield Giants (no move) – Competitive for so long at Hull FC but that has been a common theme this term; good in spells only to lose out. Confidence seems at its lowest for some time with even their England players showing the strain. Life doesn’t get any easier with leaders Warrington in town on Friday. Paul Anderson badly needs his side to deliver.

12 Leeds Rhinos (no move) – Having equalled their worst start in 20 years of Super League by losing at Salford, the pain is not easing for Brian McDermott’s side. Eight losses from 10 games says it all. Already 10 points adrift of the top four, Leeds are genuinely in a real fight to even make the top eight. Huge game against Hull FC on Friday.