The Super League Table Heats Up as the Season Reaches Halfway
As the Super League season approaches the halfway point, the league table has become tighter than ever. Prior to Round 12, four teams – Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Warrington Wolves, and Catalans Dragons – were all tied on 16 points, leading the pack. Just behind them, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils sit just two points adrift on 14 points, showcasing the parity across the league.
However, this close-knit nature of the table has not always been reflected on the field of play. The 2023 Super League campaign has already seen four games with a margin of victory exceeding 50 points, along with several other dominant 40-point-plus wins.
With a full round of fixtures this past weekend and a number of teams dealing with injuries and suspensions, the potential for another blowout scoreline was high. While Leeds Rhinos fell 40-10 to St Helens, that result didn’t quite crack the list of the biggest upsets so far this season.
Rugby league fans have witnessed some truly lopsided results in the Super League this year. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest defeats registered in the competition thus far:
St Helens 58-0 Hull FC
St Helens registered the season’s biggest win, handing a struggling Hull FC side a humiliating 58-0 defeat. The result came in the first game under interim head coach Simon Grix, following Tony Smith’s departure. Waqa Blake scored a double, while nine different try scorers contributed to Saints’ dominant display. The victory saw them reclaim top spot in the Super League table, while Hull remain joint-bottom alongside the London Broncos.
St Helens 60-4 Castleford Tigers
Despite going down to 12 men early on, St Helens produced a remarkable second-half showing, scoring 52 unanswered points to secure a thrilling 60-4 triumph over Castleford. Waqa Blake scored a hat-trick, while Jack Welsby and James Bell both grabbed braces. The Saints’ clinical attack has been a highlight of their season so far.
London Broncos 4-58 Warrington Wolves
Sam Burgess’ Warrington side showcased their attacking prowess, consigning the Broncos to a 54-point defeat at home. Matt Dufty and Josh Thewlis both scored hat-tricks, as Stefan Ratchford set a new record for consecutive successful kicks from the tee.
Hull FC 4-54 Leigh Leopards
Leigh Leopards earned their first win of the Super League campaign, running in nine tries to humble Hull FC. Ricky Leutele and Oliver Holmes both scored doubles, with the latter set to join Hull next season.
Castleford Tigers 8-50 Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield handed Castleford a heavy defeat, scoring four tries in each half. Adam Swift and Sam Halsall both crossed the line twice, as the Tigers struggled to find their footing early in the season.
As the Super League season progresses, the battle for top spot remains intense, with several teams jostling for position. However, the league has also witnessed some one-sided affairs, providing a glimpse into the potential for blowout scorelines in the remaining fixtures.
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