Rugby League Semi Finals

This weekend the two Challenge Cup semi finals are played. Leeds drew Castleford. Many may think this the easy draw. Leeds are the aristocrats, the team that won three consequitive Grand Finals in recent years yet a team that grew together, a team that have an intuitive understanding of the three playmakers positions without having to look. A team that are at the tail end of an era that, in many ways, given salary caps, achieved more than any other in recent times. The coach, McClennan left early and McDermott took his place a year earlier than planned. A coach that should never have been chosen. When Leeds play well it comes purely from the players intuitive understanding of each other. They slot together on a scheme that Tony Smith created, McClelland carried on but now the team may as well have no coach. Kevin Sinfield must be regarded as a great of the standing of Lewis Jones, John Holmes, Ellery Hanley. Rob Burrow, a phenomenal player that brings a speed to play and a beautiful creativity that no one of his size has managed in the modern game. Jamie Peacock, without whom the Leeds pack can look weak. And of course McGuire who scores from a vision seldom see before his action. A truly great Leeds that match the Leeds of the late 60s early to late 70s. It has been an honour to witness the beauty they brought us. Now, with Cas to beat before a likely showdown with the reemergence of a mighty Wigan side, the likely final, I fear. This could be this teams last stand. Should they beat Castleford the final could be the last moment of glory for one of the greatest Rugby League teams of all time, or the destruction of a team taken one game too far. What can be garunteed is the greatest sporting events of the weekend. Whoever rises forth from the semis will give their all for the sport, for Rugby League is the greatest game of all; this is beyond despute, only mindless bigots would disagree, no other sport has banned players from returning for taking a mere trial at another game, what did they fear? tell me? only the fact that any player who knew could see that in RU you can hide for half the game, you need not be so fit, you need less skills, Johnny Wilkinson, that RU hero could kick goals, but in League what would you do with him for the rest of the game? his poor defence, his weak tactical game, his innabillity to pass the ball, he would have been a liabillity. and we have shown for a century that League is the superior code, with less money, less exposure. At each turn they stole our defencive tactics, the video ref, now they buy our players. Yet each time you see their mistakes. Andy Farrell was ready for retirement, no RL team would have signed him. Eastmond, now scrutinised prior to his code shift looks flawed. His season has revealed his lackings.
But back to the semis. I hope Leeds win. I believe Cas can beat Leeds as they always raise their game for us. However, I don't feel they can beat Saints or Wigan in the hullabulloo of Wembley where as Leeds can raise their game and, recently, have had something over Saints and Wigan, I don't quite get what. But Leeds, or the vast body of the team have played big finals and won. Should Castleford win I will back them all the way.
Come On Leeds!