Super League Power Rankings (March 22): Red Rose dominate as Vikings lead way

Red-hot Widnes Vikings are suddenly looking capable of '˜doing a Leicester' after Wigan Warriors became their latest victims, a victory which put Denis Betts' side top of The Yorkshire Post Power Rankings as well as Super League.

So much can change over the hectic Easter period, however, and with Warrington and St Helens coming up it this weekend it should be fascinating to see how they progress.

Elsewhere, there were welcome wins for Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC and, more than anyone, Hull KR as they all head into the holiday season in better fettle but there are concerns for Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers after worrying displays from each.

Rankings:

Widnes Vikings' Matt Whitley takes on Wigan Warriors' Matty SmithWidnes Vikings' Matt Whitley takes on Wigan Warriors' Matty Smith
Widnes Vikings' Matt Whitley takes on Wigan Warriors' Matty Smith
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1: Widnes Vikings (+1) - It takes something special to knock Warrington Wolves off the rankings top spot especially after Tony Smith’s side were so brilliant when thrashing Castleford 56-12. However, Super League leaders Widnes’ 18-12 win at Wigan was arguably even more impressive as they faced their biggest challenge yet and successfully overcame it inflicting the Warriors’ first home league defeat in fully 21 months and coming from behind to do so, too.

2: Warrington Wolves (-1) - Slipped a place but through no fault of their own. Scored some sublime tries in that resounding victory over Castleford when Chris Sandow earmarked himself as an early candidate for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award. The only side remaining with a 100 per cent record, it is all set for a classic showdown now with Super League leaders and derby rivals Widnes on Good Friday.

3: St Helens (no change) - Came unstuck at Leeds as their three-game winning run came to an end but showed great spirit to get back into the game and make a real fight of it. A massive Easter for Keiron Cunningham’s side - Wigan arrive for their Good Friday derby and then it’s off to leaders Widnes on Easter Monday.

4: Wigan Warriors (no change) - Finally saw their proud record at home ended by surprise package Widnes as Shaun Wane’s men slipped to their first league defeat at the DW in nearly two years. What better way to get back on the proverbial horse - Saints away in the derby. Teams that side of the Pennines are really doing the business and with that and the Wire v Widnes encounter, Good Friday is potentially Great Friday.

Widnes Vikings' Matt Whitley takes on Wigan Warriors' Matty SmithWidnes Vikings' Matt Whitley takes on Wigan Warriors' Matty Smith
Widnes Vikings' Matt Whitley takes on Wigan Warriors' Matty Smith
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5: Catalans Dragons (+2) - What is going on with Catalans with two away wins before Easter? The victory at Huddersfield is a big step in the right direction for them as they look to finally banish those away day blues something they will be confident of continuing at Salford on Good Friday. Ironically, though, they’ve been losing a few at home, something they will look to address when Castleford fly in on Monday.

6: Hull FC (+3) - Had to respond following that Widnes debacle and they did with victory over Wakefield. Wasn’t pretty but that matters not one jot and the switch of Carlos Tuimavave from centre to stand-off certainly looks like the right decision from Lee Radford. The derby next. Who knows what will happen there but FC must realise they have a glorious opportunity to move up a gear.

7: Salford Red Devils (-2) - Their defence was utterly non-existent and embarrassing during the first half at previously winless Hull KR when spineless Salford shipped five tries with barely any resistance. Granted, they came to life to make a game of it but a big step back for Ian Watson’s side who will clearly miss injured stand-off Robert Lui in the weeks ahead.

8: Castleford Tigers (-2) - Where did that come from, then? For all Warrington were superb in attack, no one expected Castleford to surrender quite so meekly as they did last week. Three defeats on the bounce for Daryl Powell’s side. Leeds Rhinos ‘darn t’Lane’ on Thursday has rarely been so big.

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9: Leeds Rhinos (+1) - Defeating St Helens, and without Danny McGuire, too, after his return was delayed, was a huge fillip for Brian McDermott’s side. Rarely have they needed a win more and, now they have, they will hope to advance further with Castleford and Wakefield coming up over Easter. Hopefully captain McGuire will return from knee and calf injuries for at least one of them.

10: Hull KR (+2) - How good were Rovers in that first half against Salford? Leading 30-6 and having completed at 100 per cent, the vision of what James wants to achieve was clear. Obviously, the second period was a different matter but they picked up their first win of the campaign nevertheless and, with Albert Kelly and Shaun Lunt possibly returning, they will now be in fine spirits for the derby.

11: Huddersfield Giants (-3) - One step forward, three steps back for Huddersfield. Having at last won a game against Wakefield, Catalans at home was a great opportunity to build but they messed it up royally. Set to lose Joe Wardle to a ban after his red card and concerns over Eorl Crabtree’s fitness after that ugly Krisnan Inu tackle, they simply must win at Wakefield on Good Friday or top-four hopes could already be gone.

12: Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (-1) - Positive signs in the defeat at Hull but no win for new coach Chris Chester who faces an arduous Easter with embarrassed Huddersfield surely stepping up on Good Friday and then heading to the champions Leeds Rhinos on Easter Monday. Has spoken of making a signing and could do with an injection of fresh personnel sooner rather than later.