Spedding 'left cold' by season opener

Bringing you the verdict on the first game of Super League XII in the company of the man himself, this website can bring you exclusive insight into the thoughts of Rugby League superstar Richie Spedding as we watched St Helens start the defence of their title at Huddersfield.
The big talking point was the new interpretation of the obstruction rules. Spedding was critical of the officials. "I don't know whether it was Ashley Klein operating on his own initiative or an edict from Red Hall, but either way this made for a poor spectacle and I fear that the essence of the game is at risk if this continues." He was also scathing about the unidimensional attitude of the Huddersfield Giants, saying that "once they've sent the big fellers in, what have they got? Nothing." And, being an expert on wing play (as well as every other type of play) his considered opinion was "Gardner v Gardner? I'd rather watch Kramer v Kramer."
"Overall I was dismayed", he continued. "As soon as Stevo said how this would be 'the best season ever', I knew it would fall flat. The teams aren't stronger. They may be more even, but that doesn't always mean an increase in quality."
He also had a word for the fixture schedulers who he blamed for a disjointed feel to the season's beginning. "There's an easy way to schedule around the World Club Challenge. Everyone kicks off today and when round 3 was supposed to happen, we have a blank weekend for the WCC. Not only is that sensible, it gives automatic prestige to the WCC - the one thing it's been lacking in a number of years."

richiespedding.co.uk will continue to bring you the thoughts of Rugby League's number 1 pin-up throughout Super League XII.