The big event of round one is not the opening game. Wigan will safely dispose of Widnes.

The big event is Friday night's game between St Helens and Catalans. It pits the 2014 champions against the rejuvenated would be champions, with the latter having acquired an exceptional talent in Todd Carney.

Nobody should assume that Catalans will be in their best possible form, given the fact that Carney has not had any professional games in which to gel with his team. However the match offers the possibility of some exciting attacking play, which will raise the standards we will come to expect of Super League in the Carney Era.

Don't be so sure that 'Wigan will safely dispose of Widnes'.

Not if it's -1 with swirling snow which is often the case in the opening couple of rounds.

Had it been in France I would agree. Sadly the Dragons away form has generally been atrocious, especially early on in the season. They struggled last year and they've not really added anyone of note this season to change that.

Do Catalans not have their own forum?

As a neutral there are plenty of interesting picks this weekend.

Huddersfield v Hull FC (no idea)
Hull KR v Leeds (no idea)
Wakey v Cas (Probably most passionate tie of the round)

Not sure where Catalans come in as would be champions unless that tag applies to all but Saints this year.

It will be an interesting game for sure. But could be a onesided affair if Catalan have their usual slow start to the year and their usual away form.

Best match of the first round? Until it actually happens, I would ask to see your crystal ball. It could be a complete bore fest for all we know

I agree that if it's snowing, then the game could be a fizzer. It might have to be called off!

I can actually see Saints blowing Catalans away in this. Building up to the big WCC game and on a high still after a shock GF win and with genuine half backs in place.

So no, the answer is probably not.

I'm looking forward to seeing how Catalans go in this geam, unlike last season most of their players have had a full off season so hopefully they'll have a better run with injuries. However, I too think Saints will have too much for them, but at this point it's very difficult to predict how the games will go.

I think all 6 games will be close run affairs. Could even be some shocks in round with wins for Widnes, Salford and Hull KR.....

A win for Hull KR would be great for the competition. However I think that we will have to wait until round 5-7 before we see the full impact of the club's new acquisitions. The same point applies to Catalans.

yes.

Maybe one of the mods could have a word with the faux frog then and remind him.

The thread is asking about all the games of the round. No need to make something of this that isn't there.
The opening poster has every right to chose his opinion on the subject as well as ask the question

No it's not, it's yet another thread about Catalans by someone who seems to get his kicks by pretending to be French.
No issue with his pretence, each to their own, but the last thing the VT needs (aside from an RU derailment) is yet another thread about Catalans.

You as a mod defending him, after you locked the 2nd thread in barely 3 weeks complaining about a couple of posters on here and the way this place is moderated, speaks volumes though.

A few threads ago, in the context of promoting the prospects of Hull KR in 2015, I talked about the Big Four. I specified that the Big Four consisted, IMO, of Wigan, Warrington, St Helens, and Catalans. That group was the final four in 2014. Obviously I don't rate Leeds in that category. What a shame that a certain Loiner has taken my opinion, downgrading the Rhinos from the top echelon, so personally.

So you want it moderating or not?
He has a right to start a thread. If it is so bad, no one will comment and it will drift away.
Seems to me it's a discussion.

Your opinion of 'the big 4' if such a thing exists, is i would wager a far cry from what other most other sane fans here would consider it to be, and to suggest Catalans are part of it just because they nicked into the top 4 in a system that no top side has given a poop about for the last few years is nothing more than fantasy on your part or clear WUM'ing and attention seeking so Loiner has a valid point towards you.

FYI During the SL era the big 4 has consisted of 3 consistent members who have picked up the trophys that being Wigan, Saints and Leeds. Bradford were the other member of the 4 for a good decade until there demise and their place has recently been taken by Warrington.Huddersfield and Catalans have the potential to gate crash this in coming seasons but until they start making finals and lifting trophys they will still be members of the 'also rans' i am afraid.

Catalans have made the playoffs several times. Twice they have made the final four, only to be beaten at the last attempt in the penultimate playoff by the eventual competition winners, St Helens. This year the club has strengthened its ranks considerably by the signing of Todd Carney. I believe that on paper at least, and based on last year's end of season performance, they are entitled to be considered Big Four members.

However we won't be certain of this, either way, until June probably.

For once Jean, you're talking sense. I'm looking forward to the game tomorrow night, but the tie of the round is Saints and Catalan for all money. Fancy Catalan to nick it too.

Could care less about your opinion but I really can't say I even noticed, that you don't rate Leeds, in amongst the 1000 other threads you started this week.

Do feel free to stop boring us all senseless and start some Catalans threads on the Catalans forum some time soon, that is why it's there afterall.

I never understand why people wind themselves up.

Personally there is nothing against the AUP in this thread. Well there is slight questioning of a moderator. But if there is someone you don't want to see just use the ignore function.

I have had gutters on ignore for a week or so now and it makes life all the more pleasant.

Use ignore and carry on.

I have him on ignore but this thread is still listed in the forum and it doesn't say who started it.

Please advise.

Nothing to see really, just a bit of griping over the pretend frenchman starting another Catalans thread. It will all settle down once the league starts and there is actual Rugby to talk about, most people take a sabbatical from forums during the winter.