What ever games are selected we really don't have much choice as there are only 6 games a week, why can't they show a few championship games to mix it up a bit?

Spot on

Catalans have to master the psychology of playing away with virtually no spectator support. That is the key to them making the playoffs. They certainly have the squad to win some silverware: the Duport-Inu centre combination, with Gigot at full back and with Carney in the halves, should provide some attacking flair; the Catalans pack is strong, and should challenge Wigan's forwards. The talent quality is there for Catalans, but their away mind-set is the crucial variable.

It would be nice if a few St Helens and Warrington fans would come to support Catalans, and thus give the game some decent crowd atmosphere, but I suspect that their interest in doing so is outweighed by the financial costs of doing so.

Because Championship games are of a lower standard of play, and they tend to bore viewers (except for Sheffield Eagles who have Garry Lo on the wing, and London Broncos who have Israel Eliab at five eighth).

poor trolling that, waaaay too obvious.

Gareth.

No real problem with the decision to screen wigan and Catalans. As very close runners up last time, I don't mind casting an eye over wigan second game up.

Probably the same people who put on the same game at the same time last year ?

Personally I'd be happy if they stuck with the same four or so teams each week I hate us being on tv, but hey ho we only have two or three a season to bother you with.

Salford v Saints by the way.

Worse than that, he looks...well... Australian....

I agree about our game v Saints, its been the same for two years in a row, one of the first home games pf the season on Sky and one was 52-6 and the other 52-0 you'd think they'd of learnt their lesson but on the other hand there was a time when Salford v Saints on Sky used to throw up some right classics.

Hopefully third time lucky it'll be a lot closer than a 50 point drubbing.

Saints v Hudds would have been the better choice but I can't see Wigan v Catalans being a walkover, many of the team haven't played a game of pre-season and those that did looked poor against Salford. We are also missing both Tomkins brothers and Crosby. Catalans have a good squad this year and surely their major focus through the off-season will be all about winning away.

the only reason they chose wigan v catalan was they were thinking their mate sam would be playing lol

Surely the reason Wigan v Catalan was chosen is because Sky always show last years grand finalists first up, hence Leeds being on last night.

It will probably be one sided, but you never know. I can understand how they want to show Wigan's 1st home game on Sky, albeit against a side who hardly ever win away from home.

Thankfully Sam Tomkins isn't playing - the eulogising from Eddie that would go on if he were would be truly sickening

Im sure we will get plenty of shots of Sam during the game and plenty of asides from SKY's finest don't worry

Sky games should always be between the closest matched teams in each round.

The top sides should never be on against the bottom aides at home because those games are by far the most predictable and boring with the least atmosphere. Even if it's Hull KR v Widnes (nothing against either of those sides) I'd rather watch that than Wigan v Wakefield.

There's no fun in compete blow-outs. You're better off just watching the soaps on the other side.

Dave Taylor, looks like they have just dragged him out of a nearby wigan boozer! what an athlete.

Jon Wells must have enjoyed it, based on his notes.

i watched taylor a lot when he played for souths. a bit lazy in my opinion and probably a bad trainer - maybe why he does not last long at his clubs. however he is capable of pieces of outrageous brilliance - things a top level half back would do. trouble is they come too infrequently. a very frustrating player

Papuans and New Guineans tend not to be named "Gareth." It's a cultural thing, related to the tropical climate. People named "Gareth" tend to live in temperate and colder climates.

Afaik, Sky have a quota commitment to visit every ground at least twice a season. Thats why in the days before they televised every Catalan home match using the Bein Sports feed, they always physically went to France twice a season but never any more than that if they could help it.

With eleven teams (less Catalan) the quota commitment is obviously easier than when their were two more but to cover that still takes up half the 44 match picks they have pre split. What normally happens is they fill the quota commitment in the initial picks and then they are free to pick whatever they want on Fridays from May onwards.

That should explain some weird looking picks but in order to protect the "blockbuster" games you end up with some odd looking decisions early on.

Can't believe decided to show tonight's non-contest. What were they thinking?!

Great predictions

He was right tbf, it was certainly very one sided.

I actually tipped a Salford win tonight on the strength that I feel Saints' style is heavily reliant on Roby playing, but I still expected a keenly fought contest. My god Saints were poor, one of the most abject displays I've ever seen from a so called top side. We all know they are a far better side than that, but there are too many average players in that side for them to be proper contenders Imo. I don't like that back line at all.